Nicola Macdonald caught up with this quartet of flag-wavers for the new wave of exhibition organisers and asked them about key initiatives and issues facing the global exhibition industry.

Glen Foulstone, senior project manager, Design and Build EMEA, GES, UK

Such initiatives, as well as promoting young talent, more importantly allow the next generation to bring their ideas to the table and voice any relevant concerns they have for the future of the industry.

The needs of tomorrow’s exhibitor/visitor may well differ from that of today’s and it will be down to the next generation, paired with the knowledge of the current generation, to ensure our industry adapts as necessary.

As with any industry, attracting talent is key to our future success. The exhibition industry is not particularly well known by those operating outside of it. Very few went out actively seeking work within the industry due to its reputation and it is this what must change to ensure a sustainable future.

Lilian Burgardt, head of digital products  for Informa Brazil

Initiatives like the NGL are a great opportunity to show what can be done to change this market, leading it to the future.

I think one of our challenges is to keep our industry relevant for future buyers. People between 18 and 30 years old, and the next generation of buyers, are much more interested in new ways to experiment and learn about a product, rather than see it during an event and talk to a salesperson.

It’s all about how to engage those buyers, make then experiment with new forms of relationship, ways to explore events and new formats to consume information for the buying process. It’s about how to redesign our industry, thinking about new customer experiences that aggregate value in our industry.

Maria Tsedeviyn, head of advertising, design & internet, Expoforum, Russia

Our exhibition industry is not the fastest adaptor of new technologies and knowledge. The UFI NGL project could be some sort of facilitator and voice for the young generation working in the industry.

This initiative is also aimed at attracting new talent to the exhibition industry, inspiring them to choose the industry in an effort to find the job of their dreams.

In my point of view, the first issue is to secure the engagement of all stakeholders – organisers, venues, service providers, attendees and exhibitors. And the second is to become the trendsetter and be responsible for adding value to the business and society.

Miranda Martin, portfolio director, niche events, Fresh Mongomery, UK

I think the exhibitions industry, like many others, needs to provide exciting opportunities for people looking to develop a career in the sector. I also feel those unafraid to do things differently could make great improvements to events in our industry and that it’s a positive thing to bring fresh blood and ideas into organisations like UFI, to shake things up a bit.