IFES and GMA forge strategic partnership to elevate global meetings and exhibitions industry

27.11.2023 - 09:43 / traveldailynews.com / Theodore Koumelis

The IFES and GMA partnership, with a focus on education, knowledge sharing, and enhanced visibility, is set to create a meaningful impact on the Exhibition and Meetings Industry. By working together, these organisations aim to elevate the industry, fostering innovation and creating a stronger, more united global events community.

BRUSSELS – The global meetings and events industry thrives on collaboration among organisations and stakeholders. In this spirit, the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) and the Greek Meetings Alliance (GMA) have formalised a partnership that is poised to create mutual benefits for both membership bodies and strengthen the Exhibition Industry.

The partnership between GMA and IFES was announced on 10 November at the Open Stage of Philoxenia 2023 during a panel on the benefits of fostering partnerships in the MICE industry that is focused on meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

The panel featured the Executive Director of IFES, Uta Goretzky, alongside representatives from major stakeholders of the Greek MICE industry: Kyriakos Pozrikidis (Managing Director of TIF-Helexpo), Prodromos Monastiridis (President of the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau) and Sissi Lygnou (President of HAPCO & DES). The event was moderated by Tina Toribaba of This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In an initial step to promote the exchange of educational content and industry synergies, IFES has opted to host its upcoming Masterclass Europe 2024 in Athens, in collaboration with GMA, and the Athens Film Office (AFO) Industry Days, an event attended by leading international film production companies.

High-profile members from both IFES and GMA have undertaken to deliver educational content at each other’s events throughout the year, focusing on relevant exhibition and meetings industry trends and developments. Industry knowledge sharing will include the participation of an IFES Executive or Board Member in panel and round-table sessions at GMA events in Greece, to promote valuable insights and discussions within the industry.

As part of their mission to enhance industry growth, both associations commit to collaborating on at least one education-focused event per year at relevant industry gatherings, one of which will be an educational workshop at IMEX Frankfurt 2024 to provide enriched educational content and boost attendance.

As part of a joint effort to identify and analyse emerging trends in the global industry, IFES and GMA intend to pool resources on research projects, surveys, and other initiatives, with relevant white papers being shared as appropriate.

Members of both associations will enjoy increased visibility, with both organisations actively