Expanding its global footprint, Expo Centre Sharjah has become the member of US-based prestigious global organisation for exhibition organisers -- the Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO).

Expo Centre Sharjah is also a member of Paris-based Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), and Dallas-based International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).

Besides being a member of UFI and IAEE, Expo Centre Sharjah is at the helm of their activities in the region, with its CEO, Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, being the Vice-Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Middle East/African Chapter of UFI, and the Chairman of Arabian Gulf Chapter of IAEE.

“After UFI and IAEE, we are now a member of the Society of Independent Show Organisers. The membership in these premier associations brings instant recognition and immediate access to hundreds of trade bodies from across the world. Thanks to the SISO membership, the region’s potential as well as our shows will now be promoted to a wider target audience,” said Mr. Midfa.

SISO aims to meet the needs of show organisers through networking and exchange of ideas and experiences. It has over 175 members who organise more than 3,500 events, creating an overall US$122 billion impact on the global economy.

SISO’s members include large corporations and small enterprises from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, India, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

“Right from sharing of knowledge, techniques and latest ideas to improve the management and profitability of our events to successfully integrating digital media into our event business, the SISO membership has plenty of advantages. Members also get to learn from experts and meet new contacts,” added Mr. Midfa.

SISO works closely with other allied associations, including UFI and IAEE, in order to explore opportunities for joint cooperation across a broad spectrum of common industry activities such as safety and security, advocacy, education, international travel, industry affairs and best practices.

“The CEO Summit and Leadership Conference organised annually by SISO are considered as the premier events for the exhibitions industry,” Mr. Midfa added.

The CEO Summit is attended by company owners, CEOs and presidents who network with peers and are involved in creating strategies that will map out the short and long-term future of the industry.

The Leadership Conference brings in first-line executives to discuss strategic issues with exceptional networking opportunities at multiple levels, while the topics delve into specific case histories and examples.