Craig Newman
Group CEO
- Company:
- GL Events South Africa
- Country:
- South Africa
- Biography:
- With his unique ability to assess each situation and act without delay, Craig Newman has successfully turned the Johannesburg Expo Centre (JEC) into a highly profitable business, year on year. In June 2016, Craig celebrated 10 years of service as Chief Executive Officer.
With over 25 years of industry experience, Craig has made a phenomenal contribution to the South African exhibitions, conferences and events industry. Since 1991, he has occupied leadership positions in some of South Africa’s leading MICE industry companies that included Forge Ahead Exhibitions, TML Reed Exhibitions, Oasys Innovations, Balanced Solutions and Kagiso Exhibitions and Events. From the early stages of his career, Craig showed that he could lead with confidence, insight and integrity.
Craig became the major driving force behind the JEC with his exceptional vision and his confidence to make things happen. His liberal and frank demeanor is complemented by his positive outlook and where some may see challenges, Craig sees opportunities for growth.
In 2003 and 2004, Craig served on the board of the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) and as the Venue Forum Chairman of the EXSA Board in 2009. As an active member of the South African exhibitions industry, Craig has developed an enviable understanding of the South African market, as well as the African market and his wealth of knowledge and experience has been tantamount to the excellent turnaround strategy for JEC.
In 2014, Craig was elected onto the main Board of Directors at the UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and was further appointed onto the UFI Executive Committee. He was later appointed as Vice Chairman of the UFI Middle East Africa Chapter. His most recent achievement is being appointed as President of UFI for 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Currently serving as the Group CEO of GL Events South Africa and past UFI President
Craig Newman is a respected and admired leader. His friendly approach, together with his fearless attitude makes for a potent combination that is capable of successfully leading any organization into the future.
- Linkedin:
- Website
- http://www.gl-events.com
Sessions
Panel: The Future of Exhibition Venues: Integrating Sustainability, People, and Technology
Conference
04/29/2025
|
14:30 - 15:15
|
Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center - Nefertiti Hall