GRS Research & Strategy

Another exhibition cancelled. Another email. Another shockwave across our industry. But when an exhibition is cancelled, something bigger is revealed... Below my newsletter with my thoughts. This is not only about business disruption. It reminds us how fragile … and how essential … In-Person experiences truly are. Writing from the UAE, I reflected on why our industry matters more than ever. Presence is not a format. It is one of the foundations of humanity… and there is something I’m sure: “its value will only grow”! --- How are things where you are? GRS Research & Strategy, UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry

A long queue, a wrong turn, a missed connection. Most live experiences lose value in small moments. That is why I asked Professor Gianluca Salviotti a direct question about AI for in person experiences. His answer is clear. The real impact is not on stage. It is backstage. Quiet, invisible, and transformative when it helps people meet better, move better, and connect better. On 15 January we meet in Dubai at the Human to Human Summit. Will you be in the room? __________ I am Enrico Gallorini, shaping the future of the In-Person movement. Where ideas breathe, relationships take form, and real connection starts. Learn more about the next #Human2Human Summit in Dubai: https://lnkd.in/dYcahnP9

Wouter Molman will be speaking at the Human2Human Summit in Dubai. Based in Dubai, Wouter is Chief Commercial Officer for Informa Markets across India, the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. He leads the commercial strategy and planning of a portfolio of more than 60 events, including World Health Expo, Cityscape, Dubai Air Show, Middle East Energy, CPHI India, Jewellery Arabia and Zuchex. Wouter joined Informa in 2008, after starting his career with VNU Exhibitions Asia, now Globus Events, an exhibition organiser based in Shanghai, China. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from RSM Erasmus University in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Join the conversation with us in Dubai. _____________ 📌 GRS supports the global In-Person industry with insight, strategy, and experience design. Where meaningful connections turn into momentum for the entire sector. Learn more about the next #Human2HumanSummit in Dubai: https://lnkd.in/dYcahnP9

Have you ever wondered why waiting in one line feels exhausting, while waiting in another line can build anticipation? Most people think the difference is minutes. It is not. The real driver is uncertainty. In this newsletter, I reflect on the psychology of waiting and what it teaches us about designing the moments between experiences. Read the newsletter and watch the full video! __________ I am Enrico Gallorini, shaping the future of the In-Person movement. Where ideas breathe, relationships take form, and real connection starts. Learn more about the next #Human2Human Summit in Dubai: https://lnkd.in/dYcahnP9

How long does it take you to forget someone’s name right after shaking their hand? If you’re like most people, just a few seconds. We rush from one task to another, constantly distracted and overloaded. We know how essential relationships are, yet we rarely find the time to pause and truly connect. This is exactly why we created the Human2Human Summit: a space designed to celebrate the power of human connection. In 2024, more than 100 professionals from the trade show, theme park, and destination industries came together not only to learn and share insights, but also to dance, laugh, and genuinely get to know each other. All of this is returning in 2026: discover the date for the next Human2Human Summit in Dubai by checking the link in the comments. #H2HSummit2026

Geoff Dickinson will be speaking at the Human2Human Summit in Dubai! As Global CEO of dmg events, one of the world’s leading organisers of B2B exhibitions, Geoff has been at the forefront of launching and growing some of the industry’s most influential platforms. As President of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (2024), he brings a truly global perspective on where our industry is heading next. On 15 January he will join us at Human2Human to explore how human connection, bold leadership and innovative event models are redefining the future of live experiences. _____________ 📌 GRS supports the global In-Person industry with insight, strategy, and experience design. Where meaningful connections turn into momentum for the entire sector. Learn more about the next #Human2HumanSummit in Dubai: https://lnkd.in/dYcahnP9