UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named two more winners in its 2026 UFI Awards program.
CES, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), received the 2026 UFI Marketing Award. The award recognizes its use of artificial intelligence in event marketing.
Meanwhile, Informa Markets ASEAN received the 2026 UFI People & Culture Award. Its entry focused on strengthening internal relationships and collaboration across the organization.
UFI will recognize the 2026 award winners at its 93rd UFI Global Congress. The event takes place Nov. 2-5, 2026, in Bahrain.
CES recognized for AI-driven marketing
The 2026 Marketing Award focused on artificial intelligence in exhibition marketing. Specifically, UFI looked at how organizations use the technology to improve business results and the value of events.
According to UFI, CES used artificial intelligence for audience engagement, campaign optimization, and the onsite experience. Applications included personalized audience journeys, navigation, and logistics.
“We’re honored that UFI recognized our work and proud to have shown how AI can enhance creativity, improve efficiency and ultimately help more people discover the value of CES,” said Michael Brown, vice president of marketing at CTA.
CES is one of the exhibition industry’s largest events. Exhibit City News (ECN) previously reported that CES 2024 drew 138,739 attendees and more than 4,300 exhibitors. The show covered more than 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space. In addition, audited attendance included 56,432 international participants.
UFI also cited the program’s practical approach and measurable results.
Informa Markets ASEAN takes People & Culture Award
Informa Markets ASEAN won for its approach to strengthening relationships across countries, functions, and organizational levels.
This year’s award focused on internal relationships and collaboration. In particular, it recognized programs that support performance, employee experience, and organizational resilience.
“In a diverse and dynamic region like ASEAN, creating opportunities for our people to learn, grow, connect, and collaborate across ASEAN has been an important part of strengthening our business,” said Ian Roberts, senior vice president of Informa Markets Asia.
UFI said the winning entry combined leadership involvement with opportunities for employees to connect and learn from one another. In addition, employees worked together on business challenges.
Finalists for the People & Culture Award included Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), CTA, Dubai Airshow by Informa Markets, and IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. Marketing Award finalists included Dubai Airshow by Informa and Sparkative AI by EventX.
UFI presents annual awards across several areas of the exhibition industry. Categories include digital innovation, marketing, sustainable development, operations and services, people and culture, and industry partners. In addition, UFI shares selected projects through its Best Practices Library.
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, represents nearly 900 member organizations across 90 countries and regions. Founded in 1925, the Paris-based association serves tradeshow organizers, exhibition centers, industry associations, and other exhibition-industry partners. For more information, visit ufi.org.
Press releases submitted by UFI. Edited and compiled by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and context.
