|
|
First-ever National Standards For Exhibition Management Services
Singapore has taken the lead in bringing its exhibition
management services (EMS) to world-class standards with the development
of two new Technical References (TRs) for the industry.
 |
One covers exhibition content while the other covers
safety, health and technical operational efficiency. These TRs would
help to strengthen Singapore's position as one of Asia's leading
exhibition venues.
This initiative is in line with the International Organisation for
Standardisation (ISO)'s aim to develop international standards to
support the growing global trade in services. "ISO looks upon Singapore
to lead in setting standards for the exhibition management services
industry, given the keen interest among industry players here to
raise the professionalism of the industry. ISO takes a keen interest
in the possibility of elevating these national standards to international
standards." said Mr Teo Nam Kuan, General Manager for Standards
and Metrology, Singapore Productivity and Standards Board (PSB).
As the national standards body, PSB has given Singapore's commitment
and support to ISO's efforts to set international standards for
services. Since ISO announced the new focus in 1997, PSB has been
working closely with its economic partner - the Singapore Trade
Development Board - and industry associations as well as leading
companies to develop standards for the exhibition management services
industry.
|
Enhanced professionalism and competitiveness
The introduction of the new TRs is timely, as world trade
in commercial services is one of the fastest growing sectors. According
to the World Trade Organisation, almost 20% of world trade carried out
in 1999 was in commercial services. In Singapore, the services sector
has been identified as Singapore's second engine of growth. The local
trade exhibition industry is estimated to be worth $1.13 billion and employs
about 15,000 people. Standards will greatly enhance professionalism and
competitiveness through higher productivity and lower costs.
Commenting on the two TRs, Mr Yew Sung Pei, Director, Marketing Services
Division, Trade Development Board said, "With the technical references
in place, we hope to raise the professional standards of the exhibition
management and services industry in Singapore. This would be in line with
TDB's plan to continuously improve the quality of the exhibitions organised
in Singapore, strengthening the sector so that Singapore remains the natural
venue for international exhibitions."
Common terminology and yardstick
In the TR on Exhibition Content, a set of exhibition terminology
has been drawn up for use by the industry. This enables exhibitors and
trade visitors to measure and evaluate the performance and quality of
exhibitions objectively and consistently. With all parties referring to
a set of common terms, comparisons between different exhibitions can be
made impartially. This TR also spells out a recommended set of standard
procedures for the auditing of exhibitions. This helps to ensure consistency
and accuracy in measuring and assessing data on the performance of exhibitions.
Mr Jimmy Lau, Chairman of the Exhibition Content Working Group, and President
of the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and
Suppliers (SACEOS) said, "With a common set of terms and references, all
in the industry will be able to communicate with one another clearly and
minimise misunderstandings that can lead to costly mistakes. To encourage
the use of these TRs, we will be incorporating them into SACEOS' exhibition
management courses."
The TR on Safety, Health and Technical Operational Efficiency provides
a set of recommended practices, from preparation to build-up to tear-down.
The guidelines are meant for the various players in the industry, including
organisers, stand builders and sub-contractors, freight forwarders and
venue operators. The minimum technical expertise documented ensures that
the services provided are of a minimum standard and hence, raise the industry-wide
professionalism.
"With standard guidelines addressing the safety, health and operational
efficiency issues in the exhibition management services industry, the
competitiveness of the industry will be enhanced. By "doing it right"
and "doing it right the first time", mistakes are avoided so costs are
reduced and efficiency is increased." said Mr Benedict Soh, Chairman of
Exhibition Management Services Standards Working Committee, and Co-Chair
of the Working Group on Safety, Health and Technical Operational Efficiency.
 to Index
|
