subscribe to news The WTC hosted the Changing the Quality of Life forum

The World Trade Center hosted the 8^th Forum of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Changing the Quality of Life. The event was attended by Sergey Selivanov, Deputy General Director of EXPOCENTRE.

The first part, the business breakfast, was devoted to the transformation of markets under the influence of digitalization, platform competition, and changing consumer behavior. Representatives of federal agencies, businesses, and marketplaces took part in the discussion.

Opening the meeting, Elena Dybova, Vice President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that the rapid pace of technological change has become a major challenge for all industries.

“I am surprised at the speed with which the agenda of our forums is changing. When we started the topic of quality of life, we discussed the quality of food. Today, everything is different as competition is intensifying, resources are limited, and the rate of change is increasing," she said.

Sergey Selivanov said that after the pandemic, forecasts about the complete withdrawal of exhibitions online did not materialize.

“There is no substitute for face-to-face communication. 2023 surpassed the successful year of 2019, and 2024 turned out to be even better,” he stressed.

Sergey Selivanov noted that the industry is actively implementing digital solutions, but the new requirements for personal data have become a serious limitation. “In order to send an invitation, we must obtain written consent. It is impossible to collect half a million signatures. If digitalization is going to happen, then mode advanced tools are needed," he said.

Separately, Mr. Selivanov drew attention to the intense competition from Chinese companies, which receive almost 100% subsidization of participation in exhibitions from the regional authorities of China.

Press Service, EXPOCENTRE AO
Source: the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry