The momentum of the global event supplier industry

Executives of global event suppliers worldwide cametogether in Derbyshire (UK) to hold the first Conference and

General Assembly of the Association of Global EventSuppliers (AGES). Governmental bodies such as the IOC and

experts speaking at the first AGES Conference confirmed theright timing and expressed their full support to the initiativeof this growing industry.

The industry gathering

For the first time members, associate members and experts cametogether in Derbyshire (UK), March 2 and 3 to discuss about thechallenges and opportunities for temporary infrastructures anddemountable venues for large events. The event was organized bythe Association of Global Event Suppliers and hosted by EveTrakway.

The momentum

Martin Kallen, Director of UEFA Operations Division & EURO 2016SAS CEO, who was speaking about the business opportunities forthe coming UEFA EURO 2016 event in France reinforced theimportance of temporary infrastructure for the operation of largeevents. The demand of such venue infrastructure for media,security, logistics, hospitality and fan zones is increasing from eventto event. Kallen explained that the suppliers need to fulfil highselection criteria’s. Quality, reliability and the innovation capacityare key, he said.

Also, Xavier Becker, Head of Venues, Infrastructure & Services atthe IOC made an outlook for the industry based on the recentlyadopted Olympic Agenda 2020. He expressed the full support to theindustry and explained that the IOC wants to actively promote theuse of existing and temporary infrastructure to contribute to moresustainable and cost effective solutions. Furthermore the IOC wishesto develop the awareness regarding temporary infrastructure and topromote an earlier engagement with the suppliers market. On theother hand, Becker wishes the industry to develop innovative solutions, also thinking about new reusable large facilities to providemore flexibility for organizers.

Active promotion and education

Daniel Cordey, chairman, wants AGES to become the platform forthe industry and establish both a framework and forums to becomean integrated part of the delivery solution for all key stake holders.AGES will approach governmental bodies and organizers who arechallenged to find appropriate solutions to explain the hugepossibilities of the industry and to help develop true legacy plans fortheir events.

Growing Membership

Founded by 18 members in June 2014, the Association of GlobalEvent Suppliers has almost doubled in size. Guy Lodge, an honorarymember of AGES who has been involved in three major events inRussia, Scotland and Brazil states: "Looking down the growing list ofmembers it is very encouraging to see the incredible level of event

expertise assembled around one table. It drives home thechallenges that the industry faces, around budget pressures, varyingprocurement practices and regulatory compliance".

About AGES

The Association of Global Event Suppliers (AGES) is a none-forprofit-makingorganization based in Switzerland which has beenformed to become the label for quality and reliability for temporaryinfrastructure works for major events.The members are market leaders of the international event suppliersindustry and front runners in the development of new products andservices. Together they annually deliver services and works for closeto 1.5 Billion EUR.

AGES wants to address the capabilities of the industry togovernmental bodies, key stakeholders and organizers of largesports events and to develop together suitable standards andprocedures to facilitate interaction and to obtain cost-effectiveinfrastructure solutions for future events.

For more information, please visit www.ages.international or contactDaniel Cordey, Chairman of AGES at info@ages.international or bytelephone +41 79 407 06 06.

Association of Global Event Suppliers, Monbijoustrasse 15,

CH 3011 Berne, Tel +41 31 311 23 61,

info@ages.international, www.ages.international

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