Kai Hattendorf joined UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry in 2015 after more than eight years with international exhibitions organiser Messe Frankfurt Group.
“These past ten years as the association’s CEO have been an amazing journey, serving the global exhibitions and business events industry,” said Hattendorf.
“A role like this is a stewardship for every person in office, and part of that stewardship is to find the right time to pass on the baton to a new leader.
“I could think of no better time to do this than the coming months, and as part of UFI’s centennial where we recognise the achievement of the past while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow,” he said.
UFI President, Geoff Dickinson, was full of praise for Hattendorf as the search begins for a new CEO.
“On behalf of the UFI leadership, I cannot highlight enough how Kai’s tireless work over the past ten years has driven UFI’s growth and development through good times as well as the pandemic – the worst crisis we all had to face in our lifetime,” said Dickinson.
“Kai’s commitment to our industry is unparalleled, and we will make sure to see him off in style towards the end of the year.”
In other, more local talent news, Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) has made two new appointments.
Sharren Bo has joined BEDA as a representative of Brisbane in China, to drive business events interest from China to Queensland’s capital.
A business development specialist, Bo has previously worked for both Business Events Sydney and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Australia.
“Sharren Bo’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Brisbane as we enhance our presence and focus on growth opportunities in the China market,” said Lorelle Chittick, BEDA’s general manager of tourism and business and major events.
“Her expertise and onground market insights will be invaluable in advancing Brisbane’s MICE proposition in China, driving awareness of Brisbane’s destination appeal and solidifying our foothold in this key market.”
BEDA has also appointed Horus Consulting in Singapore to represent the agency in-market in Southeast Asia.
Horus Consulting will work to execute trade and marketing activity for both tourism and business events.
