As part of our centennial celebrations, we’re spotlighting the leaders, innovators, and visionaries who have shaped our association over the years. A long-time member based in Hong Kong, Michael has worn many hats at UFI, including Treasurer and President. True to his favourite saying, “An association is only as good as the efforts the members put into it,” Michael has always led by example.
How long has your company been a member of UFI, and what inspired you to join?
Informa Markets, through its own and its other iterations that it acquired over the years, i.e CMP/ Miller Freeman/ UBM /Penton/ Hanley Wood, has been a member of UFI for over 30 years.
Personally, I joined UFI through the Hong Kong Trade Fair Group that was acquired in 1994 and its MD at the time was my mentor in this industry, Derek Dickins, who was a firm believer and supporter of UFI as the most important industry association in our sector.
I quickly found many friends and industry leads who helped me navigate my way through this truly wonderful industry of ours.
What is your first UFI memory?
My first memory of the UFI Global Congress was when it was held in Tokyo…I think back in 1996. It was indeed a very special meeting held in high esteem by the Japanese hosts.
Then in 2000, I was honoured to be the “Président d’Honneur du Congrès” as the invitee of the congress in Hong Kong (all meetings in those days had simultaneous translation in both German and French!). Prof Dr. Busche, the CEO of Messe Berlin, was UFI President and our guest of honour then was the today’s TV superstar Bear Grylls! I am so pleased that the next congress will be in Hong Kong once again, at the end of this year, staged at the AsiaWorld-Expo.
The most spectacular Congress I attended, though, was in St. Petersburg in 2018 for the 85th edition, where we were spectacularly hosted to dinner at the fabulous Catherine Palace—with a cast of thousands, a 14 course meal with copious amounts of Caviar, and a phenomenal firework display!
How has your involvement with UFI shaped your career’s success?
During my ‘journey’ with UFI it has helped shape my career in many ways. Nearly 20 years ago, the President at the time, Ruud Van Ingen, asked me to start the 1st Asia/Australasia/Africa/Middle East chapter…the interest in this huge region was phenomenal. So much so, we had to split the regions up fast, and Asia has become the largest membership base.
10 years later, the then-President Cliff Wallace asked me to start the Sustainability Working Group. This, with the unstinting help of UFI Research Manager Christian Druart, who helped commence a truly worthwhile experience in doing something very important for our industry.
I also took over from Pentii Kinvenen of Suomi Fairs Helsinki as treasurer and did this job within UFI…helping balance the books for 20 years. I stepped down in 2023 so that I could become President of UFI.
This year and the two years on either side [as President, we have a three-year system] were a fantastic experience. The only problem was that the time went so fast! I was very fortunate that the year before my Presidency, the world came out of the dreaded COVID experience, and so I was fortunate to preside during the recovery year.
What message would you like to wish to UFI as we celebrate 100 years together and look ahead to the next 100 years?
As we celebrate the remarkable milestone of UFI’s 100 years of existence, we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared in the global exhibition industry. This centenary not only honours our past achievements but also inspires us to envision a future filled with innovation, collaboration, and resilience.
Together, we have navigated challenges, embraced change, and fostered connections that transcend borders. Looking ahead to the next century, let us commit to advancing our industry through sustainability, technology, and inclusivity. By harnessing the power of collaboration and creativity, we can shape a vibrant future that continues to inspire and engage.
Here’s to the next 100 years of growth, partnership, and success. Let’s continue to elevate the exhibition industry and create unforgettable experiences for generations to come.
Let’s not forget my favourite saying, “An association is only as good as the efforts the members put into it.”
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