Digital strategy is now considered a core growth opportunity for the exhibitions industry, which is valued at $1.3 billion in the GCC.

The need for an effective digital strategy was highlighted recently at London’s largest networking event for CEOs of the global exhibitions.

The Global CEO Summit saw the participation of more than 130 CEOs or those of equivalent positions from across the world to discuss and debate new challenges facing the industry and how to harness them to their benefit.

To illustrate how a digital strategy can boost growth, the summit reviewed a technology conference in Dublin that grew from 400 attendees to 22,000 in just four years from more than 100 countries.

CEOs from different parts of the world were also told how B2B events can effectively harness the power of social media to drive attendance and generate revenue. Delegates were also given a fresh perspective on how they should maximise the value of data at hand.

“An effective digital strategy and digital marketing can ensure better growth prospects for the GCC’s meetings and exhibitions industry. Moreover, while addressing the increasing requirements of customers for digital solutions and services, the digital infrastructure and technology will also result in reducing costs and improving processes,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, who participated in the summit.

“Digital invasion can be seen as a threat or an opportunity – the outcome will depend on how well you are prepared for it,” he said. – TradeArabia News Service