Fairfest Media, one of India’s leading trade show organisers, has appointed Simon Press as managing director – international. The company is expanding into western markets, shown by its acquisition of WTE Miami.
A major part of Press’s role will focus on scaling WTE Miami into a larger international travel trade exhibition, while also helping bring more global event brands and formats into the Indian market.
WTE Miami will become crucial to Fairfest’s growth plans
Fairfest has traditionally been known for its presence in India through travel trade events including OTM Mumbai. The company is now pushing for international expansion through acquisitions and partnerships in the US and Europe. WTE Miami has become a central part of that strategy.
Fairfest said it wants to strengthen the exhibition’s role within the global travel and tourism events sector, while using it to connect businesses across North America, Europe and Asia.
Press brings more than 20 years of experience across exhibitions and B2B media. His background spans travel and technology events in Europe and the Middle East, including senior leadership positions overseeing commercial growth, international partnerships and multi-market operations.
Most recently, he managed a portfolio of European technology exhibitions focused on expansion strategy and event growth.
Fairfest targets international event partnerships in India
Sanjiv Agarwal, chairman and CEO of Fairfest Media, said the appointment comes at an important stage in the company’s international expansion plans. He said Press’s experience scaling global exhibitions aligned closely with Fairfest’s ambitions for WTE Miami and its wider international portfolio.
Press said Fairfest’s acquisition of WTE Miami provides a platform to build a more globally connected travel trade event business. He also pointed to increasing demand in India for international exhibition formats and partnerships, particularly in fast-growing sectors.
Part of his role will involve identifying opportunities to bring international event intellectual property into India in collaboration with overseas organisers. Fairfest said it is already exploring co-development and co-investment opportunities with international event companies.
The company’s flagship event, OTM Mumbai, attracts around 50,000 travel and tourism professionals from roughly 80 countries, according to Fairfest. A NielsenIQ study cited by the organiser described it as Asia’s leading travel trade show by scale and participation.
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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