My Experience at the 92nd UFI Congress in Hong Kong

Last week the 92^nd UFI Congress took place at Asia World Expo in Hong Kong.  About one and a half months before the Congress, I was asked to be the host/moderator to this prestigious event. Though I don’t often MC events, I thought to myself, “how could I possibly turn this down? It’s the like the Oscars for the events industry and I can be the Billy Crystal or Chris Rock of exhibitions for the week!” To this opportunity, I greatly have to thank UFI Asia Pacific Director Mark Cochrane who recommended me as well as put me in the secure hands of conference producer Jodie Moore.

Working with Jodie was absolutely wonderful. I have so much respect for the dedication and detail she placed into the event to ensure it came alive and all speakers and groups felt comfortable and looked after. I only wished that we took a selfie together… but I suppose we were always too busy ensuring the next portion to the event was ready. Being able to work with such a professional, upped my game as well. As an MC, what you really doing is ensuring that the event appears to run smoothly and naturally. A big part of this task is putting speakers at ease and setting them up for the stage. One step higher is if you can keep the audience informed, excited, and at engaged all at the same time.

Moreover, last minute due to unforeseeable circumstances, HRYOX APAC MD Gary Wan, was not able to give is talk on what exhibitions can learn from HYROX.  I thought to myself “Nooooo.. this is such an interesting topic worth showcasing.” So being the wizard of exhibitions, I pulled the presentation "What Business Events Can Learn from Fitness Tourism & Competitions" from my library and even performed some blurpie-broad-jumps on stage. You can watch the presentation again below:

"What Business Events Can Learn from Fitness Tourism & Competitions"

There were so many highlights to conference overall for me personally. Seeing the talented Next Generation Leaders rehearse over and over again to perfect their session was truly inspiring. I don’t think anyone could forget Khun Panittha Buri’s presidency acceptance speech. Though she teared up more than a few times in between her anecdotes and humor, I don’t think she realized that likely half of the audience teared up with her. I recall something that she said in her speech which stood out for me for many days to come. When referencing her mentorship from Hugh Jones she mentioned he had said to her “We may be competitors, but not everyday.”

Me and UFI President Panittha Buri

Finally, one of the biggest highlights for me was seeing my old boss and mentor Jime Essink.  We got to have lunch together on day one. And as I was in the middle of the still mc-ing the last session of day 2, I felt a tap on my shoulder to which was Jime who was leaving conference. We gave each other a farewell hug and he noted to me how proud he was with regards to how I was doing.

Seeing my old boss, friend, mentor again was the biggest highlight

I believe it is the human connection of meeting up with friends, colleagues, and new acquaintances that makes the event business so special. Once again, thank you UFI team for putting your trust in this funny guy who wears bright green shirts and jumps around on the stage. It was truly a memorable experience I will never forget.