Hong Kong Marks UFI Centennial, Solidifying Its Role as a Global Exhibitions Hub

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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