Former UFI managing director Paul Woodward has joined the MBB-Consulting Partner Group. He brings with him over 35 years of exhibition industry experience, including more than 20 years as a consultant and advisor.

The Partner Group was formed in late 2021 by the MBB-Consulting Group and among its founder partners include Matthias Tesi Baur (MBB), Chris Meyer (Chris Meyer Global), Tony Calanca (Calanca & Associates LLC), and Andrew Furness (Exhibition Strategy Consultant).  Designed to leverage the global networks and expertise of its senior members, it will assist exhibition businesses as they rebuild in the coming years.

In November 2021, the MBB-Consulting Partner Group launched the 'Commercial Audit Service', a deep-dive analysis of an event business’s current operations with the objective of identifying practical steps to significantly improve their client’s commercial performance. The Group believes their initiative is particularly timely as companies seek to review their commercial DNA and build a clear structure to emerge stronger from the disruption caused by the pandemic.

Woodward commented, “the range of challenges and opportunities with which senior management in the exhibition industry are currently grappling has never been more testing. With that in mind, it makes sense to pool the resources of some of the most senior independent consultants in the world to ensure that the right expertise is available, whatever the project”.

Woodward worked in senior positions with Miller Freeman in Asia until 2000 when he founded Business Strategies Group in Hong Kong of which he remains Chairman. Since stepping down from his UFI role in 2015, he has also advised companies around the world as Chairman of Paul Woodward Advisory.

MBB-Consulting founder, Matthias Baur said “we are delighted that Paul will be able to join the founder members of this Group. His global network combined with many years experience in China and the rest of Asia will add another dimension to what we can offer our clients. 2022 will be a critical recovery year for the exhibition industry and many companies have ambitious plans for which we hope to be able to provide support”.

MBB-Consulting Group provides international management consultancy and educational services for diverse B2B sectors, including tradeshows, financial institutions, private equity firms, trade associations and governmental bodies. MBB’s consultancy arm covers five distinct areas: strategy; business recovery and agility; sales and pricing; M&A and due diligence; and digital.