91st UFI Global Congress Turns Changes to Chances
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, hosted 600 delegates from more than 55 countries and regions as well as 50 speakers from within and outside the industry at its 91st Global Congress held in Cologne, Germany between 20-23 November.
Hosted by Koelnmesse, UFI members from around the world, including members of AIPC (The International Association of Convention Centres), ICCA (The International Congress and Convention Association), and SISO Associations (The Society of Independent Show Organizers), reunited for four days of networking and knowledge sharing. On behalf of the Turkish Fair Producers’ Association (TFYD), Zeynep Ünal Öztop, Chief Executive Officer and Deputy General Manager of Strategic Marketing at Tüyap, and Ali Muharremoğlu, member of Tüyap Board of Directors, attended the congress.
Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse
“The strength of our industry lies in its ability to bring people together. The past few days in Cologne have impressively demonstrated what we can achieve when we unite our ideas, knowledge, and passion. We are returning to our companies with renewed energy and innovative ideas, ready to set new benchmarks and shape the future sustainably,” says Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse.
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, adds, “This year’s Congress in Cologne will find a place among the biggest and best ones that this organisation has ever produced. Participants’ numbers match Shanghai 2016, which had been the best attended Congress to date. Beyond the numbers, and in great collaboration, we have been able to deliver value to each and every participant, empowering them to turn changes into chances in reflection of this year’s theme.”
Theme of the Congress: Changes to Chances
Centred on the theme “Changes to Chances,” the diverse programme defined and described the global changes underway and forthcoming, as well as tackled the question of which opportunities they will provide for the sector.
The Congress opened with an inspiring keynote by Anna Rosling Rönnlund, Co-Founder of Gapminder, titled “Gaining Clarity in a Changing World.” Rönnlund challenged attendees to rethink human biases and misconceptions, emphasising the importance of a fact-based approach over opinion-driven narratives to better understand the world.
Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, shared powerful insights on embracing change as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Shapiro urged the global exhibition industry to pivot towards agility in today’s dynamic market, embrace failure as part of growth, and cultivate curiosity to innovate and thrive.
The Power Hour session brought together analysts from The Economist Intelligence Unit and The Guardian for an in-depth look at forces shaping the industry. Topics ranged from the fragmented political landscape and generational divides to global economic growth and the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
The “How I See It” sessions featured thought leaders James Latham (Founder, The Iceberg), Sonia Prashar (Managing Director, NürnbergMesse India), and Enrico Gallorini (CEO, GRS Research and Strategy), each spotlighting the global exhibition industry’s strengths. Their messages emphasised the critical role of collaboration, connection, and inclusion in ensuring industry success.
Returning for a second year, specific Spotlight Sessions showcased this year’s UFI Award winners and their innovative projects. These sessions also explored essential industry topics, including energy, advocacy, and the pathway to achieving net zero carbon by 2050.
This year’s Next Generation Leaders (NGL) delivered an engaging presentation on leveraging artificial intelligence to elevate the exhibition industry. Their insights demonstrated AI’s transformative potential in driving efficiency, innovation, and growth.
Lastly, the Country Focus Session, led by AUMA – the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry and Koelnmesse, highlighted the role of trade fairs as critical international business hubs, underscoring Germany’s leadership in fostering global connections and commerce.
UFI Medal of Honour Awarded for the First Time
For the first time, the UFI Medal of Honour was presented by President Geoff Dickinson. Selected in consultation with members of the UFI Trio, three honorees were recognised for their exceptional contributions to the global exhibition industry at large and the UFI community in particular.
Recipients are Sandy Angus (UFI President 2001–2003), Mary Larkin (UFI President 2020–2021), and Kai Hattendorf (UFI CEO since 2015).
Hugh Jones, UFI President for 2024-25
UFI President for 2024-25: Hugh Jones
UFI welcomed Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, as the association’s new President for the 2024-25 year. Addressing the global UFI community, Jones said: “The exhibition industry is just one part of the global events industry. In 2025, we need to push ahead with initiatives focused on our exhibitions business, and we must continue to lead by example and take the wider event industry with us on this.”
Jones succeeds Geoff Dickinson, CEO of dmg events. In 2025, both will serve as part of UFI’s Trio, which includes the association’s incoming, present, and outgoing Presidents. They will be joined by incoming President Panittha Buri, Vice Chairperson of the Bhiraj Buri Group.
The Largest Meeting of the Exhibition Industry
Open to over 50,000 industry professionals from UFI member companies worldwide, the UFI Global Congress is held each November and stands as the exhibition industry’s largest global gathering of the year. It offers exceptional networking opportunities, along with unique content and experiences tailored to industry leaders.
In 2025, the 92nd UFI Global Congress will be held from 19 to 22 November in Hong Kong, hosted by AsiaWorld-Expo. For 2026, the Kingdom of Bahrain has been selected as the host destination.
UFI’s New Diamond Sponsor; Art of Fibre
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has signed a multi-year Diamond Sponsorship Agreement with Art of Fibre. This agreement underlines Art of Fiber’s commitment to the global exhibition industry and its role in driving the sector forward.
The official signing took place during the 91st UFI Global Congress in Cologne, Germany, between Geoff Dickinson, UFI President 2023-24, and Dave Schmidt, Founder and Investor of Art of Fiber.
“UFI’s mission to support and advance the exhibition industry aligns perfectly with Art of Fiber’s goals,” says Dave Schmidt, Founder and Investor of Art of Fiber. “Art of Fiber is committed to leading the event services industry through digital innovation, sustainable solutions and profitable growth. With our full-service marketplace for standardised stand building, we transform the exhibitor and venue experience. Being a Diamond Sponsor provides Art of Fiber with a unique opportunity to engage globally and play a pivotal role across the industry.”
“Art of Fiber joining as a UFI Diamond Sponsor represents a significant milestone for our association. Their support will help us continue enhancing our initiatives, championing innovation, and fostering greater collaboration across our global community,” adds Geoff Dickinson, UFI President 2023-24.
The UFI Diamond Sponsorship is the highest tier of UFI sponsorship available. All UFI Diamond Sponsors directly contribute to expanding the depth and scope of UFI activities, enabling the association to better serve the exhibition industry.
