2025-6-24

Mr. Hugh Jones, UFI President and RX CEO, attended the Global Exhibition CEO Shanghai Summit 2025 on June 19^th . He emphasized in this speech at CEO Roundtable that in times of great uncertainty, the exhibition industry should not play not to lose. Instead, it’s time for the exhibition industry to come together and play to win. 

Below is transcription of Mr. Hugh Jones’ speech at CEO Roundtable. 

Play to win in times of uncertainty

We need understand why trade shows and exhibitions really matter in times of great uncertainty. I think it’s typical and very human in times of great uncertainty to simply try to play not to lose, to get along, to survive. I would suggest, however, that's exactly the wrong thing to do in times of uncertainty like this, when we’re faced with geopolitical uncertainty, energy issues, or real estate bubbles. This is when our industry must come together, and that we play to win.

We should be unapologetic about that. We have a duty to go where other industries simply cannot. We are all in the business of building ethical businesses. It doesn't matter what side you're on, what country you're in. For decades, our industry has persevered and prevailed by doing the right ethical things and building businesses across the globe and over time.

I think it's important to understand that, because we look at the data and we see uncertainty, and we see more uncertainty tomorrow. It's very easy to say "I hope this all passes." I urge you not to do that. This is time to stand up and roar. We matter. Exhibitions matter. Look at what we do for the world. We bring value to the planet. And we are unapologetic for that.

We are in a world where uncertainty is all around us. So it’s on us to understand what problems we are trying to solve, and understand how an exhibition is the right way to solve them.  

What I mean by that is an exhibition is not relevant if it's just the oldest exhibition, or the biggest exhibition, or the most colorful exhibition, or the most diverse exhibition. None of that actually matters at all. Here is what I care about. Why does your exhibition bring value to this planet? What problems are you solving? Why is the exhibition the right one to solve it.  That is something you have to articulate. Then you can be proud to articulate this to anyone who asks, in any country, regardless of political persuasion.

Cope with Sustainability Challenges through Innovative Solutions

There are some challenges that we face, one of which is, of course, sustainability.

We've heard earlier that our carbon footprint will over time become just as important as the revenue we bring to our shareholders. It will. So for venues, , we need to know what the carbon footprint is of a particular event. We want you to be as sustainable as you can be and that starts with calculating energy usage and waste. Then we can talk about decreasing or offsetting that carbon.

In order to deal with uncertainty, we will need new perspectives. And we can no longer simply look within our own industry community to find talent. Many of the most talented people out there are not within our community, and we should be welcoming them with open arms. I urge you to look outside the exhibition community to find the talent you need in order to find the data skills, sustainability skills, and strategic skills that you're lacking.

I think it's very important to understand how you create customer value with everything you do at the show and to capture that customer value. And you should be unapologetic for doing so. What I mean by that is everything you do, whether it’s for visitors or exhibitors, you should try to create value for them, for their businesses and for your company, and do so transparently and ethically.

When you create that value, stand up and unapologetically capture that value for your stakeholders. That means charging things, pricing differently, pricing in a way you have never thought before. Charge visitors not just exhibitors.  Why? Let me ask you. Well, how are you going to offset the carbon footprint of all of these millions of visitors coming through your doors? I suggest that they can be part of the solution. You can charge them fairly and ethically allocate some of those resources to the offset. 

Exhibitions Build Cities

I think Shanghai is a beautiful example of how to embrace our industry. Shanghai gets it. We do business all over the globe. And quite frequently, I am disappointed by the reception that we get when we put on or bring a big show to the town. We are not here to do business tourism; we are not here simply to fill beds or fill restaurants. What we do is that we build cities, whole cities, and we should be proud of that. Shanghai understands that, and that’s why we are here today. It's a multicultural, diverse, forward-thinking, economically focused city. Frankly, other cities should take note and try to follow their lead.

Closing

Finally, remember what I said: in times of uncertainty and difficulty, this is not the time to play not to lose; it's the time to play to win. And be unapologetic for all the benefits we’ve been bringing to stakeholders for decades. You deserve it. Be proud!

About RX 

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 41 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

About RX Greater China

Boasting more than 40 years of rapid growth, RX has made its name as a well-respected and professional event organizer in Greater China. It owns a fleet of wholly owned companies and joint ventures that host more than dozens of high-caliber international trade shows across 9 key industry clusters, including Automotive Manufacturing, Electronics Manufacturing, Smart Manufacturing, Medical Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Beauty & Cosmetics, Lifestyle, Printing Converting & Packaging, Gift & Retail, Metalworking & Industrial Materials. In addition, RX Greater China has built a diversity of digital platforms. From brand promotion, innovation inspiration, people connection, leads generation to insights capturing and knowledge updating, we empower businesses to thrive throughout the year. www.rxglobal.com.cn

Register your interest in exhibiting or visiting the RX Greater China shows:

https://rxreedexhibitions.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Qa4ytN009nSsyG

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and territories and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors