Kai Hattendorf with a deep-dive into a sector he knows intimately, drawing out lessons that are of value to meeting professionals both within the trade show sector but also far more widely. Main takeaway: “Experiences, not Engines” drive success.
This is a big move towards common ISO standards for events: industry association leaders should be reaching out to UFI CEO Chris Skeith, who’s been proposed as Inaugural Chair. Championed by UFI, managed by AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation), the ISO Technical Committee on Events is a milestone in advancing international standards for the sector…
When the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war forced the International Gas Union to move the 20th edition of the International Conference & Exhibition on Liquified Natural Gas from St Petersburg to Vancouver with only 14 months notice, no-one anticipated the invaluable addition of societal partnerships onto the conference agenda, enabling the event to communicate the…
The US will impose sweeping import tariffs from 7th August, targeting key trade partners including Canada, China, and the EU. Trade shows face rising costs, disrupted logistics, and lost de minimis exemptions. While small to midsize exhibitors may pull back, committed firms see opportunities in maintaining visibility and adapting strategically. From Trade Show Executive…
UFI has released the latest 35th edition of its flagship Global Exhibition Barometer report, which captures the current status and outlook of the exhibition industry worldwide. The UFI Barometer has been providing benchmark data across key metrics for the industry since 2009, helping organisations to gain insight on trends to help them plan their business…
As sustainability efforts gain momentum, fragmented rules frustrate crews and contractors. “Too many rulebooks for the same game,” one industry insider says. With multiple standards, shifting timelines, and unclear mandates, execution often falls apart on the show floor. Industry leaders are calling for unified, practical, consistent guidance, built for real-world conditions. From Exhibit City News…
The UFI Business Mission 2025 (open to all industry professionals, UFI Members or not) is designed to connect international organisers, venues, and suppliers with the growing exhibition industry in Latin America, offering a special focus on the opportunities in Bogota, Colombia thanks to our host Corferias.
David Adler calls for the USA (and by implication, many other countries) to emulate the long-term strategic thinking behind Germany’s Messe-model success story. Trade show venues should be seen as intellectual infrastructure, creating and taking ownership of world-leading events that reflect the business and scientific strengths of the host city. From Gathering Point News…
The UFI Global Congress is a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring innovative solutions to the challenges facing the exhibition industry. By choosing Bahrain, UFI highlights the Kingdom’s growing importance as a hub for international events and its commitment to fostering the global exhibition ecosystem. (Open to UFI Members Only)
IZFAS, one of Turkey’s leading exhibition organisers, will host this flagship regional event, bringing together exhibition industry professionals from Europe and beyond to share insights, explore new trends, and strengthen cross-border collaboration. Izmir, known for its strategic location, cultural richness, and thriving trade fair industry, offers the perfect backdrop for dynamic discussions and meaningful connections.
UFI Asia-Pacific Conference Heads to Bangkok in 2026! This annual gathering is a key regional event for exhibition industry professionals, offering high-level insights, networking opportunities, and the latest updates shaping the industry in Asia and beyond. With its dynamic events landscape and rich cultural heritage, Bangkok promises to be an exceptional host city.
By Christian Folden Lund, CEO, Bellagroup: After more than a year of intense work, Danish legislation around work permits for large international events has finally been changed. A new exemption will be introduced for non-EU professionals working at events in Denmark — a major win for our event industry! This change will make it significantly…
The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry, has released its quarterly Global Events Barometer for 2025 Q1. The numbers reflect a slight dip in global business events from the end of 2024 but remain stronger than the same period last year. The report also acknowledges growing concern about the…
In 2025, the event proudly marks 33 years of championing international MICE business within Asia-Pacific, consistently delivering opportunities for global exhibitors and buyers to engage, network, and build strategic partnerships that fuel the growth of the sector. Simultaneously, the event celebrates 28 years of advancing Corporate Travel and Entertainment (T&E) management best practices, providing a…
It’s great to see a dramatic example of The Iceberg’s central metaphor on the cover of this book about the enormous impact and value of trade shows! It’s focused on the USA, but the arguments and insights are universal. Read a review from ExhibitCity News here. The Invisible Industry: The Evolution of Trade Shows can…
Hugh Jones, CEO of RX Global and President of UFI, the Association of the Global Exhibitions Industry shares the organisation’s key advocacy messages in a video address to policymakers.
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