Home NEWS Breaking the Ice with Ice Cream at UFI APAC Conference 2023

Breaking the Ice with Ice Cream at UFI APAC Conference 2023

The high-profile exhibition industry event returns after four years

Mar 7, 2023

200 delegates attended the event in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s premier purpose-built venue, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre), successfully hosted the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2023 from 2 to 3 March, which returned to the region after four years. More than 200 delegates congregated at the Centre for face-to-face engagement with their regional and international counterparts, whilst experiencing unique Malaysian-flavoured sorbets.

Officiated by Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, the industry event was hosted by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) together with the Centre as venue partner. Also in attendance were UFI’s senior leaders and management, Michael Duck, President, Kai Hattendorf, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director, Adeline Vancauwelaert, Chief Operations Officer, and Mark Cochrane, APAC Regional Director.

John Burke, the Centre’s General Manager, “We are delighted to be the venue partner for UFI’s Asia-Pacific Conference 2023 as the key industry event returns to Asia after four years. It is great to once again connect and engage with our colleagues and partners in the exhibition market in person. With the whole of Asia fully open for business now, we anticipate accelerated activities and movements that will reinvigorate trade and economy, in Malaysia, regionally and globally. At the Centre, we have 52 exhibitions confirmed and scheduled to take place this year with 60% of these expected to attract at least 160,000 international visitors.”

The highly interactive two-day conference, packed with networking and dialogue sessions, provided delegates with the opportunity to participate in discourses and hear from industry and subject matter experts on assessing new opportunities, and addressing issues and challenges and their impacts on businesses.

Specially made in-house by the venue’s pastry team for this meeting, the Centre’s unique, Malaysian-flavoured sorbets, namely calamansi sour plum, watermelon lime, basil & lime, tamarind, mango and passion fruit, were a hit. The delegates enjoyed breaking the ice and networking with their colleagues and counterparts from the region whom they have not met for years, over delicious sorbets.

Kai Hattendorf

CEO of UFI

Kai Hattendorf said in his opening speech, “Leaving the pandemic behind, it is time to look forward and the future is bright. Already many markets have touched their 2019 levels of business. Recovery and regrowth are faster than expected and this is a testament to our industry, in being a strategic asset to governments, cities, countries and the people.”

“It is a wonderful experience being at the Centre. This is a place I found really easy to navigate, and the spaces I encountered were pleasant and well-designed. I really enjoy the fact that you can step outside and straight into KLCC Park. When hosting or attending events, you spend so much time indoors, so it’s great to be able to go out and get some fresh air. To have a park nearby adds so much to the experience,” shared Kai.

The Centre, strategically located in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) Precinct, is adjacent to the lush 50-acre KLCC Park and overlooks the iconic PETRONAS Twin Tower. The venue boasts over 30,000 sqm with 11 purpose-built, customisable spaces for conventions and exhibitions. Supported by a range of event services and amenities, combined with an expert and experienced team, clients and organisers can find everything they need for their event under one roof.

Source: KLCC