On January 12, the 17th China Expo Forum for International Cooperation (CEFCO 2022) commenced in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province. With the theme "New Paradigm, New Mission, New Development", the forum was jointly hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), and International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
CEFCO 2022 stands as one of the world's most influential forums in the MICE industry, featuring a three-day agenda comprising an opening ceremony, two plenary sessions, eight parallel sessions, and multiple thematic events. The forum focused on the evolution and development of the exhibition industry under new circumstances, delving into future industry trends, adopting a hybrid online-offline format, with all sessions broadcast globally in bilingual format.
GL events Group was invited to attend this prestigious forum, and delivered strategic presentations on both global and Chinese market development during the plenary session and parallel sessions. At the opening ceremony, Olivier GINON, Chairman of GL events Group, was honored to participate in the "Industry Confidence Boost Ceremony."
At the opening ceremony, Olivier GINON, Chairman of the Group, was invited to deliver a speech.
Olivier FERRATON, CEO of GL events Group, was invited to share insights on the theme "From Restart to Renewal" during the plenary session. Focusing on two key concepts—"Digitalization" and "Sustainability"—he presented the global exhibition industry's path to recovery in the post-pandemic era.
Amidst the multifaceted impacts of shifting economic paradigms, global economic restructuring, technological revolutions, and the COVID-19 pandemic, how organizations maintain operational agility and foster innovative business thinking in an era of uncertainty remains a topic worthy of perpetual exploration.
Olivier FERRATON, Chief Executive Officer of GL events Group, was invited to deliver a keynote speech on the forum's central theme.
Zhou Jianliang, CEO of GL events China, participated in the specialized forum "The Evolution of Exhibition Enterprises," presenting a speech titled "Strategic Considerations for the Conglomeration of Exhibition Enterprises." The emergence of cutting-edge technologies is driving innovation and evolution in the industry. In the context of the new era, the development of exhibition enterprises has formed a new framework characterized by four key dimensions: globalization, capitalization, branding, and digitalization (referred to as "the New Four Modernizations"). Under this evolving framework, exhibition enterprises are demonstrating a clear trend toward conglomeration, with their business ecosystems becoming increasingly diversified. He further elaborated on the critical success factors for conglomeration and strategies for achieving synergistic business development through complementary advantages. The presentation concluded by raising profound questions about collaborative ecosystem development during conglomeration. Specifically addressing how to achieve open integration between corporate growth and industry markets through co-creation, ultimately realizing sustainable development.
Zhou Jianliang, CEO of GL events China, was invited to participate in the thematic forum "The Evolution of MICE Enterprises."
Zhou Jianliang, CEO of GL events China, was invited to participate in the "Cloud Salon: Dialogue with Global MICE Leaders", where he connected with international MICE experts to discuss how technology can empower the convention and exhibition industry during the pandemic, as well as topics like achieving sustainable MICE practices.
Since its inception in 2005, the CEFCO Forum has consistently upheld the principles of "Openness, Cooperation, and Mutual Benefit". Having been held in 16 cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Macau, it has grown into China's largest and most international annual MICE industry gathering. The forum serves as an international platform for global MICE professionals to enhance exchanges, share experiences and achievements, and explore future development opportunities.