Kai Hattendorf Named New Managing Director of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
June 15, 2015
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry named Kai Hattendorf as its new managing director to replace Paul Woodward, who will be stepping down in November.
The announcement was made on the opening day of the UFI Open Seminar in Europe, June 15-17 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hattendorf currently is vice president, Digital Business & Entertainment at Messe Frankfurt and was selected in a in a process led by the UFI president, Andrés Lopez-Valderrama and his Executive Committee, and supported by the international search firm, Heidrick & Struggles.
“I am personally very pleased with the quality of candidates we saw and in particular that we have been able to recruit a senior executive of Kai’s caliber to lead UFI,” Lopez-Valderrama said.
He added, “His experience at one of the world’s leading exhibition companies and as a seasoned communications professional will be critical in leading UFI on to address the challenges and opportunities our industry faces.”
Hattendorf’s duties at UFI will include daily management of all UFI activities and responsibility for the teams working in its three offices in Paris, Hong Kong and Sharjah.
“I’m looking forward to joining UFI later this year and to continue the great work Paul and the dedicated team have done in the past years,” Hattendorf said.
He added, “Change in the exhibition industry is accelerating. As the global voice of our industry, UFI is in a unique position to support its members all around the world in addressing these changes.”
Hattendorf joins UFI from Messe Frankfurt Group, where he has held various senior executive positions over the past years including overseeing trade shows, digital business, communications and marketing.
“We congratulate UFI on this appointment,” said Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt.
He added, “With Kai Hattendorf, the association will have a renowned communications and digital expert with an extensive knowledge of the international trade fair industry at its helm."
Hattendorf’s previous career includes leadership positions in marketing/strategic communications, as well as strategy and product development in the ITC and media industry for Deutsche Telekom Group, dpa (the German Presse Agency) and a start-up.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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