From October 7 to 11, the Czech-based brand 'What a Hut' presented its vision of modern sauna culture in front of the Trade Fair Palace (Veletržní palác) in Prague © DesignBlok

The 28th edition of Prague International Design Festival brought together 368 exhibitors from 24 countries, while the reopening of the renovated Industrial Palace provided a renewed setting for exhibitions, conferences and fashion shows.

More than 50,000 people visited the 28th edition of DesignBlok, Prague International Design Festival, held from 6 to 11 October 2026. Bringing together a record 368 exhibitors from 24 countries, the festival combined contemporary design exhibitions with conferences, fashion shows, student showcases and installations across some of the Czech capital’s most prominent cultural venues.

One of the defining moments of this year’s edition was the return of DesignBlok to the renovated Industrial Palace at Prague Exhibition Grounds, which reopened as an event venue after seven years. Its restored central hall hosted DesignBlok Talks, the festival’s awards ceremony and fashion shows, reinforcing the role of the historic building as a setting for multiple forms of creative and professional exchange.

Other principal venues included the National Gallery Prague’s Trade Fair Palace, Prague Castle and the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, alongside more than 30 showrooms and galleries across the city. Several exhibitions and installations remain open beyond the festival dates, including Design for Václav Havel and Eva Eisler’s Circle of Silence at Prague Castle, both scheduled to run until January 2027.

This year’s theme, Light, informed a programme spanning lighting design, technological innovation and the symbolic role of light in contemporary culture. Among the featured projects was Beacon, a light installation by British designer Lee Broom for Czech lighting brand Brokis, presented in Jan Palach Square.

The festival also provided a platform for emerging talent. Its 12th DesignBlok Diploma Selection presented 30 finalists from European universities across product and fashion design. Mo Tong Yang, from the University of Art and Design Lausanne in Switzerland, won the product design category, while Józefina Wojtkiewicz, from ArtEZ University of the Arts in the Netherlands, received the fashion design award. The international DesignBlok Awards jury also made a notable first by awarding its Grand Prix collectively to all students exhibiting at the festival.
 

Industrial Palace © Jiri Sebek

The public award went to Jídelna, an interactive installation by the Faculty of Multimedia Communications at Tomas Bata University in Zlín. Selected through a vote involving almost 7,000 participants, the project transformed exhibition space into a symbolic student canteen, presenting the work of the faculty’s studios through trays displaying materials, tools and creative processes. More than 80 students from 14 studios and the Institute of Marketing Communications contributed to the installation.

International participation extended beyond exhibitors. The festival welcomed designers, architects, curators, journalists and other industry professionals, including Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, who received the DesignBlok award for outstanding contribution to world design, Italian gallerist Rossana Orlandi and British designer Lee Broom. A two-day DesignBlok Talks conference brought Czech and international professionals together to discuss contemporary design.

The programme also incorporated social impact initiatives. The exhibition organised by the AutTalk Foundation, the festival’s principal non-profit partner, attracted more than 15,000 visitors and raised CZK 373,650 through sales of designer candleholders and vases. DesignBlok contributed a further CZK 100,000 from ticket revenue to support the foundation’s work in raising awareness of autism.

The next edition will take place from 6 to 10 October 2027 under the theme Doma, meaning “At Home”. The programme will place greater emphasis on Central Europe, contemporary design from neighbouring countries and the role of design and craftsmanship in shaping the environments in which people live and work. The fully renovated Industrial Palace will again serve as the festival’s principal exhibition venue.

According to festival director Jana Zielinski, the theme will also explore how the spaces people inhabit influence everyday life, wellbeing and a sense of security, with these questions set to feature in the international DesignBlok Talks conference.

The lfet wing of the Industrial Palace © Jiri Sebek

Headquarters was in Prague during DesignBlok to explore the renovated Industrial Palace first-hand. Our full report, featuring interviews with the director of Prague Exhibition Grounds, will follow soon.

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Asia-Pacific now has 41 exhibition venues offering at least 100,000 sqm of indoor space, compared with Europe’s 38, as global exhibition capacity reaches 45.2 million sqm across 1,565 venues.

Asia-Pacific has overtaken Europe in the number of the world’s largest exhibition venues for the first time, according to the 2026 edition of the World Map of Exhibition Venues, published by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and produced by jwc GmbH.

The report identifies 41 venues with at least 100,000 sqm of gross indoor exhibition space across Asia-Pacific, against 38 in Europe. In the previous edition, the two regions were level, underscoring the continued geographical shift in exhibition infrastructure.

Globally, the study recorded 1,565 venues offering at least 5,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space as of 31 December 2025. Their combined capacity reached 45.2 million sqm, an increase of 35 venues and approximately 900,000 sqm compared with the previous edition.

Asia-Pacific accounts for 38.3% of global exhibition capacity, equivalent to 17.3 million sqm, extending its lead over Europe, which holds 35.8%. North America ranks third, with 16.7% of the worldwide total.

The report also highlights the growing contribution of emerging exhibition markets. Central and South America now account for 4.8% of global indoor exhibition space, while the Middle East and Africa represent 4.5%. Together, the two regions have increased their share from 8.4% to 9.3% in a year.

“Exhibition venues are long-term investments in economic infrastructure,” says Chris Skeith OBE, UFI CEO. He points to the growth in global capacity and Asia-Pacific’s lead in mega venues as evidence of exhibition infrastructure tracking industrial development worldwide. For organisers, he adds, this creates opportunities to expand into markets investing in future capacity.

"This year’s World Map shows venues tracking industrial growth worldwide, with global capacity at 45.2 million sqm and Asia-Pacific ahead of Europe in mega venues for the first time. Central & South America, and the Middle East & Africa are also steadily building their share. For organisers, this means real room to expand into markets positioned for growth, with capacity built for the future."
 

China consolidates its position

The scale of exhibition infrastructure varies considerably between regions. Asia-Pacific venues average 39,238 sqm, compared with 29,802 sqm in Europe and 17,327 sqm in Central and South America. The latter remains the only region without a venue offering at least 100,000 sqm.

Despite the prominence of mega venues, smaller facilities continue to dominate the global landscape. Some 62% of venues offer less than 20,000 sqm of indoor space, while 33% fall within the 20,000–99,999 sqm range. Only 5%, representing 84 venues, provide at least 100,000 sqm.

The world’s largest exhibition venue remains the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China, with 504,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space.

At country level, China accounts for 30.7% of global capacity, followed by the United States at 13.9% and Germany at 7%. Together with Italy and France, these five markets control almost 63% of the world’s indoor exhibition space. Seven countries each offer more than one million sqm.

For Jochen Witt, President and CEO of jwc GmbH, the figures point to a question that extends beyond size alone: how well venues respond to market requirements.

“The headline numbers are about size, but the more important story is fit,” Witt says, arguing that destinations should align venue capacity and quality with the needs of organisers and their markets rather than pursue ever-larger facilities.

"Market requirements are rapidly changing, and venue sizes and qualities need to adapt. Chasing the largest footprint is no longer suitable; successful destinations need to match capacity and quality to meet market requirements. Most of the world’s venues still offer less than 20,000 sqm, which is sufficient for many markets. For cities and governments considering new venue capacities, this data provides the benchmarks to get the sizing decision right. Venue quality is another topic but needs the same extent of focus.”

Benchmarking global exhibition infrastructure

The 2026 edition provides detailed profiles of 22 countries and regions with more than 300,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space. These include Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Profiles of all five global regions are also included.

The research was compiled with contributions from national and regional industry associations and partners, including BDO in Portugal, alongside organisations representing markets across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

The full World Map of Exhibition Venues 2026, including its regional and country profiles, is available free of charge through UFI’s Knowledge Hub and jwc GmbH.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

bnetwork has been named winner of the 2026 UFI Industry Partners Award, recognised for a strategic partnership model developed to support the relocation and long-term development of a major international event.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named bnetwork as the winner of the 2026 UFI Industry Partners Award, recognising an initiative that demonstrated how collaboration across the exhibition ecosystem can turn a complex relocation challenge into an opportunity for strategic development.

The award celebrates outstanding initiatives and organisations that demonstrate innovation, collaboration and forward-thinking approaches to partnerships, with the aim of strengthening the wider exhibition ecosystem. For its 2026 edition, the competition focused on the theme “The Biggest Lesson Learnt: From Zero to Hero”, placing particular emphasis on practical learning, resilience and innovation.

The theme sought to spotlight initiatives in which industry partners and their collaborators had transformed adversity into opportunity, generating value not only for the organisations directly involved but also for stakeholders across the exhibition industry.

For bnetwork, the winning project centred on accommodation and its role in supporting the relocation of a major international event. The initiative brought together event organiser Clarion Gaming, Barcelona’s hotel community and other partners to address the practical and strategic challenges associated with moving a flagship event to a new destination.

Stephane Teboul, Co-Founder of bnetwork, describes the recognition as confirmation of the collective effort behind the project.

“Winning the UFI Industry Partners Award is a fantastic recognition of the expertise, commitment and collaborative spirit of the entire bnetwork team. This project showed that accommodation can be much more than a logistical requirement; it can play a genuinely strategic role in the successful relocation and long-term development of a major international event.

We are extremely proud of what we achieved together with Clarion Gaming, Barcelona’s hotel community and all the partners who helped make this possible.”

The jury highlighted precisely this broader understanding of partnership. Sebastian Witt, Chair of the UFI Industry Partners Working Group, said the winning entry distinguished itself by addressing a tangible industry challenge through a deliberately strategic approach to collaboration.

"bnetwork's winning entry stood out to the jury for its highly strategic use of partnership to solve a real industry challenge: the relocation of a flagship event. This year's competition featured many good entries, with two shortlisted as finalists and four recognised as best practices. bnetwork's submission scored well across every criterion. The jury was particularly impressed by the initiative's innovation in engaging partners across the ecosystem, exactly the kind of forward-thinking collaboration this award was created to celebrate, and saw strong potential for the model to be applied by other large international events.”

The emphasis on applicability is significant. Beyond recognising a successful individual project, the jury saw in bnetwork’s approach a model with potential relevance for other international events facing the complexities of relocation, destination integration and stakeholder coordination.

The 2026 competition also recognised a broader field of initiatives across the industry. Aditus was named this year’s Finalist, while ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), ILTM by RX Global, and Map Your Show were recognised as Best Practices.

The Industry Partners Award forms part of the wider UFI Awards programme, which each year celebrates achievement across a range of disciplines including digital innovation, marketing, sustainable development, operations & services, people & culture, and industry partnerships.

An important component of the programme is the sharing of recognised projects beyond the awards themselves. Selected UFI Award projects are made available through UFI’s Best Practices Library, creating a resource through which exhibition professionals around the world can examine leading initiatives, share knowledge and draw lessons from approaches developed elsewhere in the industry.

The 2026 UFI Award winners will receive their formal recognition at the 93rd UFI Global Congress, which will take place from 2–5 November 2026 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Further details of the recognition programme will be announced by UFI in due course.
 

In a previous HQ interview, bnetwork Co-Founder Stéphane Teboul shared his views on the future of event accommodation and the growing importance of quality. Read the full interview here

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Italian Exhibition Group has opened a new two-storey Hall 2 at Vicenza Expo Centre, strengthening the venue’s capacity while bringing T.Gold inside the exhibition complex for the first time.

Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has inaugurated a new chapter for Vicenzaoro with the opening of a 23,000 sqm, two-storey exhibition hall at Vicenza Expo Centre, coinciding with the September edition of its international B2B jewellery trade show.

Opened on 4 September and running until 8 September, the latest edition brings together 1,300 exhibiting brands from 40 countries, with international exhibitors accounting for 45% of the total. The event has also attracted its largest-ever delegation of hosted buyers, with 910 buyers from 73 countries, an increase of 33% compared with September 2025.

The new Hall 2, designed by Hamburg-based GMP studio, represents a strategic investment in the Expo Centre and is intended to improve circulation between the complex’s exhibition areas while creating new space for jewellery manufacturing companies at the heart of the venue.

The inauguration also marks the tenth anniversary of the company managing the Rimini and Vicenza Expo Centres. For IEG President Maurizio Ermeti, the opening represents the fulfilment of a commitment made to the Vicenza business community two years ago.

"It is not often that an anniversary and a promise kept fall on the same day," began Ermeti, "but that is what is happening here today for IEG. Investing in Vicenza to provide the jewellery industry not only with new facility, but also with a more functional Expo Centre. That was the promise made to this community in 2024. Today we are giving the city a more competitive trade show venue, ready for new exhibitions and further events organised by our conferences division. And I would like to take the title we have chosen for this ceremony – “the future takes shape” – quite literally. Despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties, we have decided to look ahead and build the future."

A new heart for the Expo Centre

Spanning 23,000 sqm across two levels, Hall 2 includes four escalators, new facilities for exhibitors and visitors, a restaurant and three bars. Its position directly connects Halls 1, 3, 4 and 6, with the aim of simplifying routes through the venue and improving the overall visitor experience.

The building is now home to the communities representing Italian and international jewellery manufacturing — Creation — as well as packaging and furnishings, represented by Expression and Elements.

Its opening has also allowed IEG to reorganise the wider exhibition complex. T.Gold, the technology exhibition serving the jewellery manufacturing sector, has moved inside the Expo Centre to Hall 4 and is now located under the same roof as Vicenzaoro for the first time. Until the January edition, T.Gold had been located in Hall 9, outside the main exhibition grounds.

Sustainability has also been incorporated into the new infrastructure, with a 2 MW photovoltaic system designed to contribute to the Expo Centre’s energy self-sufficiency during periods when no events are taking place.

The inauguration was attended by a broad representation of local, regional and national stakeholders. Following Ermeti’s welcome address, speakers included Giacomo Possamai, Mayor of Vicenza; Andrea Nardin, President of the Province of Vicenza; Maria Cristina Squarcialupi, President of Federorafi Confindustria; Fabrizio Lobasso, Deputy Director General for the Promotion of Italy and Economic Internationalization and Central Director for the Italian System and Investments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency; Senator Mara Bizzotto, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy; and Marco Zecchinato, Veneto Regional Councillor for Interregional Cooperation, Regional Governance and Infrastructure.

Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, also sent a message highlighting Vicenzaoro’s position across the jewellery value chain and the significance of the new building.

“In a context of elegance and excellence, the hallmarks of Made in Italy, this international B2B hub provides a platform for every segment of the sector: from fine jewellery to unbranded production, precious stones and the most innovative technologies for the industry, confirming Vicenza as the world capital of jewellery. The 2026 edition marks a particularly significant moment with the inauguration of the Expo Centre’s new hall: 23,000 square metres designed to the highest sustainability standards, capable of combining innovation with care for the environment, as has always been the case in the art of Italian goldsmithing.”

An international marketplace

The expanded infrastructure arrives as Vicenzaoro continues to draw a substantial international audience.

According to IEG CEO Corrado Peraboni, the September edition brings together supply from 1,300 brands across 40 countries with demand generated by hosted buyers participating through the incoming programmes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency, alongside walk-in visitors.

"So, as of today until Tuesday, business for Made in Italy and international exhibitors, who account for 45% of the total, will be generated by the encounter between supply, with 1,300 brands from 40 countries, and demand, driven by buyers hosted under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency’s incoming programme as well as walk-in visitors," announced IEG CEO, Corrado Peraboni.

The 910 hosted buyers represent the largest delegation in the event’s history, with 80% participating through partnerships involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Trade Agency. The largest hosted delegations come from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on equal footing, then China and Spain.

The international dimension of the week extends beyond Vicenzaoro itself. The September programme also hosts the centenary congress of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, chaired by Gaetano Cavalieri. Running from 4 to 7 September, the congress is bringing around 500 international delegates to Vicenza, including senior representatives from manufacturing companies and the global retail sector.

A wider programme across Vicenza

The week also encompasses events beyond the main B2B show. VO Vintage, dedicated to vintage and pre-owned jewellery and watches, opened to the public on 4 September and runs until 7 September. Admission is free following registration, with 53 dealers from Italy and abroad participating in the exhibition and marketplace.

The event reinforces Vicenza’s position as a centre for vintage jewellery and watches, a segment attracting established collectors as well as younger audiences. Its marketplace is complemented by a programme of talks and events.

Meanwhile, VIOFF — Vicenzaoro’s off-show programme — has turned the city and its historic centre into an open-air setting through 6 September. This year’s edition takes the theme Golden Road.

The professional programme at the Expo Centre also includes sessions examining trends, sustainability and the economic outlook for the jewellery sector. Among the events scheduled for 5 September were a presentation of the methodology behind the TRENDVISION Jewellery + Forecasting Jewellery Trendbook; a session examining coral as a model of Italian sustainability, organised by Assogemme; and a Confindustria Federorafi discussion on the jewellery sector’s economic situation, raw materials and the geography of production districts.

The latter session was set to draw on a recent business sentiment survey, Intesa Sanpaolo data on global jewellery production and exports — including Made in Italy products — and developments in precious raw materials.

With the completion of Hall 2, the consolidation of T.Gold within the main Expo Centre and a record international buyer presence, IEG is positioning the 2026 September edition not simply as another edition of Vicenzaoro, but as a demonstration of how the exhibition infrastructure supporting one of Italy’s defining industrial districts can evolve alongside the market it serves.
 

Powered by Meeting Media Company, publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Nairobi, Kenya

The inaugural Africa Exhibition Forum will bring together organisers, venues, service providers, governments and investors in Nairobi on 4–5 December to examine what is needed to unlock the continent’s exhibition potential.

Africa’s exhibition industry is set to gain a new platform for strategic discussion this December, when the inaugural Africa Exhibition Forum (AEF) takes place at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

Organised by Exhibit Africa and jwc, with the support of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and UNIDO, the United Nations specialised agency for industrial development, the two-day forum will bring together local and international organisers, venue operators, exhibition service providers, government stakeholders and investors.

The premise behind the event is straightforward: Africa represents a substantial opportunity for exhibitions and business events, yet its markets remain fragmented and the continent continues to face significant gaps in exhibition infrastructure.

The latest UFI/jwc World Map of Exhibition Venues provides a stark illustration of the challenge. Of the 81 venues worldwide with more than 100,000 sqm of exhibition space listed in the report, none is located in Africa. Only five African markets exceed the report’s 50,000 sqm reporting threshold: South Africa, with 126,489 sqm across six venues; Algeria, with 76,000 sqm; Morocco, with 60,000 sqm; Egypt, with 55,480 sqm; and Senegal, with 53,000 sqm.

Together, those five markets account for 17 venues and 370,969 sqm of exhibition space. For comparison, Messe Frankfurt alone has 372,073 sqm.

For Jochen Witt, Chairman of jwc, understanding the nature of Africa’s individual markets is essential to understanding where the industry’s opportunities lie.

“Africa holds significant potential for the exhibition and business events industry, though it functions as a collection of distinct markets rather than a single, unified landscape. Many of these markets are shaped by deeply rooted ethnic, linguistic, and cultural trading networks, which often drive substantial informal trade outside standard customs channels. Mapping and understanding these authentic trade flows is essential to building a successful exhibition business. At the same time, governments represent a critical stakeholder group. Each of the continent’s 54 nations pursues its own economic agenda, with varying levels of emphasis on how exhibitions and business events contribute to national growth. To bridge this gap, the ‘Africa Exhibition Forum’ (AEF) works to inform governments on the vital role exhibition and business events play in accelerating overall economic development.”

The forum arrives against a wider backdrop of efforts to strengthen intra-African trade. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signed in Kigali in March 2018 and entering into force in May 2019, commits the 49 states that have ratified it to liberalise 90% of tariff lines across a market of 1.4 billion people.

The World Bank estimates that full implementation could increase intra-African exports by 81% by 2035. Intra-African trade was estimated at $213.8 billion in 2025, equivalent to around 14% of the continent’s total merchandise trade, which stood at approximately $1.5 trillion according to the African Trade Report 2026.

Against this backdrop, the exhibition industry has a potentially important role to play in connecting markets, industries and buyers. Yet the physical infrastructure required to facilitate those connections remains unevenly distributed.
 

Sarit Expo Centre, Westlands, Nairobi

Three questions for Africa’s exhibition industry

The AEF programme is structured around three themes: market, government and infrastructure. The first will examine how trade moves across the continent, where demand is concentrated and what international industry data reveals about Africa’s position in the global exhibition landscape.

Naji El Haddad, Regional Director of UFI, will present data on the economic impact of exhibitions, while UNIDO and jwc will share findings from a new study examining Africa’s trade show and venue landscape. The study is intended to provide a comparable overview of exhibitions and venues across key African markets.

The second theme addresses the relationship between the industry and governments. The organisers argue that exhibitions should be considered not simply as an industry seeking public support, but as economic infrastructure capable of contributing to export revenues, investment attraction, domestic industry development and wider economic growth.

The third focuses on infrastructure: an issue that can determine whether an international organiser considers a destination at all. International events operate according to specific requirements around space, accessibility, logistics and services. Where those requirements cannot be met, a destination can effectively be excluded before commercial discussions begin.

The programme will also include a tour of the Sarit Expo Centre, alongside workshops examining the fundamentals of the exhibition business and the practical requirements facing African organisers and venues.

Among the confirmed speakers are Wolfram Diener, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf and UFI President 2026/27; Stefan Kratzsch, PhD, Head of the Sustainable Investments and Responsible Business Unit at UNIDO; Carole Kadenge, GM of Sarit Expo Centre; Paul Maerz, Managing Director of Fairtrade; and Jamie Hill, CEO of BtoB Events. Further speakers are expected to be announced.

For Daniel Mesfin, CEO of Exhibit Africa, the forum is intended to produce practical outcomes as well as a broader statement about the continent’s position in the global exhibition market. “We want three things to come out of Nairobi: Quick fixes for the gaps that cost this continent international events today. Agreement on what the industry needs, so that high-quality venues get built faster than they are being built now. And a clear message to the rest of the world that Africa is a growth market to buy into now, not in ten years.”

Nairobi as a gateway

The choice of Nairobi reflects the city’s established role as a commercial and regional hub in East Africa, while the Sarit Expo Centre provides the setting for a discussion focused on the practical realities of exhibition delivery.

Carole Kadenge, GM of Sarit Expo Centre, says the venue’s location is intended to reinforce Nairobi’s role as a gateway for international business connections.

“We are delighted to host this inaugural event at Sarit Expo Centre and welcome delegates from across the world to Nairobi, a city with enormous potential to serve as a gateway to Africa’s growing exhibitions and business events industry. Our strategic location within Sarit Mall gives delegates access to essential services including banks, forex bureaus, restaurants, a supermarket and other amenities, while our connectivity via the Nairobi Expressway places us approximately 18 km from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and 9 km from Wilson Airport. With leading five-star hotels nearby, Sarit Expo Centre offers an ideal environment for global business connections as Africa emerges as a key destination for exhibitions, investment and trade.”

The Sarit Expo Centre has 4,510 sqm of column-free exhibition space alongside meeting rooms and has hosted events and organisations from Africa, Europe and Asia. The venue is a member of UFI, the Association of Kenya Business Events (AKBE) and the Africa Business Development Events Council (ABDEC). It also founded and organises Africa MICE Expo, alongside eight flagship events supporting the development of Kenya’s exhibitions and business events sector.

For the organisers of AEF, however, the Nairobi gathering is intended to look beyond Kenya. Its broader objective is to place the development of exhibition markets within the continent’s economic agenda — and to bring governments, investors and industry stakeholders into the same conversation.

With trade integration gathering momentum, the forum will examine whether exhibitions can become part of the infrastructure through which that integration is realised, and what needs to change for African destinations to compete more effectively for international events.

The Africa Exhibition Forum takes place on 4 and 5 December 2026 at Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi.
 

Registration is open for the inaugural forum
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

© NürnbergMesse

NürnbergMesse and Messe Berlin are bringing two established international food-industry brands together in India, with BIOFACH INDIA and the newly launched FRUIT LOGISTICA Connect India set to take place alongside one another at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre from 25 to 27 May 2028.

The partnership, formalised in Mumbai on 1 September through a Memorandum of Understanding, will see the two exhibitions retain their individual identities while sharing a venue and creating additional opportunities for exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals across the fresh produce and organic food sectors.

The agreement was signed by Satyendra Mehra, Group Director and Member of the Management Board at NürnbergMesse India, and Katrina Leung, Managing Director and Vice President Asia Pacific at Messe Berlin (cover photo).

For the organisers, the co-location brings together two complementary international networks at a time when the boundaries between food production, sustainability, supply chains, logistics and retail are becoming increasingly interconnected.

“By bringing together two leading exhibition brands, we are combining international networks and industry expertise to create a central meeting point for the food industry in Asia,” said Petra Wolf, Senior Vice President Product Management, NürnbergMesse Group.

BIOFACH INDIA, organised by NürnbergMesse India in association with APEDA, is already an established platform for India’s organic sector. Its scope encompasses organic and natural products, sustainable agriculture and related supply chains, alongside NATURAL EXPO INDIA and MILLETS INDIA.

FRUIT LOGISTICA Connect India will extend the international FRUIT LOGISTICA brand into the Indian market, providing a dedicated platform for the fresh produce value chain. The event will bring together growers, exporters, importers, wholesalers, retailers, logistics companies, technology providers and other industry stakeholders.

The choice of Mumbai adds a further strategic dimension. As one of India’s principal commercial centres and an important food-trading hub, the city offers both organisers access to a substantial domestic market and a gateway to wider regional business connections.

For Messe Berlin, the new event adds India to the international network surrounding FRUIT LOGISTICA. The flagship show in Berlin is complemented by ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA in Hong Kong, which in 2025 attracted more than 14,000 trade visitors and around 760 exhibitors from 43 countries and regions.

NürnbergMesse brings an equally established international network through BIOFACH. The 2026 edition of BIOFACH in Nuremberg attracted around 2,200 exhibitors and nearly 32,000 trade visitors, underlining the scale of the organic food community represented by the brand.

The Mumbai co-location is consequently intended to generate value beyond the individual exhibitions. Participants will have access to complementary markets and professional communities, with opportunities to identify new business relationships across organic food, fresh produce, sustainable production, logistics and technology.

Sonia Prashar, Chairperson of the Board and Managing Director of NürnbergMesse India, said the partnership reflects a shared ambition to connect Indian industries with international markets.

"Our partnership with Messe Berlin reflects a shared vision of bringing together two globally recognized exhibition brands in a way that creates new business opportunities for our customers. We are confident that the co-location of BIOFACH INDIA and FRUIT LOGISTICA Connect India will further support the growth of India’s organic food and fresh produce sectors."

Katrina Leung similarly emphasised the balance between collaboration and maintaining the individual strength of each event.

"The co-location of FRUIT LOGISTICA Connect India and BIOFACH INDIA will create new opportunities for exhibitors, buyers and industry stakeholders while preserving the unique identity of each event. Together with NürnbergMesse, we look forward to strengthening international business connections and supporting the long-term development of both industries."

The initiative forms part of NürnbergMesse’s wider international presence. The group employs more than 1,200 people across fifteen international locations and organises around 120 physical and digital events in areas ranging from food and agriculture to technology, healthcare and industry.

For Messe Berlin, the launch further strengthens the international reach of FRUIT LOGISTICA and its role in connecting the global fresh produce industry.

In Mumbai, the two organisations will therefore test the potential of a relatively simple proposition: keeping two specialist exhibitions distinct while placing their audiences, networks and commercial opportunities within the same international marketplace. For India’s food sector, the result could provide a new meeting point between two increasingly interconnected areas of the global food economy.
 

Powered by Meeting Media Company, publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

The exhibition industry may be comfortable with the language of partnership, but the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) is calling for greater attention to what that relationship means in practice.

The UK trade association’s intervention follows discussions at the IFES World Summit in Munich earlier this summer, where the relationship between suppliers and service providers, venues, organisers and exhibitors came under scrutiny. A suggestion that suppliers and service providers might be better described as “partners” prompted ESSA CEO Andrew Harrison to make a broader point about how the supply chain is treated across the industry.

“The supply chain is not asking to be called a partner. It is asking to be treated like one.”

For ESSA, that means bringing suppliers into discussions early enough to influence operational decisions, listening to their experience and considering the implications of those decisions for the people responsible for delivering an event.

The association points in particular to build and break schedules, venue access and tenancy arrangements. These can have a direct impact on workforce wellbeing and operational delivery, yet suppliers may only be consulted once key parameters have already been established.

“Respect, understanding, being included early enough to influence decisions and being listened to when those decisions affect how work is delivered matter far more than changing the label,” Harrison says.

The issue also extends to the role of the supply chain in shaping the exhibition experience itself. Once an exhibitor has committed to an event, many of the decisions around venue and associated services may already be fixed. Suppliers and service providers are then responsible for translating those decisions into the physical environment encountered by exhibitors and visitors.

ESSA argues that this contribution should be reflected in the way the supply chain is involved in the planning process.

“We are a creative industry,” says Harrison. “If we continue flattening exhibition environments into standardised, off-the-shelf solutions, we risk losing some of what makes live events valuable in the first place.”

Shorter tenancy periods, greater standardisation and commercially driven operating models are among the pressures Harrison identifies as potentially limiting that creative contribution. At the same time, he points to the investment being made by suppliers and industry associations to improve standards across the sector.

This includes work around sustainability and carbon measurement, reusable systems, health and safety, accreditation, training and skills development.

“These improvements have not happened because somebody came up with a better name for the supply chain,” Harrison says. “They have happened because businesses and industry associations have invested time, money and effort in raising standards.”

For ESSA, those investments provide a more tangible measure of partnership than terminology. The association is not suggesting that collaboration across the exhibition industry is absent; rather, it is calling for greater consistency between the language used to describe relationships and the way those relationships operate.

That could mean reconsidering a tenancy window when the proposed schedule creates unnecessary pressure on the workforce, adapting access procedures where operational experience suggests a better approach, or involving suppliers before plans become difficult to change.

“Partnership is not something any organisation can simply declare,” Harrison says. “It is something other people recognise through the way they are consulted, included and treated – particularly when time is tight, pressure is high and the easiest commercial decision is not necessarily the right one.”

The intervention comes as exhibition organisers, venues and suppliers continue to navigate pressures around costs, sustainability, skills and workforce conditions. Against that backdrop, ESSA’s argument is that the supply chain should be involved not simply as a delivery function, but as an experienced stakeholder in decisions that determine how an event is ultimately delivered.

“There is plenty of good work already happening across our industry and plenty we can build on,” Harrison says. “But we should also be prepared to acknowledge where the gaps remain.”

His conclusion returns to the terminology that prompted the discussion in Munich.
 

Read Andrew Harrison’s full statement in full below:

Call Us “Partner” — Just Show Us You Mean It

"We use the word “partner” a lot in our industry. It appears in presentations, proposals and panel discussions. But what does it actually mean? At the IFES World Summit in Munich earlier this summer, a discussion about the relationship between suppliers and service providers, venues, organisers and exhibitors brought that question into sharp focus.

At one point, the idea was floated that suppliers and service providers should be renamed “partners”. The response from one service provider on stage was refreshingly simple: the label did not matter nearly as much as the meaning behind it.

I agree. The supply chain is not asking to be called a partner. It is asking to be treated like one. That means being involved early enough to influence decisions, rather than being brought in once plans are effectively irreversible. It means fairer build and break schedules, sensible access arrangements and a willingness to listen when operational experience says something needs to change.

It also means recognising the role the supply chain plays in the product itself. We are a creative industry. The businesses designing, building and delivering exhibition environments are not a bolt-on at the end of the process. They help create the experience exhibitors buy into and visitors come to see.

Across our sector, suppliers and service providers have already invested heavily in raising standards around sustainability, carbon measurement, reusable systems, health and safety, accreditation, training and skills. None of that required a rebrand. It required people doing the work.

There is plenty of good collaboration happening across exhibitions, and no stakeholder group has a monopoly on getting things right. But partnership cannot simply be declared in a presentation or printed on a badge. It is something people recognise through the way they are consulted, included and treated, particularly when the pressure is on.

Call us “Partner” if you like. Just show us you mean it."

Andrew Harrison
CEO, Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA)
 

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UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has successfully concluded the UFI European Conference, hosted by İZFAŞ in İzmir, Türkiye, from 3–5 June 2026. This year’s edition marked the largest UFI regional conference to date, welcoming more than 400 delegates from across Europe and beyond.

Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, CEO of İZFAŞ, commented: “With more than a century of exhibition experience, İzmir has long been a centre for trade, cultural interaction and international gatherings. Welcoming the global exhibition community back to our city after many years was particularly meaningful. This conference once again demonstrates İzmir’s strong position within the global exhibition network and its organisational expertise.

The conference provided an important platform for developing a shared vision for the future of the exhibition industry. We believe it will contribute to new collaborations, knowledge-sharing and greater international visibility for İzmir.”

Nick Dugdale-Moore, Head of Regions and Regional Director Europe at UFI, added: “We were so happy to welcome such a large audience again this year, easily passing last year’s record attendance.

But far more important than the number is the quality of the delegates present, and the quality of the connections and conversations they had. We hope they enjoyed their stay in beautiful Izmir and took away valuable insights, new contacts and friendships, and lifelong memories.”

Programme highlights

A series of standout sessions shaped the conference programme, opening with world record-holding open-water swimmer and İzmir native Bengisu Avcı, who delivered a powerful and deeply personal account of resilience, failure, and determination as the first Turkish person to complete the Oceans Seven challenge.

Jonathan Weiner, the event entrepreneur behind HLTH, HumanX, Money20/20 and Shoptalk, delivered a masterclass in event brand building, sharing insights into the strategy, bold decisions and lessons learned from scaling some of the world’s most influential event brands.

Returning for a second consecutive year, the Insight Series Workshops brought delegates together for four interactive sessions focused on some of the most pressing challenges facing the exhibition industry today. Covering visitor experience, exhibitor relationships, the future of event formats, and inclusive and accessible experiences, the sessions encouraged the community not only to discuss the future of exhibitions, but to actively shape it.

Recordings of all sessions will be made available on demand to UFI members and conference participants in the coming days.
 

4th edition of Event Directors Summit

The Event Directors Summit returned for its fourth consecutive year as one of the most anticipated elements of the UFI European Conference. The exclusive two-day programme, led by Oscar Cerezales (MCI Group), brought together exhibition, portfolio and event directors for hands-on workshops and interactive learning, complemented by coastal bike rides and boat trips that showcased İzmir’s spectacular setting.

İzmir in the spotlight

Beyond the programme, İzmir itself emerged as a highlight of the conference experience. From the networking dinner at the ancient Agora to post-conference tours of Ephesus and the beaches of Çeşme, the city offered an exceptional backdrop for connection and discovery.

Global Exhibitions Day

Global Exhibitions Day was celebrated on 3 June, with the UFI European Conference community coming together under this year’s theme: “Exhibitions drive opportunities for people, for the planet, and for performance.”
 

Join the conversation at upcoming events

As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises several events annually, including the Regional Conferences, the UFI Global Congress, the Global CEO Summit and the Event Directors Summit. The next event on the calendar is the UFI Global Congress in November, followed by the UFI Central & South American Conference in December.

From 2–4 June 2027, the UFI European Conference will take place in Rimini, Italy, hosted by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG).

Full details about the UFI European Conference can be found on the event website
 

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UFI is set to bring its flagship regional gathering to São Paulo this December, announcing that the UFI Central & South American Conference and the Event Directors Summit will be co-located with Experience Expo 2026 in Brazil’s largest business events market.

Hosted by UBRAFE, the UFI Central & South American Conference will take place from 1–2 December 2026 across Centro de Convenções Frei Caneca and Expo Center Norte. Sessions will be delivered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, reflecting the event’s regional scope and international reach.

Now in its sixth edition, the conference will be held in Brazil for the first time — a significant milestone for the region’s exhibition industry, with the country recognised as Central & South America’s largest market and home to six of the region’s ten leading exhibition venues.

The Event Directors Summit will follow on 3 December, co-organised by UBRAFE and tailored specifically for exhibition, portfolio, and event organisers. Featuring interactive workshops, peer-to-peer exchange, and experiential networking, the programme will adopt a hands-on format conducted entirely in Portuguese. Originally launched at the UFI European Conference, the summit will make its Central & South American debut in São Paulo.
 

Paulo Ventura, President of UBRAFE, says, “UFI is the global reference point for B2B events, so the opportunity to host the UFI Central & South American Conference for the first time in Brazil during the upcoming edition of our industry event, Experience Expo, here in São Paulo, is a great honor and will undoubtedly create new business and emotional connections among participants."

Chris Skeith OBE, CEO & Managing Director of UFI, adds, “Brazil and the wider Central & South American region have a vibrant and fast-growing exhibition industry, and we are excited to be working alongside UBRAFE to deliver something truly special. Co-locating with Experience Expo gives us a unique platform to connect with the heart of the region's exhibition sector, and we very much look forward to bringing the UFI community together in São Paulo this December."

Registration for both events is now open to exhibition industry professionals worldwide, with Early Bird rates available until 31 August.

Further information and registration details are available via the official event website.

UFI’s global calendar also includes Regional Conferences, the UFI Global Congress, the Global CEO Summit, and the Event Directors Summit. 
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is inviting talented industry professionals from around the world to apply to the 2026 edition of its “Next Generation Leadership Programme”.

UFI’s Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Programme supports emerging leaders in the exhibition industry by recognising and empowering individuals who demonstrate initiative in driving change and innovation. Now in its 10th year, the programme has been a stepping stone for dozens of rising leaders worldwide and is supported by leading global exhibition organisers Clarion, dmg events, Informa Markets, Messe Düsseldorf and RX.

Every year, NGL Programme applicants are asked to focus on a mission that tackles a critical topic facing the exhibition industry. For 2026, this focus challenges applicants to examine how exhibitions can remain relevant for Gen Z and younger Millennials, whose expectations around purpose, sustainability, trust and digital engagement are reshaping live events.

“Changing audience expectations present both a challenge and an opportunity for exhibitions. Through the NGL Programme, I encourage organisations to support strong talent and invite ambitious professionals to contribute ideas that will influence the future of exhibitions.

Being part of the NGL Programme is widely regarded as the experience of a career, creating lifelong friendships and a powerful network that benefits both the individual and their organisation,” says Chris Skeith OBE, UFI Managing Director and CEO.
 

Panittha Buri, UFI President, adds, “One of the best parts of the NGL Programme is watching emerging leaders dive into real industry challenges and make them their own. Every year brings fresh ideas and bold thinking, and we can’t wait to see how this group reimagines relevance for the audiences of tomorrow.”

UFI will select up to five high-potential industry professionals as the 2026 Next Generation Leaders (NGLs). The winning applicants will be chosen by an international jury chaired by UFI President Panittha Puri (Vice-Chairperson, Bhiraj Buri Group). Applications are open to anyone who works full-time in the exhibition industry and has done so for less than 10 years.

Applications are open until 25 March 2026, and the selected NGLs will be announced in late April. During the seven-month programme, the five leaders will collaborate on the mission while continuing their daily work obligations. Together, they will investigate the future of exhibitions through the 2026 topic and will work closely with the UFI team as well as receive support from the NGL alumni community and mentors.

The NGLs will first be invited to the UFI European Conference in Izmir, Türkiye, on 3-5 June 2026 to launch their project together. The programme will then culminate in a special session at the 93rd UFI Global Congress on 2-5 November 2026 in Bahrain, where they will present their findings to our industry’s top leaders and decision-makers.

The NGL Programme is part of UFI Learning, which promotes knowledge sharing, collaboration, and continuous learning across the global exhibition industry.

Detailed information about the programme, the 2026 mission, and how to apply is available here.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has launched its new Strategy on Learning, setting out how professional learning and development will be supported across the organisation and the global exhibition community. 

The Strategy was developed following research and consultation with UFI members, including feedback gathered through a dedicated survey. This work highlighted the growing importance of learning that is practical and grounded in real industry practice, as well as the value placed on learning through peer exchange and collaboration. 

Chris Skeith OBE, CEO & Managing Director of UFI, comments: “Learning happens every day across our industry. Given UFI’s global position and network – we have an opportunity to support this learning in a more consistent and meaningful way.”

The Strategy introduces UFI Learning, designed to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and continuous learning across the exhibition industry. UFI will support learning across its programmes, events, communities, and resources, ensuring that every engagement offers an opportunity to learn. 

UFI Learning is guided by three strategic priorities: 

• Increasing access and flexibility
• Leveraging industry expertise and partnerships
• Curating engaging and relevant learning opportunities 

The UFI Learning portfolio will continue to be developed over time, with new opportunities introduced progressively. This work will be informed by ongoing dialogue with members and partners, ensuring learning remains aligned with industry needs and realities. 

By launching its Strategy on Learning and introducing UFI Learning, UFI aims to strengthen professional capability across the exhibition community while reinforcing its role as a trusted platform for knowledge exchange within the industry. 

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Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced that Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion is in its final stages and on track for completion, signalling readiness to welcome world-leading mega exhibitions from early 2026.

Set to host two of the most influential global events, Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo (formerly Arab Health), this milestone underscores DWTC’s continued commitment and investment in expanding Dubai’s events capacity and infrastructure. DEC is on course to become the largest purpose-built indoor exhibitions and events venue in the region by 2031, strengthening Dubai’s ability to meet the world’s growing MICE demand.

Phase 1 of the AED 10 billion expansion is set to deliver 140,000 square metres of event space. This includes 64,000 square metres of new exhibition halls and 30,000 square metres of flexible pavilion space, integrated with the existing complex to support up to 50,000 visitors per day.

The temporary pavilions, provide additional capacity and flexibility for Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo 2026. These pavilions connect directly to the main halls and central arrival plaza, with outdoor F&B terraces and activation zones enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Convenient pedestrian access links the pavilions to Expo City’s Al Wasl and the Expo 2020 Metro Station. Following the conclusion of the Q1 2026 mega events, the pavilion areas will transition back into construction for the next phase of expansion.

Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre represents Dubai’s proven capability to deliver large-scale international events with precision, excellence, and impact. Readiness of the expanded venue, in record time, reflects the seamless collaboration between government entities and city partners, from infrastructure and mobility to safety and visitor experience. As we prepare to host our 2026 mega events, our shared focus remains on ensuring an exceptional experience for every exhibitor and visitor.”

Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion stands as one of Dubai’s most advanced and efficiently executed infrastructure projects, combining intelligent design, scale, and sustainability. With Phase 1 nearing completion, every structural and operational milestone has been achieved through close coordination with our partners across the city. Our teams are now focused on final readiness, ensuring that the venue’s systems, facilities, and visitor infrastructure reflect DWTC’s uncompromising standards of quality and safety. This development reinforces Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most connected, secure, and future-ready destinations for major international events.”
 

Citywide Mobility and Readiness Plan Ensures Seamless Connectivity Between Venues

Ahead of hosting Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo (WHX) in early 2026, both running simultaneously across Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, an extensive citywide mobility and readiness plan has been implemented to ensure seamless visitor movement between the two venues.

In partnership with the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police, DEC’s readiness is underpinned by an integrated transport, mobility, and security framework designed to meet the highest international standards of safety, accessibility, and efficiency.

The Dubai Metro Red Line provides direct access to the venue via Expo 2020 Station, the largest in Dubai, with increased service frequency and reduced train intervals to accommodate high visitor volumes during peak event periods. Complementing this, a dedicated express shuttle network of 30 buses will connect DWTC and DEC, for Gulfood and WHX, supported by Park & Ride facilities at key metro stations including E&, Centrepoint, National Paints, and Al Kifaf to further streamline visitor flow across the city.

Onsite, 80 continuous shuttle services will operate within Expo City Dubai, transporting visitors to and from the designated parking zones and the venue, ensuring smooth and efficient movement.

A Purpose-Built Events Destination at Expo City Dubai 

Located at the heart of Expo City Dubai, the Dubai Exhibition Centre benefits from being part of one of the city’s most advanced and purpose-built urban environments. Expo City offers ready-to-operate infrastructure that directly supports event operations at DEC, including extensive roads and public transport infrastructure, direct access via the Dubai Metro Red Line (Expo 2020 Station), parking capacity across multiple zones, high-speed digital connectivity including 5G-readiness, allowing DEC to host mega events at scale.

Indoor and outdoor spaces will come together to create a lively, festival-style atmosphere, especially during Dubai’s cooler months. Culinary offerings will form a defining part of the event experience at DEC, featuring an open-air plazas with over 50 food trucks, an autonomous smart mini market, and a series of mobile F&B innovations ranging from electric mini food trucks to premium lounges, catering to diverse international visitors, at scale.

Beyond the venue, Expo City Dubai’s vibrant food and beverage destination further enriches the visitor experience. With its mix of cafes, casual dining concepts, and international restaurants set across walkable districts, Expo City provides a ready culinary ecosystem.

Phase 1 Construction Milestones

Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion has progressed at record pace, delivering 140,000 square metres of event space. The milestone underscores DWTC’s ability to deliver complex, world-class infrastructure efficiently and to the highest international standards, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global capital for business and events.

The expansion introduces 64,000 sqm of permanent exhibition halls and 30,000 sqm of temporary pavilion structures, seamlessly integrated with existing facilities to create a total event-ready capacity for up to 50,000 visitors per day.

Key construction achievements include:

• Substantial completion of the building roof and façade
• Phased Power On achieved in collaboration with DEWA – a critical step towards operational readiness.
• 75% completion of building services, with system testing and commissioning well advanced

Driven by precision and purpose, more than 4,000 workers have contributed over 9 million man-hours to date, reflecting the extraordinary scale and dedication behind the project’s delivery. Structural highlights include 515 foundation piles, 14,000 tonnes of steel, and 48,000 cubic metres of reinforced concrete, complemented by 78,000 square metres of roof sheeting, new parking zones, and expanded marshalling yards designed to optimise event operations.

For more details on Dubai Exhibition Centre, please visit the website 
 

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The 92nd UFI Global Congress brought together hundreds of industry leaders in Hong Kong, reaffirming the city’s position as Asia’s premier destination for exhibitions, conferences, and innovation, while showcasing new infrastructure, strategic investments, and a bold vision for the future of the MICE industry — as the global spotlight now turns to Bahrain, host of the 93rd UFI Global Congress in 2026.

The global exhibitions industry gathered in Hong Kong for the 92nd UFI Global Congress, held from 19–22 November 2025 at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). Marking UFI’s centennial year, the event reinforced Hong Kong’s strategic position as Asia’s premier hub for exhibitions, conferences, and connectivity with the Greater Bay Area (GBA), backed by world-class infrastructure, seamless regional integration, and an innovative events ecosystem.

As the “World’s Meeting Place,” Hong Kong welcomed hundreds of industry leaders from around the world for high-level dialogue, collaboration, and forward-looking planning.

Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, remarked: “We are thrilled that the UFI Global Congress has returned to Hong Kong after 25 years to celebrate UFI’s centenary… I invite global industry leaders to explore beyond the conference halls and immerse themselves in Hong Kong.”

According to UFI, the global exhibition industry generated US$95 billion (€82.5 billion) in direct GDP and US$162 billion (€140.6 billion) in direct spending in 2024. In Hong Kong alone, more than 350 exhibitions attracted 9.17 million participants during the same year, supported by a strong pipeline of 10 new shows in 2025.

Chris Skeith (on the right), Managing Director & CEO of UFI, emphasised the significance of hosting the centennial edition in Hong Kong: “Experience and trust are two major trends to watch for the industry, and Hong Kong is the perfect destination for us today… we will do that together.”
 

Innovation and Insight Drive the Congress Programme

The programme spotlighted technological transformation, strategic development, and investments shaping the future of the industry. Silicon Valley strategist Dex Hunter-Torricke outlined how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping global sectors — and how the exhibitions industry will remain essential for reconnecting people, ideas, and opportunities.

A major highlight was the unveiling of AWE Phase II, which will include Hong Kong’s largest purpose-built indoor performance venue with 20,000 seats, scheduled for completion in 2028. This expansion is a key component of SKYTOPIA, the new tourism landmark under development in Lantau, integrating business, culture, and leisure.

Global leaders reinforced Hong Kong’s long-standing appeal. Lisa Hannant, CEO of Clarion Events, noted: “Hong Kong is at the forefront of the evolving industry across the whole of the trade show sector… an extraordinary place to be able to establish new events.”

Richard Ireland, CEO of Clarion Events Asia, added: “Its location near the Greater Bay Area, its affluent population and ability to host large successful events really made it a very simple decision.”

Margaret Ma Connolly, President & CEO of Informa Markets Asia, stated: “Hong Kong is really the bridge from Asia to the world… I do believe this is Asia's century and now the momentum is strong.”
 

Next Stop: Bahrain to Host the 93rd UFI Global Congress in 2026

Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) concluded its participation in Hong Kong with the official announcement that the 93rd UFI Global Congress will be hosted in Bahrain in 2026. The confirmation, made during the closing session, underscored the Kingdom’s rising influence and readiness to host world-class events.

Her Excellency Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain (check our interview with her here), commented: “Hosting the next UFI Global Congress is both an honour and a testament to the Kingdom’s growing influence… we reaffirm our vision to make Bahrain a global meeting point for innovation, collaboration, and opportunity.”

Throughout the four-day programme in Hong Kong, the EWB delegation engaged with organisers, associations, and global partners to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a strategic gateway for international business events and a centre of excellence for world-class exhibitions and conferences.

EWB’s active presence at the 92nd UFI Global Congress sets the stage for an inspiring edition in 2026 — reinforcing Bahrain’s ambition to become a leading regional and global hub for the MICE industry.
 

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UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced that its 94th UFI Global Congress will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 3-6 November 2027, hosted by the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

The UFI Board of Directors unanimously approved the selection during the UFI European Events Week 2025 in Thessaloniki, Greece. Guadalajara’s energy, international reach, and dedication to the global exhibitions industry made it a compelling choice for this essential industry event. 

The UFI Global Congress is the exhibition industry’s leading annual event, bringing together industry leaders from around the world to network, exchange ideas, and shape the future of the sector. Each year, Congress is held in a different region, reflecting UFI’s global footprint. Following the 2024 edition in Cologne, the event will travel to Hong Kong in 2025 and Bahrain in 2026 before arriving in Guadalajara in 2027. 

The 2027 Congress in Guadalajara will mark a return to the Americas, following previous editions in Las Vegas, USA (2023) and Bogotá, Colombia (2014). 

Hugh Jones, UFI President and CEO of RX, commented, “Each year, the UFI Global Congress brings together the people and perspectives that shape the future of our industry – and Guadalajara promises to be a vibrant and welcoming stage for this essential global conversation in 2027. 

As we continue to champion exhibitions as catalysts for connection, commerce, and innovation, I look forward to joining our community in Mexico for what I know will be an energising and impactful Congress.” 

Gustavo Staufert Buclon (on the right), CEO of the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau, added, "Guadalajara couldn’t be more proud to be appointed as the host of the UFI Global Congress 2027. Our commitment to the global meetings industry is strong and unwavering. We are members of the BestCities Global Alliance, IAPCO, Destinations International, IGLTA, among others. 

We recently hosted AFIDA and IFES, and now it’s our turn to welcome the UFI Global Congress 2027. We are ready!" 

For more information about the UFI Global Congress, visit the website
 

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The UFI Board of Directors has elected Wolfram Diener (President & CEO, Messe Düsseldorf Group) as the UFI President for the 2026-27 term.

Diener will join the UFI Presidential Trio as Incoming President in November 2025 and will become President in November 2026 at the 93rd UFI Global Congress in Bahrain.

The UFI Presidential Trio (photo on the right) for the November 2025 – November 2026 term will, therefore, be:

• Panittha Buri (Vice-Chairperson, Bhiraj Buri Group), President
• Hugh Jones (CEO, RX), Outgoing President
• Wolfram Diener (President & CEO, Messe Düsseldorf Group), Incoming President

This decision will become effective at the conclusion of the 92nd UFI Global Congress, which will take place from 19-22 November 2025 in Hong Kong SAR.

Wolfram Diener is the President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, a role he has held since July 2020. With over three decades of leadership experience in the global exhibitions industry, he contributed significantly to shaping Asia’s trade fair landscape in key leadership roles – including at UBM Asia (now Informa Markets), Venetian Macau Ltd., Marina Bay Sands Singapore Ltd., the Shanghai New International Expo Centre Ltd., and Messe Frankfurt. Since joining Messe Düsseldorf’s Executive Board in 2018, he has been driving the company’s international growth strategy.

Since November 2021, Diener has served as Treasurer on the UFI Executive Committee and sits on the UFI Board of Directors, playing an active role in advancing the association’s mission to support the global exhibition industry.

Wolfram Diener, UFI’s Incoming President, comments: “I am honoured to take on the UFI Presidency at a time of global challenges – not only as a representative of our industry, but as someone deeply convinced of its power to connect, inspire and enable progress. We must be present where the economy needs us most: in emerging markets and at the crossroads of global exchange. We are bridge builders – within industries, and between business, politics and science. With this mission in mind, I am committed to shaping a global exhibition industry that is collaborative, future-oriented and impactful. So that we can make our strongest contribution to moving the world forward.”

Hugh Jones, UFI’s President, adds: “Wolfram brings an extraordinary depth of leadership experience from one of the most successful and globally respected exhibition organizations. Under his guidance, Messe Düsseldorf has seen remarkable international expansion, strategic innovation, and sustained growth. His deep industry knowledge, global perspective, and forward-thinking vision make him exceptionally well placed to help steer the future of our industry. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to shape a more connected, sustainable, and innovative exhibitions world.”

Chris Skeith OBE, UFI CEO and Managing Director, comments: “I have known Wolfram for many years, more recently as I stepped into the role of UFI CEO, where he serves as Treasurer on the UFI Executive Committee and sits on the UFI Board of Directors. I have always held him in the highest regard, so I am thrilled that he will be UFI’s Incoming President for 2026/27. His extensive international experience and deep understanding of both organiser and venue perspectives will be invaluable as we guide UFI into its next exciting chapter together.”

As UFI’s Incoming President, Wolfram Diener will work closely with the President and Outgoing President as part of the Presidential Trio, managing UFI at the highest level and furthering UFI’s mission to connect, support and promote the exhibition industry around the world.

UFI was founded in 1925 as a non-profit, nonpartisan, and international association. Today, it is the global association for the exhibition industry, directly representing more than 50,000 exhibition industry professionals in 90 countries around the world. UFI is headquartered in Paris, France, and operates five regional offices in Asia, North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.

True to the association’s global presence, UFI’s recent Presidents have been from the UAE (Geoff Dickinson, 2023-24), the UK (Michael Duck, 2022-23), Hong Kong (Monica Lee-Müller, 2021-22), India (Anbu Varathan, 2020-21), USA (Mary Larkin, 2019-20), and South Africa (Craig Newman, 2018-19).
 

Published by Meeting Media Group, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

UFI Asia-Pacific Chapter meeting

The UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, brought together industry leaders from over 20 countries to Australia for the first time on 13-14 February.

Co-located with the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) and the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) Leaders Forum, the conference set the stage for a dynamic week of exceptional networking, insights, and industry collaboration.

Natalie O’Brien AM, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, commented, “We were thrilled to host the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference for the first time in Australia. Hundreds of thought leaders from around the world came together to network, exchange ideas and discuss some of the biggest challenges and opportunities for our industry.”  

“It was a momentous week for the business events industry, with the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, AIME and ABEA Leaders Forum all taking place here at MCEC. We were proud to showcase Melbourne’s vibrant, welcoming culture and reputation for delivering world-class events.” 

“We were thrilled to bring the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference to Australia for the first time ever,” added Chris Skeith OBE, Managing Director and CEO of UFI.

“As the exhibition industry continues to evolve, the conversations we’ve had here in Melbourne — on sustainability, AI, talent, and more — will help shape the future of our sector in the region and beyond. We’re excited to see the momentum from this event drive innovation and growth across the industry.”

Over two days, a diverse lineup of speakers and thought leaders from across the APAC region and beyond tackled key issues shaping the exhibition industry today, including talent development, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and evolving market trends. All sessions will be made available to UFI members and conference participants in the coming days as on-demand videos.

Alongside the sessions, the UFI Asia-Pacific Chapter and Associations Committee also had a chance to meet and share updates. The Associations Committee meeting provided updates on UFI research and advocacy and included a presentation by MFTA (Macau), focusing on education and sustainability.

In addition, post-conference tours offered delegates the opportunity to experience the vibrant host city of Melbourne. Highlights included a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a scenic cruise along the Yarra River showcasing the city’s stunning skyline, and visits to the Australian Sports Museum and the legendary Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit.

As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises annual regional conferences in Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa, as well as the UFI Global Congress. The next event will be the UFI MEA Conference, which will take place from 28 to 30 April in Cairo, Egypt. The 92nd UFI Global Congress will take place in Hong Kong SAR from 19 to 22 November.

In 2026, the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

Full details about the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2025 can be found here

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced the dates and hosts for its 2025 Regional Conferences.

Open to all industry professionals, each conference is tailored to foster regional collaboration while addressing global challenges and opportunities. They serve as cornerstone gatherings for each region to connect, share insights, and tackle tomorrow’s trends.

The 2025 dates, hosts, and locations are:

• UFI Asia-Pacific Conference: 13-14 February 2025, hosted by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
• UFI MEA Conference: 28-30 April 2025, hosted by the Egypt Expo & Convention Authority (EECA) at the Cairo International Exhibition Centre in Cairo, Egypt.
• UFI European Events Week: 3-7 June 2025, hosted by TIF-HELEXPO SA in Thessaloniki, Greece.

“UFI’s regional conferences are a vital part of our mission to drive growth and innovation in the exhibition industry,” says UFI CEO Chris Skeith OBE. “Whether you’re looking to forge new partnerships, exchange best practices, or gain fresh perspectives, these events are the perfect platform to do so.”

For more information and to register for UFI’s 2025 Regional Conferences, please visit the website. 

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced that the 2025 UFI MEA Conference will be held in Cairo, Egypt. Hosted by the Egypt Expo and Convention Authority (EECA), the event will bring together leaders and decision-makers from across the exhibition industry to Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center from 28 to 30 April.

Held annually, the UFI MEA Conference serves as a platform for fostering growth, exchanging insights, and promoting collaboration within the region and beyond. Following a successful 2024 conference in Kigali, Rwanda — which brought together industry professionals from over 15 countries — Cairo is poised to deliver another exceptional edition that will build on this momentum and further support the region’s dynamic exhibition sector.

General Sherif El Mawardy, Chairman of Egypt Expo & Convention Authority, comments, “We sincerely thank UFI for granting our request to host the Middle East and Africa Conference & Expo from April 28 to 30, 2025. This follows Cairo’s milestone hosting of the 70th UFI Global Congress in 2003 at the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel, which marked Cairo as the first city in the Middle East to host this prominent global event. This recognition showcases the international community’s regard for Egypt’s active and expanding role in the global exhibition sector.

Egypt has been a notable presence in this industry since participating in the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and hosting the first International Agricultural Exhibition in Cairo in 1900. With our strategic location, world-class exhibition facilities, diverse economy, government incentives, thriving tourism sector, large domestic market, digital innovations, and skilled workforce, Egypt stands out as a premier destination for investors in the exhibition industry.

At the Egypt Expo & Convention Authority, we are committed to fostering strong partnerships across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond to fulfil our shared vision of advancing the exhibition industry by embracing best practices, innovative technologies, and international standards.”
 

Said Al Shanfari, UFI MEA Chapter Chair and CEO of Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, adds, “The UFI MEA Conference is a vital platform for bringing together key players from across the region and beyond. With the rising interest in the North African market, especially among GCC stakeholders, this conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore collaborations that can shape the future of our industry. I warmly invite all industry professionals to join us in Cairo for this exceptional event, as we collectively unlock new opportunities in this thriving region.”

Naji El Haddad, UFI Regional Director MEA, adds, “As one of the largest and most dynamic markets for business events in the region, Egypt continues to see remarkable growth in trade shows and exhibitions, making it a key player in driving economic and industry development. We are excited to bring the UFI MEA Conference to Cairo next April, where we will explore new opportunities and strengthen our community’s presence in this thriving market. I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Egypt Expo and Convention Authority for hosting this important event and for their continued commitment to supporting the exhibition industry”

As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises annual regional conferences in the Middle East & Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, as well as the UFI Global Congress. Registration is now open to all exhibition industry professionals.

For further details on the programme and to register, please visit the UFI MEA Conference website

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has revealed today a new logo and updated branding, marking UFI’s transition into its second century of existence.

For a long time after its foundation in 1925, the organisation did not use a logo. After a hiatus during the Second World War, the first visual was introduced in 1947, showing the head of Hermes, the Greek god of Trade and messenger of the gods (called Mercury by the Romans), wearing a winged helmet.

This logo was used until 2003, when UFI underwent a major repositioning. Then, the organisation's name was changed to “UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry,” reflecting that UFI had indeed grown to be a global organisation with (back then) presences in Paris and Hong Kong. That repositioning included a new logo, depicting an abstract version of the head of Hermes.

The new logo now focuses on the wing of Hermes’ helmet as the symbol of the organisation's legacy. The wing consists of four strands or feathers, representing the four pillars of UFI’s work for its members and the global exhibitions and events industry: Events, Research, Education, and Advocacy. Its green colour represents the sustainable and long-lasting positive impact of exhibitions for businesses, destinations, and societies as well as a perennial optimism that a greater good is achieved when people meet across borders and cultures.

The logo as well uses a modern and clean font that is optimised for use across digital channels as well as in its physical appearance.

UFI President Geoff Dickinson comments, “Our industry has changed a lot since the beginning of this century, and UFI has changed with that. As the relevant global organisation for our sector, the new logo and appearance showcase how much UFI has grown and matured. We have a different role, a bigger responsibility now, and UFI’s new identity reflects this. It suits our organisation well.”

“It is a testament to the great work done almost 25 years ago that the previous UFI appearance stood the test of time for this long and could be stretched far into this much more digital presence. But on the eve of UFI’s 100th birthday, it was time to re-think and reimagine what UFI looks like to ensure future success in an ever more digital environment”, adds Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO.

The new branding will be rolled out across all digital platforms, event materials, and communication channels in the coming weeks. Attendees of the upcoming UFI Global Congress in Cologne, Germany, will also get a first-hand look and feel at the new branding as it debuts during the event, which will be held from 20 to 23 November 2024 at Koelnmesse – including a special commemorative giveaway.

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has unveiled the programme for the 91st Global Congress, which will take place from 20 to 23 November 2024 at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. Centred on the theme “Changes to Chances,” this year’s programme will explore global trends reshaping the exhibition industry and uncover strategies to transform these shifts into opportunities for growth.

“We are delighted to be hosting this year's Congress,” emphasises Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse. “The theme 'Changes to Chances' gets straight to the heart of our times. Koelnmesse is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and we are aware of the challenges and changes in the markets. This makes the exchange with industry professionals in Cologne all the more important: We are not resting on our laurels, but are constantly developing trade fairs to maintain their innovative strength as well as our own.”

UFI President Geoff Dickinson adds, “This year’s Congress comes at a pivotal time for our industry, offering a unique opportunity for us to unite, strategise, and reimagine how we can turn today’s changes into tomorrow’s chances. We are excited to welcome everyone to Cologne and look forward to the conversations that will shape the future of our sector worldwide.”
 

Keynote speaker and main stage sessions

UFI will welcome Anna Rosling Rönnlund, co-founder of Gapminder, as this year’s Keynote Speaker. One of the most influential voices shaping how we perceive the world today, Anna is renowned for her commitment to dispelling misconceptions about global development and challenging stereotypes. In a time of challenge and disruption, Anna will inspire delegates and give them a deeper understanding of societal progress and global trends.

This year’s Power Hour session is set to offer a comprehensive view of the key forces shaping the global landscape. Zoë Williams of The Guardian will offer insights into societal trends, examining how social shifts and challenges are influencing communities, while Tom Rafferty and Matthew Sherwood from the Economist Intelligence Unit will discuss the geopolitical forces impacting global trade and security as well as the economic trends affecting businesses worldwide. Together, they will provide a thought-provoking discussion on the broader forces driving change and their implications for the exhibition industry.

Additional highlights include insights from Gary Shapiro on adapting and thriving in a rapidly evolving industry, perspectives from the Global Exhibition Industry Board Meeting, where senior executives will discuss growth and opportunity, and much more. Delegates can look forward to learning, networking, and exchanging ideas with top voices from within and outside the industry.
 

Spotlight sessions and focus on Germany

Returning by popular demand, parallel Spotlight Sessions will offer a deep dive into topics that matter most to the industry. From advocacy and digital innovation to venue management and beyond, these sessions offer delegates operational insights from experts who are leading the way, including this year's six UFI Award winners.

Friday afternoon brings this year’s Country Focus sessions, spotlighting Germany. Led by AUMA - Association of the German Trade Fair Industry, these sessions will provide an in-depth look into the forces shaping one of the world’s top exhibition markets.

Return of UFI Medal of Honour

On the eve of the association’s centennial in 2025, UFI is tapping into its rich history and will celebrate the return of a legacy award scheme. For the first time, UFI will award the “UFI Medal of Honour”, building on the historic medal awards that were last celebrated in 2001.

This highest UFI recognition will be granted to up to three individuals annually for their exceptional services to the global exhibition industry at large and the UFI community in particular. The UFI President will select recipients in consultation with the respective members of the UFI trio, and those chosen will be awarded during a special ceremony at the Congress.
 

AI-powered matchmaking and networking

Speed Matchmaking will take place just before the Congress sessions officially kick off, offering participants a head start on building valuable business connections. Using AI-driven technology, each participant will be matched for six one-on-one meetings, creating a tailored networking experience for all.

Xchange sessions

Delegates can look forward to the return of Xchange sessions on Wednesday afternoon, where destinations and event tech leaders present their latest developments. These sessions offer a unique glimpse into the innovations shaping the landscape of the global exhibition industry.
 

Experience Cologne’s rich history and culture

Beyond the sessions, delegates will have the opportunity to experience Cologne’s rich history and culture. From an exclusive organ concert at the renowned Cologne Cathedral to dinner at Flora Köln, the city’s Botanical Garden, each outing is designed to showcase Cologne’s distinctive charm.

For those looking to explore further, three curated post-Congress tours provide even more chances to delve into Cologne’s heritage. Whether it’s wandering through the Old Town to see famed landmarks, diving into the centuries-old story of cocoa at the Chocolate Museum, or discovering Cologne’s ancient Roman foundations, there’s something to captivate every curiosity.
 

Other meetings aligned with the Congress

As always, the Congress also provides the backdrop for a multitude of meetings for UFI’s leadership, regional chapters, and working groups. The association’s General Assembly will take place, as will many side meetings among associations attending, all underlining the role of the UFI Global Congress as the annual meeting place for the leaders of the exhibition industry.
 

Upcoming changes in UFI Leadership and Management

The Global Congress in Cologne will see the annual handover of the UFI Presidency. Towards the end of the Congress, Geoff Dickinson, CEO of dmg events, will pass the baton and the presidency to Hugh Jones, CEO of RX. Cologne will also be the last major UFI event under the leadership of outgoing CEO Kai Hattendorf. On January 1, 2025, Chris Skeith will take over as the association’s new Chief Executive Officer.

For more information, including the full programme, registration and delegate list, please visit UFI 

Outgoing CEO Kai Hattendorf alongside new UFI helmsman Chris Skeith

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has selected Chris Skeith, OBE, as the organisation’s next Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Kai Hattendorf on the 1st of January 2025.

Skeith will join UFI from the AEO (Association of Event Organisers), the leading association for organisers of events in the UK and internationally, where he has served as the organisation’s CEO since 2014.

“We interviewed several excellent candidates both from within and outside of UFI, and with Chris, we are convinced that we have selected an excellent leader to continue the development and evolution of UFI as our industry’s globally leading trade body”, says Geoff Dickinson, UFI President.

“Chris has been active in UFI for many years, chairing the Associations Committee and serving on UFI’s Executive Committee. In his AEO role, he has worked closely with our present management team, Kai and Adeline, on many issues, from Event Management to Advocacy. He is uniquely qualified to take on the role of the UFI CEO with his excellent track record.”

 “I look forward to continuing to serve our great industry, now on a global level at UFI”, says Chris Skeith. “I am joining a UFI team that is already setting the global standard on research, advocacy, collaboration and community excellence, and I will do my very best to build on the great work that has been done in the last decade.” 

Chris started his career in media auditing at the Audit Bureau of Circulations, where he later led on the development of their auditing products for the event sector. In 2006 Chris moved to the Events Industry Alliance (EIA), overseeing the merger of AEC & BECA to form ESSA (Event Supplier & Services Association).

In 2010, he also became Director of ESSA’s sister association, AEV (Association of Event Venues), driving venue engagement through numerous special interest groups before moving on to AEO in 2014. He continues to be a Director of EIA, which represents the sector to government and regulators. In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021, he was awarded an OBE for services to the Events Industry.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, reports the successful conclusion of the 2024 UFI Americas Conference, which brought together over 170 exhibition industry leaders and stakeholders from across the Americas and beyond.

Hosted by the Monterrey Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCV) at Cintermex, the conference took place from 10-12 September. It featured dynamic sessions, extensive networking opportunities, and a post-conference tour that showcased the vibrant culture and landscapes of Monterrey.

For the first time, UFI brought together members and industry leaders from both North America and Central & South America in a combined event, offering a unique platform to share regional updates and insights. Sessions and roundtable discussions were held in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and addressed key industry trends and innovations shaping the exhibition and events sector worldwide.

During his keynote session, Fernando Fisher, CEO of RX USA, introduced the "exhibitor last mile" concept, focusing on supporting new exhibitors with fair pricing, strategic locations, and tailored solutions. Rodolfo Andrade, General Director of Anhembi District in São Paulo, Brazil, shared his company’s successful technique of optimising venue spaces to enhance flexibility and appeal. During a highly regarded sustainability session, speakers collectively emphasised viewing sustainability as an inspirational challenge, encouraging practical steps to improve environmental impact.

Additionally, exhibition industry associations from across the region convened within the framework of the UFI Associations Committee to align on work for the industry and common initiatives around advocacy and education. AMPROFEC Members also had the opportunity to gather to discuss the association’s ongoing initiatives during a special meeting.
 

Beyond the sessions, delegates were able to experience the best of Monterrey through two unique tours: a post-event excursion to San Pedro Garza and the stunning La Huasteca Canyon, and a city tour from Parque Fundidora to Downtown Monterrey, highlighting the city’s rich history, culture, and local attractions. Both tours gave delegates unique opportunities to explore Monterrey’s rich offerings while fostering meaningful networking experiences.

David Manllo Valdés, Director of Monterrey Convention & Visitors Bureau, commented, “The UFI Americas Conference has been a milestone for Monterrey, bringing together for the first time in the city important trade show experts from different countries and the main players in the industry in Mexico and the region. It has also been an excellent opportunity to show the world the great advantages Monterrey has to offer in terms of infrastructure and services for events, its magnificent tourist attractions and the wonderful Mexican culture of the northeast. We thank UFI for having selected us as the conference venue and all the local providers who joined in to make this event a success.”

“This was for sure our best ever Americas Conference, as it was our very first one”, adds Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO. “But the concept worked well, with participation from Canada in the north to Argentina in the south – not to mention a delegation from China, arranged through CCPIT. UFI’s role as the global connector of the exhibition industry was clear on display this week, and the connections forged will drive future developments in the regions for our sector.”

As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises annual regional conferences in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, as well as the UFI Global Congress. The next event to take place will be the 91st UFI Global Congress in Cologne, Germany, from 20-23 November. For a complete list of upcoming UFI events, visit www.ufi.org/events. 

Full details about the 2024 UFI Americas Conference can be found on the event website

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced the theme for its flagship event of the year. Hosted by Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, from 20-23 November 2024, this year's Global Congress will centre around “Changes to Chances” – it will define and describe global changes underway and forthcoming as well as tackle the question of which opportunities they will provide for the sector.

“From geopolitics to new behavioural patterns, from climate to data regulations, the exhibition industry is facing a whirlwind of changes – impacting our business model, the value chain, and our customers’ needs and actions. To tackle these, we are turning this year’s UFI Global Congress into a gateway to understanding how these changes can be transformed into chances – into opportunities to innovate, grow, and thrive in a new, different landscape”, says Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO.

Highlights of the 91st UFI Global Congress include an opening keynote, C-level speakers from within and outside the industry, and an ever-evolving blend of sessions ranging from short and crisp talks to audience-favourite exclusive sessions. These sessions include the “Global Exhibition Industry Board Meeting”, the “Strategy Power Hour”, the Next Generation Leadership session, and the focused session of the host market – this year, Germany. Announced speakers and the evolving programme are always up to date on the UFI Global Congress website.
 

The Path Forward

UFI believes that every challenge presents an opportunity. This year’s Congress in Cologne is not just about addressing the difficulties the exhibition industry faces but about empowering attendees to turn these into significant opportunities. Whether it’s embracing new technologies, adapting to changing customer behaviours or rethinking traditional models, this is the industry’s chance to shape its future.

UFI warmly invites the 50,000+ industry professionals from its member companies, along with colleagues from partner associations — SISO, ICCA, and AIPC — to its premier annual gathering. This is where industry leaders from around the world come together to build connections and share invaluable insights.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announces that Kai Hattendorf will leave UFI at the end of 2024, having been the CEO since 2015.  

“I joined UFI in 2015, and these past ten years as the association’s CEO have been an amazing journey, serving the global exhibitions and business events industry”, says Kai Hattendorf. “A role like this is a stewardship for every person in office, and part of that stewardship is to find the right time to pass on the baton to a new leader. I could think of no better time to do this than the coming months, and as part of UFI’s centennial where we recognize the achievement of the past while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow”, Kai continues.  

Founded in 1925 in Milan, UFI will embark on a year of special programmes and activities to mark the organisation’s centennial at the 2024 Global Congress that will take place from 20 – 23 November in Cologne, Germany.

“UFI has an extremely strong team in place in Paris and the offices around the world, thanks to the amazing work Kai is doing, together with our COO Adeline Vancauwelaert in recent years”, says Geoff Dickinson, UFI President. “On behalf of the UFI leadership, I cannot highlight enough how Kai’s tireless work over the past ten years has driven UFI’s growth and development through good times as well as the pandemic - the worst crisis we all had to face in our lifetime. Kai’s commitment to our industry is unparalleled, and we will make sure to see him off in style towards the end of the year.”  

The UFI leadership team, led by Dickinson and supported by Vancauwelaert and Hattendorf, is managing the process of recruiting UFI’s next CEO.

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced that its 93rd UFI Global Congress will be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, hosted by the Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) in Sakhir.

The UFI Board of Directors unanimously voted at the 2024 UFI European Conference in Zurich, Switzerland. Bahrain's strategic location in the Middle East, coupled with its rich cultural heritage and EWB’s state-of-the-art facilities, makes it an ideal destination for UFI’s premier event.

The UFI Global Congress is the exhibition industry's leading annual event, bringing together industry leaders from around the world to network and discuss the future of the industry. A testament to the global footprint of UFI, the event takes place in different regions around the world each year. The 2026 edition will see the event returning to the Middle East after the 2022 edition in Oman, which saw more than 400 delegates from over 50 countries and regions.

Held annually in the 4th quarter, the UFI Global Congress is open to over 50,000 industry professionals globally and takes place in top trade show destinations. After this year’s Congress in Cologne, Germany (20-23 November 2024), the event will move to Hong Kong, hosted by AsiaWorld-Expo. Previous host cities include Las Vegas, Muscat, Rotterdam, and Bangkok.

“We are honoured to have been selected as the host destination for the UFI Global Congress,” said H.E. Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA). “This is a testament to Bahrain’s commitment to the MICE industry and our ongoing efforts to drive innovation in this promising sector. We look forward to welcoming delegates from across the globe to experience the Bahraini hospitality and the many opportunities our nation has to offer.”

UFI President Geoff Dickinson (CEO, dmg events) commented: “After Cologne in 2024 and Hong Kong in 2025, we couldn’t be more excited to announce that Bahrain will host the 2026 UFI Global Congress. Exhibition World Bahrain presented a very strong bid, making it an easy decision for the UFI leadership. After the success of the 2022 UFI Global Congress in Oman, we are thrilled to return to the Middle East for another unforgettable event.”

For more information about the UFI Global Congress, visit the website

The UFI European Conference attracted 300 delegates from 41 countries and regions to Zurich from 11-13 June. Held at Messe Zürich and hosted by MCH Group, the conference united top executives as well as show directors and senior-to-mid-level executives from Europe and beyond.

The content for this year’s conference was centred around the 5 trends that UFI highlighted at the start of the year as being the most pertinent to our industry: focus on the customer, reinforcing our identity, industry consolidation & new players, AI and climate crisis. Each of the trends had a main stage session including a speaker from outside the industry, and a break-out session where delegates had the chance to discuss the trends amongst themselves. The programme was introduced by a keynote presentation of the global economic perspective from renowned economist and former managing director of the World Economic Forum Stephane Garelli.

The Event Director Summit returned for the second year and took place immediately before the main conference.  It brought Exhibition Directors & Portfolio Directors from some of Europe’s leading show brands together for an intensive day of networking and learning, with delegates travelling to Basel for an exclusive tour of Art Basel.

The 2024 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Grant winners also had the opportunity to meet in person for the first time in Zurich, providing an excellent kick-off point for their 7-month-long project on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the exhibition industry. The five grantees were able to interview industry leaders and gather insights for their research, which will be presented at the UFI Global Congress in November.

UFI’s leadership bodies traditionally use the event as the backdrop for their summer strategy meetings. Both the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors were in session. Among other decisions, Panittha Buri was selected to become UFI President for the 2025/26 term. She will join the UFI Trio next November after the UFI Global Congress in Cologne, Germany. In the meeting of the European Chapter, Thessaloniki, Greece was announced as the host for next year’s European meetings, which will be rebranded and expanded into the “UFI European Events Week”, taking place from 4-6 June 2025.

Alongside the conference, sports and social activities provided delegates with opportunities to network and explore the host city. The UFI Sports Club featured running and footvolley with the Swiss National Footvolley team, while post-conference tours took delegates through Zurich and to the Lindt Home of Chocolate. This tradition at UFI events worldwide offers delegates the perfect way to forge deeper connections and immerse themselves in the unique culture of each host city.

“I am really pleased with the overall results from the conference. As always, it is the people who make it, and we had a very strong turnout again, not just from Europe but the rest of the world, too. I hope the delegates appreciated the format of the content including bringing in more voices from outside our industry, and I hope we gave some valuable learnings and takeaways. We also included three new technologies which I think all worked really well, so full credit to the teams on both sides for their efforts to integrate them so seamlessly. Final thanks to MCH for being such a great host and helping us deliver another high-quality UFI event,” commented Nick Dugdale-Moore, UFI Regional Director Europe.

Roman Imgrüth, CEO of MCH Exhibitions & Events, added: “The UFI European Conference is aimed at an interesting community. It was a pleasure to welcome them to Zurich and show them our compact venue and beautiful city”, he explains. “I would particularly like to highlight the Event Directors Summit – as a leading host in Switzerland, the attendees of this summit are naturally of great interest to us.”

All sessions will be made available to UFI members and conference participants in the coming days as on-demand videos.

As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises annual regional conferences in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and the Middle East & Africa, as well as the UFI Global Congress. The next event to take place will be the UFI Americas Conference, 10-12 September in Monterrey, Mexico. The UFI Global Congress will take place in Cologne, Germany, from 20-23 November.

Full details about the UFI European Conference 2024 can be found on the event website

From Left to Right: Panittha Buri, Hugh Jones, and Geoff Dickinson.

The UFI Board of Directors has elected Panittha Buri, Vice-Chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group, as the UFI President for the 2025-26 period. Buri will join the UFI Presidential Trio as Incoming President next November, and become UFI President at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in November 2025 in Hong Kong.

The UFI Presidential Trio for the November 2024 – November 2025 term will, therefore, be:

• Hugh Jones (CEO, RX), President
• Panittha Buri (Vice-Chairperson, Bhiraj Buri Group), Incoming President
• Geoff Dickinson (CEO, dmg events), Outgoing President 

This decision will become effective at the conclusion of the 91st UFI Global Congress, which will take place from 20 to 23 November 2024 in Cologne, Germany.
 
Buri (on the right) has served as the Vice-Chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group since October 2022. Previously, she held various roles at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), such as Managing Director and Director of Marketing & Sales. Since 2023, Buri has taken on several prominent roles: Chair of the UFI Asia Pacific Chapter, President of the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), and Board Member of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). She is also an Expert Representative for Bangna Commercial College and a Board Member of both UFI and AIPC.
 
Geoff Dickinson, UFI’s current President, comments: “I am incredibly happy that Panittha Buri will take on the Presidency of UFI in 2026. She has served the events industry passionately and committed for many years in various roles. As a board member of UFI for many years, as the Chapter Chair for Asia Pacific, and as President of the Thai Exhibition Association, she brings a high level of experience and excellent relationships with her industry peers, and as Vice Chair of the Bhiraj Buri Group, she has extensive leadership experience. She is also a very kind and caring person who will, in particular, progress the core values of UFI.”
 
Panittha Buri adds: “Thank you for entrusting me with this leadership role at UFI. I am truly honoured and humbled. I am excited about the journey ahead and am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside each of you. Let's embark on this journey with passion, integrity and a shared vision for the next generations to come. Together, we can achieve great things.”
 
As UFI’s Incoming President, Panittha Buri will work closely with the President and Outgoing President as part of the Presidential Trio, managing UFI at the highest level and furthering UFI’s mission to connect, support and promote the exhibition industry around the world.
 
UFI was founded in 1925 as a non-profit, non-partisan, and international association. Today, it is the global association for the exhibition industry, directly representing more than 50,000 exhibition industry professionals in almost 90 countries around the world. UFI is headquartered in Paris, France, and operates four regional offices in Asia, North America, Central and South America, and the Middle East and Africa.
 
True to the association’s global presence, UFI’s recent Presidents have been from the UK (Michael Duck, 2022-23, Hong Kong (Monica Lee-Müller, 2021-22), India (Anbu Varathan, 2020-21), the USA (Mary Larkin, 2019-20), South Africa (Craig Newman, 2018-19), and Italy (Corrado Peraboni, 2017-18).

Global Exhibitions Day to be celebrated on Wednesday 5 June 2024. Theme for this year is “Exhibitions are catalysts to sustainable futures” with a call for community to celebrate globally and plant a “GED Forest.”

Exhibitions have transversal impact across multiple industries and economies, building communities to collaborate on solutions for global challenges. The exhibition industry drives progress, facilitates economic growth, connects people and are a sustainable way of doing business. On Global Exhibitions Day, we invite all interested in increasing the visibility of the exhibitions industry regionally and globally to celebrate.

Celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of June, the ninth edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) will be held on Wednesday 5 June 2024 under the theme “Exhibitions are catalysts to sustainable futures”. The GED 2024 theme reinforces the role of exhibitions as platforms to bring people together face-to-face to connect, collaborate on global solutions aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and drive progress for economies worldwide.

Key Campaign Pillars

Four key messages underpin this year’s theme, including:

1. Exhibitions drive progress: Exhibitions are platforms to discuss, create and showcase solutions to our universal challenges.
2. Exhibitions facilitate economic growth: Exhibitions are engines of economic growth, connecting industries and driving job creation.
3. Exhibitions are a sustainable way of doing business: Exhibitions are a sustainable way to drive business and development, gathering communities in one place and managing our environmental impact.
4. Exhibitions connect people: Exhibitions are community builders, bringing people together face-to-face to connect, collaborate and contribute.

With one month to GED, the GED 2024 campaign is pleased to collaborate with Digital Marketing Partner snöball and Sustainability Partner EcoMatcher to plant a “GED Forest” across the Philippines, Madagascar, and Ecuador. With every social share using snöball, each participant will receive a tree planted in the GED Forestprovided by EcoMatcher. We invite all professionals across the industry to amplify their support for GED 2024 and help us grow our global GED Forest.

UFI President, Geoff Dickinson, comments: “For this year’s Global Exhibitions Day, it is important that we recognise the critical role of exhibitions in catalysing our collective sustainable future. This is a call for us to share the GED 2024 message across our communities with policymakers and media, colleagues and customers, family and friends. Let us plant the seed, and watch it snowball to grow our GED Forest around the world.”

How you can get involved

Resources and tools to help you celebrate GED 2024 can be found on the official event website. Some ideas on how to get involved include:

• Organise your own GED 2024 initiative and add them to the GED World Map.
• Ask your government officials for endorsement and recognition of the exhibition industry.
• Share GED 2024 theme and core messages with local media to increase awareness.
• Download the toolkit on the GED website and customise your own visuals using the GED logo or ‘Voices of the Industry’ card.
• Share the ‘Global Economic Impact of Exhibitions’ infographic from the GED website to highlight the relevance of our industry globally and regionally.
• Plant a tree in the GED Forest by sharing your support via snöball
• Share your Global Exhibitions Day activities through social media with the hashtag #GED2024.

 
Facilitated by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, GED 2024 is supported by over 70 national and international industry associations, Digital Marketing Partner snöball and Sustainability Partner EcoMatcher. 

Close to 300 delegates from 20 countries and regions attended the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Macau. The annual event was held at The Parisian Macao and hosted by the Macau Fair & Trade Association. It took place from 7-8 March and was co-located with the first-ever Event Directors Summit held in Asia

“This was our first time bringing this event to Macau since 2008. Both Macau and its MICE industry have grown remarkably since then. This year’s conference was particularly successful in bringing together UFI members and industry leaders from around the region, including approximately 150 from Greater China. A key theme explored in Macau was the emerging importance of the Greater Bay Area and growth opportunities for our industry in this region,” commented Mark Cochrane, UFI Asia-Pacific Regional Director.

Ms. Synthia Chan, Council Chairperson for the Macau Trade & Fair Association, said, “What an honour it was to host the 2024 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference! It got our adrenaline pumping with fun and surprises! And as always it was a pleasure to work with the UFI team. We have been waiting for years to host this event again, and now I can honestly say it was worth the wait!”

Over the two days of the conference, speakers covered key issues such as the rise of AI and its expected impact on exhibitions, the importance of implementing sustainable best practices, the evolution of event formats and the exciting opportunities emerging in China’s Greater Bay Area which includes cities such as Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

All sessions will be made available to UFI members and conference participants in the coming days as on-demand videos.

Macau also saw the initial edition of the “Event Directors Summit” format in the region. Launched in Europe in 2023, this invitation-only summit connects show and portfolio directors across borders to discuss common challenges.

Alongside the conference, UFI held numerous association meetings, including the Asia-Pacific chapter meeting and a session of the Associations Committee. UFI management also hosted a student delegation from Macau’s City University.

In 2025, the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will take place in Melbourne from 13-14 February, hosted by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises annual regional conferences in Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa, as well as the UFI Global Congress.

Full details about the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2024 can be found on the event website

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and AsiaWorld-Expo have signed a multi-year Diamond Sponsorship Agreement, underlining AsiaWorld-Expo’s commitment to the ongoing development of the exhibition industry.

The official signing took place during the 2024 Global CEO Summit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The Diamond Sponsorship is the highest tier of UFI sponsorship available, and all Diamond Sponsors directly contribute to expanding the depth and scope of UFI activities, enabling the association to better serve the exhibition industry. AsiaWorld-Expo will gain year-round promotion and visibility across all UFI events and activities as part of the Diamond Sponsorship Agreement.

“UFI provides an unparalleled platform for visionary leaders and passionate individuals in the exhibition industry to connect and collaborate. Our partnership with UFI represents a pivotal move to reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an essential hub for international exhibitions, as well as AsiaWorld-Expo’s strategic location which enables more exhibitors and organisers from around the globe to access and capitalise on the vast potential and promising growth of the China Greater Bay Area”, says Irene Chan, CEO of AsiaWorld-Expo.

"We are thrilled to have this support from AWE for the coming years. It will allow us to invest more in some UFI projects and activities that benefit our industry around the world as we are closing into UFI’s 100-year-anniversary in 2025”, says UFI President Geoff Dickinson.

UFI Diamond Sponsorship

The UFI Diamond Sponsorship programme offers selected partners of the exhibition industry a unique opportunity to support UFI in its global mission while mutually benefitting from the networking opportunities the globally leading association of the exhibition industry has to offer.

Find out more about UFI sponsorship activities