Natalia Virtuozova shared secrets of organising exposition events with young people

The educational session for young people "100 Questions to an Adult. A Professional's Path" took place on June 10 as part of the large-scale programme celebrating Global Exhibitions Day at the National Centre RUSSIA. The main heroine of the meeting was Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.

In a live dialogue format, young people became acquainted with the profession of event organiser and learned first-hand about how the International RUSSIA EXPO was created and what is happening today at the National Centre RUSSIA, established by order of the President of the country.

"We treated our Exposition like our Motherland, which is why it turned out exactly as it did: bright, hospitable, bold. We genuinely fell in love with this project and understood that people have a very important need — to be proud of their homeland. When I'm asked what the secret is, I answer: it's in the special atmosphere. People came to our Exposition and felt good there. I remember how worried I was on the day of its opening: National Unity Day, VDNH, hundreds of people from early morning. But what was felt most of all was pride: for our country, for the team, for the fact that it really worked," said Natalia Virtuozova.

According to the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, the main thing for a professional in the field of event organisation is constant development and the ability to unite interested people around oneself.

"382 people work at the National Centre RUSSIA and, perhaps this might sound a bit ambitious, but we really have gathered the best. At the same time, we are always open to new people and new ideas, we always learn from wise and experienced professionals and treat criticism with enormous respect. Therefore, if you have boldness, fire, new ideas and, of course, mastery and love for your profession — we are always open to collaboration," declared Natalia Virtuozova.

During the session, Natalia Virtuozova explained how the working day of the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA goes, why people engage in the exposition industry, how to fight stress, receive high-ranking guests, and create projects that inspire visitors and remain in history for a long time.

"There is one main secret — don't lose the living connection with people. Don't think for the viewer, but listen to them. Love the people who are nearby — and they will reciprocate. All the best that appeared at the RUSSIA EXPO was born from dialogue — with regions, with young people, with parents, with experts. And also — don't be afraid to combine different things: on our exposition site, high technologies and fairs, expositions and dances, cinema and sport, academic art and youth flash mobs coexisted harmoniously," noted Natalia Virtuozova.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA gave guidance to young specialists and those who are only planning to begin their professional path.

"Be bold and be first. You need to be first in what you love. And definitely invent something new. After all, the world of events is a world of living emotions, work and inspiration, and there is always room for new ideas in it. Don't doubt, don't envy those who are better than you, learn from them and don't be afraid to start small. And if you do your work with soul, audacity and inspiration, you will definitely achieve success," concluded Natalia Virtuozova.

Events dedicated to Global Exhibitions Day, which in 2025 is held under the motto "Speaking the Same Language," are being conducted at the National Centre RUSSIA on June 10 and 11. Participants are discussing expositions from the perspective of a universal language for communication and a platform for self-realisation.

The first day was dedicated to young specialists and all those who strive to develop in the field of event organisation. Participants communicated with experienced representatives of the industry and learned what key skills an event organiser should possess. The second day's programme is addressed to professionals of the events industry. Industry leaders will discuss prospects for the development of exposition and congress activities, and share best developments and practices.