Mike Grant, Senior VP, Operations, USA

As extreme weather events become more frequent and unpredictable, event operations teams are increasingly required to navigate complex and high-stakes situations to ensure the safety of attendees and the success of their shows.

RX US has faced these challenges head-on, demonstrating expertise and swift decision-making in crisis situations. One such example is the 2024 JIS Miami show, where we had to respond to an evolving hurricane threat with precision and agility.

At JIS Miami, a tropical storm initially posed minimal risk but quickly escalated into a Category 5 hurricane. RX activated its Crisis Management Team (CMT), including operations, JIS leadership, legal, communications, venue management, and security, to assess risks and coordinate responses. A critical decision was whether to halt exhibitor shipments or proceed with the show. Prioritizing safety, we allowed shipments to continue and later made the tough call to close the show a day early, ensuring exhibitors and attendees could get home safely ahead of the storm. Our team’s quick thinking and coordination kept safety at the forefront while ensuring minimal disruption of this very strong buying event. The lessons learned are serving as a model for our events in 2025 and beyond, ensuring that risk mitigation remains a priority while maintaining a smooth and successful show experience.

Anita So, Assistant VP, Operations, Greater China

Sustainability has been at the heart of RX Greater China for the past three years, and our Go Green strategy remains a key focus in 2025.

We're committed to driving greener exhibitions, embedding sustainability into every stage of our operations, and staying on track for our ultimate goal: net zero carbon events by 2040.

But we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why RX GC has joined the ‘Circle of Friends’, a new sustainability initiative launched by Shanghai New International Expo Centre in January 2025. Partnering with leading organisers—including Messe München, Hannover Milano Fiere, Düsseldorf Exhibitions, Shanghai International Exhibition Group, Informa, and GSMA Exhibition Services —we're working together to share knowledge, drive innovation, and accelerate sustainability across the global exhibition industry.

This collaboration is an important step forward in our Go Green journey, reinforcing our commitment to building a more sustainable future, at and through our events.

Stephen Steenson, Operations Director, Australia

At RX Australia, we take pride in our safety records and risk management.

Crowd management will remain a top priority in 2025 as we continue to innovate to create  more secure and enjoyable experiences for attendees, exhibitors, and our event teams.

At PAX Aus 2024, where attendance topped 70,000, our operations team introduced a new QR Code reporting system. Strategically placed across the venue, at entrances, queue halls, foyers, and high-traffic areas, the QR codes allowed attendees to instantly report any crowd issues or security concerns. This real-time monitoring system ensured swift action by our team and, when necessary, local authorities. In fact, it was so successful that Victoria Police commended our efforts, and we’re rolling it out across all RX Australia events in 2025 and beyond.

Céline Boudineau, Director of Operations, France

RX France is set to elevate the event experience in 2025 with a sharp focus on customer value, sustainability, and risk management.

We’re redefining our stand packages to better align with evolving customer needs, using surveys, sales insights, and a procurement-led tender process. At the same time, we’re streamlining pre-show processes for exhibitors and reimagining event spaces to create unforgettable experiences.

Sustainability remains a top priority as we push forward on our commitment to reduce our carbon emissions year on year and inspire our customers and stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices. We will be rolling out sustainability charters, embedding green criteria into procurement, and enforcing our collaboration with local sustainability teams in Paris and Cannes to reduce waste and increase recycling. We’re also collaborating with suppliers to track carbon footprints and working closely with venues through dedicated Sustainability Committees to accelerate collective action.

Risk management will also remain centre stage with enhanced security initiatives, including CCTV surveillance and closer coordination with regional and national authorities on critical shows to uphold the highest safety standards.

Jen Phipps, Operations Director, UK

I’m proud to be part of an organisation that puts inclusivity at the heart of its events, ensuring our shows are accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for all.

In 2024, RX launched our Guide to Inclusive Events, which has now been made available industry wide. I worked with Ray Rhodes, our Head of Diversity and Inclusion, on the guide, and the UK Hub operations team are excited to bring it to life across more of our events in 2025.

We’ve already made huge strides at MCM Comic Con, where we’ve introduced priority entry, complimentary carer passes, special assistance queues, and dedicated Reset Rooms for attendees needing a quiet space. Last year, we also partnered with TranslateAble to provide interpreting services at MCM Comic Con London and Birmingham, as well as London Book Fair. This year, we’re focused on taking the Guide to Inclusive Events and identifying where we can make the biggest impact for our customers.

I would also highlight talent acquisition as both a challenge and an opportunity. Attracting new talent into the events industry is something our CEO Hugh Jones is focused on in his role as Chairman of UFI.

A career in event operations is probably not on many people’s radar. Fortunately, many of the skills essential for event operations - project management, adaptability, working to deadlines, and strong people skills - are highly transferable, and at RX, they come with the added satisfaction of bringing unforgettable events to life. That’s a message we’re passionate about sharing, and one we’ll continue to champion in 2025.