Expo Centre Sharjah becomes member of UFI

The Executive Committee of the Paris-based UFI recently approved Expo Centre Sharjah's membership application and the Centre is now officially a UFI member.

UFI is the association of the world's leading tradeshow organisers and fairground owners, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations, and selected partners of the exhibition industry.

"Expo Centre Sharjah is now the member of a privileged forum for dialogue. This will help us enhance our global standing and reinforce the position of the UAE and Sharjah on the international exhibitions map,"

said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah.

"With this membership, Expo Centre Sharjah also stands to gain from the support extended by UFI to its members. UFI will be representing and promoting its members and the exhibition industry worldwide," said Mr Midfa.

UFI has 533 full members, including 276 exhibition organisers, 58 hall owner managers, 124 exhibition organisers and hall owner managers, and 46 associations.

"Another advantage is the 'UFI approved event'. There is an opportunity to undergo audit and obtain the 'UFI approved event' tag for our shows, which will assure exhibitors and visitors alike that they will benefit from a professionally planned and managed concept.

The 'UFI approved event' tag is a proof of high quality," said Mr Midfa.

A UFI approved event is considered to have proven its quality and that of its related services. The UFI logo is used to identify a UFI approved event.

UFI also plays the role of an efficient networking platform where professionals of the exhibition industry can exchange ideas and experiences. Members are also provided with valuable studies and

research regarding all aspects of the exhibition industry. "Educational training opportunities are also available to members, the prominent among them being the Exhibition Management Degree," said Mr Midfa.

In association with the University of Cooperative Education in Ravensburg, Germany, UFI is offering the Exhibition Management Degree (EMD) to train exhibition industry professionals to meet event management demands of the future.