Exhibition Place’s Laura Purdy has been appointed as the inaugural chair of the newly established North American chapter of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) together with vice chairs Kim Carcone from the Toy Association (U.S.A) and Pepe Navarro from Tarsus/Informa (Mexico). This announcement was made during the 90th UFI Global Congress in Las Vegas, the largest annual gathering in the exhibition industry.
UFI will work with MAD Event Management, a trade show management company led by president Martha Donato and CEO Marty Glynn, to manage the activities for the new North America chapter.
“I am proud to serve on the newly established UFI North America Chapter and to be representing Canada alongside my esteemed peers from the USA and Mexico. Together, we will harness the collective expertise and resources of the industry in our regions to help shape the future of the exhibition industry, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth. I am honoured to embark on this endeavor and contribute to the success of the exhibition industry on a global scale,” said Purdy.
With more than 35 years of experience, Purdy has been a part of the leadership team at Exhibition Place throughout some of its most high-profile events including the Pan American Games, the Papal World Youth Days and the G20 Summit.
“As a long standing UFI member, Exhibition Place and Laura Purdy have been involved in many UFI activities over the years, especially with a focus around sustainability. We are thrilled to welcome her to our global volunteer leadership as Chair of the North America chapter and look forward to working together closely”, says Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO.
As chapter chair, Purdy will represent the region on both the UFI board of directors and the executive committee for the term from 2023 to 2026.
