IFES and GMA Establish Transformative Alliance through Strategic Partnership
The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) and the Greek Meetings Alliance (GMA) have formalised a partnership which is aimed at creating mutual benefits for both membership bodies and strengthening the exhibition industry.The partnership between GMA and IFES was announced on 10 November at the Open Stage of Philoxenia 2023 during a panel on the benefits of fostering partnerships in the MICE industry.
The panel featured the executive director of IFES, Uta Goretzky, alongside representatives from major stakeholders of the Greek MICE industry: Kyriakos Pozrikidis (managing director of TIF-Helexpo), Prodromos Monastiridis (president of the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau) and Sissi Lygnou (president of HAPCO & DES). The event was moderated by Tina Toribaba of the This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Knowledge Exchange
IFES announced that it will host its upcoming Masterclass Europe 2024 in Athens, in collaboration with GMA, and the Athens Film Office (AFO) Industry Days, an event attended by international film production companies.
Members from both IFES and GMA have undertaken to deliver educational content at each other’s events throughout the year, focusing on relevant exhibition and meetings industry trends and developments. Industry knowledge sharing will include the participation of an IFES executive or board member in panel and round-table sessions at GMA events in Greece, to promote insights and discussions within the industry.
Both associations have committed to collaborating on at least one education-focused event per year at relevant industry gatherings, one of which will be an educational workshop at IMEX Frankfurt 2024 to provide enriched educational content and boost attendance.
As part of a joint effort to identify and analyse emerging trends in the global industry, IFES and GMA also said they will pool resources on research projects, surveys, and other initiatives, with relevant white papers being shared as appropriate.
“From advancing sustainability and attracting our next-generation workforce to making pan-European commerce and travel more seamless, the challenges facing the business events industry are global in nature and will require global solutions,” said IFES executive director Uta Goretzky.
“Together we will raise awareness of the exhibition and events industry through an additional, powerful voice. We believe in the strength of collaboration and sharing knowledge and are looking forward to what this partnership will bring and how it will help us to create a bigger impact.”
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