Industry News
Curated headlines from the trade show and exhibition industry's top publications, associations, and expert blogs.
Letter from the UFI President: April 2026
Dear UFI Members and Friends, As we move further into 2026, the pace of our industry is once again picking up. Calendars are filling, travel schedules are becoming more ambitious and the familiar rhythm of exhibitions is well and truly back — along with the familiar challenge of keeping up with our…
Data with a voice: economic impact studies as advocacy tools for exhibitions globally
UFI CEO Chris Skeith OBE makes the case for economic impact data as the foundation of meaningful advocacy — and explains why the exhibition industry’s most powerful argument is one that too few people are making loudly enough. There is a story the exhibitions industry has always struggled to tell.…
International Women’s Day: In conversation with Panittha Buri
To mark International Women’s Day, we spoke with UFI President Panittha Buri about her leadership journey and the evolving role of women in the exhibitions industry. As the third woman to serve as UFI President, she reflects on resilience, authenticity, and the actions our industry can take to…
From Policy to Performance: Translating the 4Rs into Industry Trust
In today’s exhibition industry, trust is shaped as much by operational discipline as by scale. Stakeholders increasingly expect transparent data reporting, measurable sustainability outcomes and demonstrable return on investment. Frameworks such as the 4R model—Redefine, Regenerate, Reimagine and…
Letter from the UFI President: March 2026
Dear UFI Members & Friends, After the energy that comes with the start of a new year, the weeks that follow often feel different to me. January is full of intentions — February is when reality gently checks whether we truly meant them, usually sometime between abandoning our fitness goals &…
Expo Guadalajara: 39 Years Strengthening Jalisco’s Global Connections
In 2026, Expo Guadalajara celebrates 39 years of impactful events, strategic encounters, and long-term industry development. What began in 1987 as a collaborative initiative between business chambers and local authorities has evolved into a leading platform for economic growth and innovation,…
Designing Events for Focus in an Always-On World
Exhibitions today offer more content, more meetings, and more interaction than ever before. Yet for Gen Z and Millennials, the challenge is no longer access to information, but mental overload. Constant screen exposure and tightly packed schedules reduce attention and limit meaningful engagement.…
A DIWG PoC: How hard is it to make a functional AI voice assistant for the exhibition industry?
One of the best aspects of our industry is its openness. We don’t hesitate to share and collaborate. Curiosity supersedes competition and excitement trumps apathy. And nowhere else is that more visible than in the UFI Digital Innovation Working Group. The post A DIWG PoC: How hard is it to make a…
People, Culture and Sustainable Performance
At the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong, the People & Culture Insights Series explored how technology and empathy can work together to support sustainable performance in event teams. The session focused on practical ways to reduce burnout, improve engagement and ensure long-term workforce…
UFI Next Generation Leadership Programme 2025 Presentation
2025 NGL mission: Redefining Exhibtion Formats The 2025 NGL mission centres on redefining exhibition formats in response to the evolving needs of audiences, exhibitors, and organisers. Throughout the programme, the NGLs discovered and developed bold, forward-thinking approaches that challenge…