It's time to evolve, says UFI panel

A panel of event experts have told audiences at UFI’s Cologne Seminar that technology is a key driver to change. Arun Madhoc, CEO, Suntec (Singapore) discussed the venue’s forward thinking attitude, quoting Schopenhauer: “All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” He said: “Suntec was the future five years ago. We went for something flexible and customisable because we can’t predict the future. Our digital display generated more than US$5m in four years for us. Left to our architects, this space would’ve been a blank wall. “In the kitchen we use induction cookers no we have 28 moving walls which can take different types of events in different halls.” “Five years ago we also decided to install free Wifi. The bean counters didn’t like it, but it paid off immensely for us.” “After the refurbishment, we see a few changes. Exhibitions now often include conferences and we see more people do this because they have the option to do so with our facilities. We see a lot more break out room use. Discussing emerging sectors, he added: “Online gaming is now a huge sector. They will take huge amounts of space. We’re also becoming advisors on how to best use space.” Dr. Stefan Rief, head of the Competence Centre Workspace Innovation, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO (Germany) added: “We need to get faster at organising meetings. My preferred meeting scenario is a co-working meeting which serves lots of individual needs.” Matthias Schultze, managing director, German Convention Bureau (Germany) added: “We’re in a comfortable situation in Germany but we can’t rest on our laurels. Only events that are experience driven will be remembered. Venue managers have to take time to dive into trends.”