UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry


	Objectives of the "UFI Operations Award" competition - To reward, the best exhibition industry initiatives connected to operations issues as they are related to the current competition theme. - To give exhibition professionals the opportunity to exchange interesting and innovative ideas, concepts, techniques and knowledge to related operations issues. - To honour those in the exhibition industry who have successfully implemented creative and results-oriented initiatives.

Fira Barcelona and Direct Energy Center Toronto
wins 2010 UFI Operations Award

The 2010 UFI Operations competition focussed on concrete solutions related to cost efficient operations. All entries provided clear explanations of the objectives of the solution, the tools used, the quantitative and qualitative results obtained, and the added value for the exhibition industry. Direct Energy Center, Toronto, Fira Barcelona, and Messe München International were the finalists chosen by the UFI Operations Committee. After presentations at the UFI Operations Focus Meeting in Paris on April 29, the winner was selected by a vote of the meeting participants. Much to the surprise of all, the final vote was a tie between Direct Energy Center, Toronto, and Fira Barcelona, so, exceptionally, the 2010 Operations Award has been awarded jointly for these outstanding entries. Direct Energy Center’s objective was to lower electrical consumption associated with operating our exhibition facilities, thereby reducing their environmental footprint. Fira Barcelona took a broader look at reducing operations costs, freeing resources and reinvesting these resources in growth to provide better quality and service at less cost.