History of Exhibitions
The definition of an exhibition is a 'public display of items in a chosen place'.
Exhibitions have been around for a very long time, dating back as far as the ancient civilisations of Egypt, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Chinese and the Romans, where tradesmen would travel to see and meet local makers of cloth, dye, silverware, etc, in market squares and bazaars.
After extensive archaeological excavations on the east Mediterranean coast, the first exhibition centre, dating back 2,500 years was believed to be located here. Several artefacts including coins from many different lands revealed that trade was carried out across a large area of the region.
Over time, as trade expanded from the east Mediterranean across to the west and into the north of Europe, new markets evolved and new distribution routes were essential to meet the growing requests for new and interesting products and services. A century ago this led to the industrial revolution and changed the way business was conducted. Tradesmen no longer offered one product for sale; they offered a range of products and started selling large quantities to traders in local communities.
In the mid to late 1800's exhibitions had extended to consumers and were considered social outings with many exhibitions focusing on one theme. In Victorian England in 1851 the 'Great Exhibition' was held at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London, and became the world's first international exhibition. The exhibition showcased the 'Works of Industry of All Nations'.
Today, exhibitions are still one of the most lively and effective sales and marketing tools in existence. They offer a unique mixture of information, communication and entertainment and are the only medium that allows the use of all five senses in an atmosphere of face-to-face contact.
Just like the ancient tradesmen of more than 2,500 years ago, World Exhibitions Club (WEC) aims to present and promote its unique merchandise - its members' exhibitions, to a growing marketplace - the world!
Exhibitions continue to grow and expand and in line with an ever-changing marketplace and industry, new channels of promotion and distribution are required to ensure maximum exposure is accomplished to achieve each exhibition organiser's individual exhibition goals.
That is why WEC is one club with unlimited opportunities for travel, tourism and mice exhibitions.
