Exhibition News January 2019 | Page 25

COVER FEATURE As 2019 kicks off, EN has a closer look at some of the international events, trends and topics that caught our attention in 2018 Words: Nicola Macdonald O n the whole, EN has quite a narrow scope. We focus on UK companies and events and tend to stick quite strictly to that mandate, not least because of the sterling coverage of the international exhibition industry from our sister magazine Exhibition World. Having said that, the UK is far from short of news. This country is home to some of the world’s biggest organisers, and their work on the international stage not only impacts their presence in the UK but can impart valuable lessons when putting on events closer to home. In this cover feature we’ll be looking at four different topics from around the world: the work of dmg and Informa in Cairo, and why they feel Egypt is on the verge of a significant shift on the world stage; Media 10’s Best of British show, and why Brexit might be encouraging companies to look further afield for trading partnerships; Reed Exhibitions’ decision to pivot California-based surfwear event Agenda from trade to consumer; and finally the challenges Easyfairs faces as it tries to implement its sustainability policy around the world. As we set off into the New Year, the industry will no doubt continue to face significant challenges, not least in the continued uncertainty around Brexit and the UK’s future on the global stage, and having a macro view of the exhibition ecosystem can’t fail to provide valuable insights going forward. And so, without further ado, let’s kick off our globe-trotting cover feature with a trip to Cairo, where a new venue may well be set to change the game…` exhibitionnews.co.uk | January 2019 25