I Know What You Did Last Summer!

And what you did the summer before. Most probably you were following the media rolling

out one circus after another about digital disruption. A few more years ago, the entire

exhibition industry felt threatened by the internet itself. Thankfully, this has fizzled

out utterly quiet. All the more: The opposite turned out to be right, as most trade shows

were experiencing a noticeable upturn by the internet’s influence. So, what’s next?

We ushered in a new era: I call it the ‘era of bustling wait and see’. Many global economies

brim over with vigour, the growth rates of major exhibitions are beating record after record,

and the multiples paid in acquisitions of trade shows, seem to know no bounds upwards. So,

why would you take risks when you’re on a roll?

In the old western societies, a lingering fullness is running rampant, combined with a cosy

self-satisfaction - only disturbed from a subtle dread of de-stabilisation by loopy, narcissistic

rabble-rousers. Besides that, it’s still working out very well for the West. Not for nothing,

we’re globally facing a devaluation (not to be mistaken with deflation) of money: There’s

simply too much of it around!

The rich are desperately looking for investment opportunities (pls. compare the ridiculously

high M&A multiples above). As a result, the German government are even planning the privatisation

of the legendary ‘Autobahn’, explicitly in order to generate opportunities for suffering

investors. Hear ye! Have you recently tried to launch a new, rather venturous show? Did

you experience anybody knocking your doors down to give you their money? Guess what!

Emerging nations, in contrast, are currently facing a tendency to protectionism of the western

economic establishment against their vibrant economies and societies. Ironically, some of

those country’s leaders themselves have been eager to cultivate an ‘us first’ mentality. Now,

that they’ve amounted to much at last, they’re being threatened by the spirits they once called.

Of course they wouldn’t tell us, as it might shock the dogma of their heroic myth. Well then?

At the moment, it seems like there could be a fraternisation beyond boundaries: Of the ‘leftbehind’,

the preservers, the keepers of the truth! They violently defeat free trade, freedom of

movement, sexual freedom, well, literally, they defeat all kinds of freedom (possibly, except

from the right to bear arms).

But the global exhibition industry existentially depends on freedom, particularly on free trade.

And our industry’s prospects highly depend on open minded, courageous, and both globally

and culturally sophisticated leaders and performers. So how would you cultivate a mindset, a

value system of positive, activity-oriented, and liberal attitude?

It’s about setting a good example! Be a role model! That’s what each of us should take into

consideration every single minute we’re going to work: Taking risks, acting agile, supporting

and making use of free trade is a matter of good practice and exemplification! And, watch out,

so is dithering, hedging, and tarrying, contrariwise.

This brings me to my initial thought: Let’s leave the ‘era of bustling wait and see’ behind. As

fast as we can. Let’s take risks, let’s bring inspiring surprises to our customers. Let’s break

the rules of static value chains. Let’s proclaim the eras of passionate trial and error, of gentle

and fruitful foolishness, of sharing and encouraging. And, of course, let’s make sincere

money.

Boy, that would be a severe threat to the dumb firebugs who burn up freedom and candour!