In an exclusive interview with Spice, Gary Fitz-Roy from Expertise Events poses some tough questions to the exhibitions industry.

Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy wonders whether the exhibition industry is evolving and changing enough to meet the needs of the market.

Fitz-Roy said, “Ever since the Darling Harbour closure, 40 per cent of the shows that were held there are gone. Not relocated – actually gone. Some shows died a natural death; it was a great excuse to bury them.

“Of the shows that did move, the ones that went to Homebush have faltered while the ones that went to Glebe have succeeded. I am wondering what’s going to happen when Darling Harbour re-opens. Will the shows that go back grow? Will they recover?” asked Fitz-Roy.

Expertise Events, which runs craft, jewellery and optometry shows, among others, has three pillars to its business model.

Fitz-Roy explains, “We have exhibitors, inspiration and education. We want visitors to be moved and motivated, learn a technique or get better at something and then be able to buy the product that complements that.

“Exhibitors are shareholders but the show is for the visitors,” said Fitz-Roy.

“There are lots of lessons to be learnt from exhibitors but at the end of the day, I’m there to ensure that exhibitors get their ROI and visitors have a great experience. They’re investing their time and money and it’s my job to deliver,” said Fitz-Roy.

Are organisers really investing in the future of their shows? Does the exhibition industry need to evolve in order to survive? Share your thoughts by emailing the editor, egardiner@intermedia.com.au