1893 to 2020: Read why Exhibitions are a bright spark in BREXIT

Whilst having a few weeks off over Christmas I watched The Current War, a film featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as Thomas Edison competing against his rival George Westinghouse for electricity supply supremacy in the US.

The film centred around bids from both of the incumbents to light-up the 1893 World Columbian Exposition (WCE) in Chicago. The awe-inspiring CGI recreation of the world expo got me thinking about our industry strengths, and the tangible similarities between then and now in the political and economic landscape. Particularly in light of those six letters that have dominated the last few years: BREXIT 

I know the mere mention of the word prompts fatigue, but finally we have some clarity - the UK will be leaving the EU. After researching the history of the World Columbian Exposition, I believe we can draw on their experiences to help us overcome any obstacles and ensure the future remains bright for our industry... 

Background

The WCE started planning in the early 1890s during the Gilded Age of rapid industrial growth, immigration, and class tension. World's expos, such as London's 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition, had been successful as a way to bring together societies fragmented along class lines. Ultimately, forty-six nations had pavilions at the WCE drawing in 26m visitors from all lifestyles and cultures, providing a catalyst for regeneration and integration in the US.

Sound vaguely familiar?

We are currently in a period of advanced technological growth, with significant investments in infrastructure, communication and welfare reform but with those same questions marks surrounding immigration and class tension. Exhibitions ultimately cut through that divide, providing a platform for people to trade and negotiate, make connections and friendships that benefit the economy. You just have to look at the recent report from Oxford Economics, exhibitions generated ￡5bn worth of direct spend to the UK market in 2018. A substantial economic leader that will likely remain in the years ahead. 

Drive Trade between Nations

The WCE was the first world expo to have national pavilions and constructing exhibits. Norway participated by sending the Viking, a replica of the Gokstad ship. It was built in Norway and sailed across the Atlantic by 12 men, led by Captain Magnus Andersen, to highlight the quality, strength and durability of Norwegian timber. The result was one of the most talked about exhibits at the expo with demand for Norwegian timber, especially for housing, soaring. 

The UK’s manufacturing industry is growing and we are currently the world’s eighth largest industrial nation, but that does not mean we can exist in a silo. Trade negotiations between the UK and the rest of the world are likely to be on going for the next three years. One thing is certain though, there will always be a need to import products from outside of the UK, and exhibitions will provide the perfect platform for businesses to showcase their wares. Like Norway did at The WCE, a post-Brexit Britain will be able to use exhibitions to show the rest of the world that we are still open for business.

Hennick Research https://www.themanufacturer.com/uk-manufacturing-statistics/

Embracing Innovation

Exhibitions have always been renowned for the ability to adapt and change. No two events are ever the same and we embrace new technology, pioneering ideas and electric atmospheres.

The distinctive feature of the WCE was The Midway Plaisance: a one-mile strip of land entirely dedicated to entertainment. It became a model for future amusement parks such as Coney Island and even Disneyland. The most popular attraction was George Ferris' "The Big Wheel". This colossal 250 feet diameter wheel became the ultimate symbol of the event.

Today you just have to look at some of the exhibitions pushing boundaries utilising artificial intelligence and facial recognition software for delegates. Not to mention the constant development and implementation of new builds and CSR initiatives. Alignments and regulations may differ after we leave the EU but that will not stop the exhibition industry striving to embrace new technologies and implement key new strategies.

People Matter

The strength of any industry lays with the talent, skills and abilities of people employed in it. Personally, I have made lifelong friendships and shared some of the happiest and most proud moments with incredible people. We do consider ourselves one big family. 

Flashback to 1893 - one of the most important exhibits was the first building designed, managed and entirely dedicated to the work of women in all fields. A truly unique experience for the time but one that has thankfully become the norm now. As more and more women are choosing to work in exhibitions the gender pay gap is narrowing at a rapid rate and correctly so. In fact, within the events organisations I have worked in, women have occupied 4 of the top 7 roles.

We go again…

Much like 127 years ago, exhibition principles are the same, and like the winning bid to light up the WCE, this industry will continue to create the sparks needed to develop new connections and build lasting relationships after BREXIT. The world will come together again this year for Expo 2020 in Dubai and I for one am delighted to be a part of this revolutionary industry. 

Colm Graham | E: [email protected] | T: +44 (0)151 703 7265