Santa Monica, CA – The Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry announced they would work together for the betterment of the global trade show industry.
The relationship announced jointly by the two organizations did not involve a merger or any formal ties, but would rather cultivate an exchange of research and ideas that would benefit organizers expanding their brands globally.
“This agreement will offer our members an unprecedented opportunity to grow their respective brands outside of the U.S. with the knowledge and assistance of our international partners that will make their expansions efficient and cost-effective,” said SISO Chairman Britton Jones. “At the same time, SISO will act as the eyes and ears of the U.S. market as UFI members seek opportunities outside of their primary markets.”
John Shaw, president of UFI, said the new relationship would lead to “synergies” that would increase industry networking and raise public awareness of the exhibition industry.
UFI and SISO serve roughly the same audience of exhibition organizers, and many of their members belong to both organizations. The trend toward international expansion by show organizers recent years has led to an expectation that UFI would establish ties with SISO and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and possibly the launch of a UFI North American chapter.
UFI was founded in 1925 and has members in 85 nations and offices in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. SISO was founded in 1990 and has more than 160 members who are primarily based in the U.S.
Reach John Shaw at +33 (0)1 4267 9912 or john.shaw@ufi.org; Britton Jones at (203) 853-6015 or brittonj@busjour.com
