Trade fair construction associations VMS and Expo + Event want to merge
The Swiss Trade Fair Association (VMS) and the Expo + Event Swiss Association plan to merge. In addition to creating synergies, the merger is driven by a desire to promote quality and professional expertise in the event and trade fair industry and to strengthen Switzerland’s position as a trade fair destination.
If the wishes of the two boards of directors prevail, the Swiss Exhibition Association (VMS) and the Expo + Event Swiss Association will merge. The merger agreement drawn up at the end of 2008 will be submitted to the two General Assemblies for signature on April 15, 2009. The merger is intended to create a strong industry association that will be able to champion the interests of the live communication sector even more efficiently, the associations wrote in a press release on Monday.
The focus of the new tasks is to promote quality and expertise in the event and exhibition industry and to strengthen Switzerland as an exhibition location. However, the merger is also intended to reduce the administrative workload and share projects. One of the first tasks will be to find a new name and create a visual identity for the merged association. The "industry Oscar", the Xaver Award, will continue to be presented.
Founded in 1973, Expo + Event has 100 members, mainly from the exhibition construction and design segments, exhibition companies and organizers, event agencies and associated service companies. The VMS, which was founded in 1957, has 18 members and represents the exhibition venues and exhibition organizations, i.e. in some cases the direct contacts of Expo + Event members.
The focus of the new tasks is to promote quality and expertise in the event and exhibition industry and to strengthen Switzerland as an exhibition location. However, the merger is also intended to reduce the administrative workload and share projects. One of the first tasks will be to find a new name and create a visual identity for the merged association. The "industry Oscar", the Xaver Award, will continue to be presented.
Founded in 1973, Expo + Event has 100 members, mainly from the exhibition construction and design segments, exhibition companies and organizers, event agencies and associated service companies. The VMS, which was founded in 1957, has 18 members and represents the exhibition venues and exhibition organizations, i.e. in some cases the direct contacts of Expo + Event members.
