by Li Jackson, Exhibit City News
Global industry representatives converged in Las Vegas last week for a momentous occasion—the UFI Global Congress. This annual event, following the 2023 UFI General Assembly, saw more than 500 industry leaders from over 50 countries come together to shape the future of our dynamic field. With the specter of the pandemic now firmly in the past, the assembly commemorated a year punctuated by both global challenges and extraordinary opportunities.
As a first-time attendee at the UFI Global Congress, I can only express how truly fortunate I felt to be a part of this global community—a journey that began for me in the year 2000. The experience was nothing short of remarkable, offering me the privilege to engage in valuable sessions, forge new connections, and reunite with cherished international colleagues. The 2023 UFI Global Congress embodied the essence of our industry—innovative, resilient, and filled with camaraderie. It was a testament to the spirit that drives us forward, shaping the future of exhibitions and events.
Chaired by UFI’s President, Michael Duck, the General Assembly assessed UFI’s initiatives supporting its 820+ member companies, representing 86 countries. Duck highlighted the role of trade fairs in driving economic growth, revitalizing industries hit by the pandemic.
Duck also announced the launch of a North America chapter to accommodate the growing presence in the region, fostering collaboration with national exhibition industry associations.
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, summarized the busy year, including in-person events, educational programs, and global industry advocacy. UFI’s work focused on industry reopening and recovery amid worldwide events and changing economic conditions.
Key UFI activities in 2023:
- UFI Events & Communities: In-person events like the Global CEO Summit, regional conferences, and additional gatherings, expanding opportunities for members to connect and share.
- Research: UFI’s research provided industry insights, with the “UFI Global Barometer” tracking recovery and growth, forecasting market success.
- Advocacy: UFI’s engagement in industry advocacy expanded, positioning itself as a global representative for exhibitions, collaborating with entities like the UNFCCC, OECD, ISO, and supporting industry presences in Brussels and Washington, D.C.
- Education: UFI’s education programs, including the “UFI Certified Professional” designation, Exhibition Management School, and UFI-VMA Venue Management School, continued to offer valuable training.
Kai Hattendorf announces Geoff Dickinson as UFI’s Next President
New UFI President Introduction
UFI Announces Cologne as 2024 Global Congress Location
Geoff Dickinson (CEO, dmg events) will become UFI’s next President, taking over from Michael Duck. He is joined in UFI’s new presidential leadership trio by Hugh Jones (CEO, RX Global) as Incoming President, and Michael Duck (EVP – Commercial Development, Informa Markets) as Outgoing President.
Looking ahead, UFI will focus on pressing industry issues, with the Global CEO Summit and the 91st UFI Global Congress in Cologne, Germany, from 20-23 November, hosted by Koelnmesse. For 2025, UFI’s Board of Directors has selected Hong Kong as the destination for the UFI Global Congress, the event will be hosted by Asia World Expo.
UFI expresses gratitude to its members, partners, and sponsors for their support, including Diamond Sponsors Visit Qatar and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). For more information on UFI’s activities and future events, visit www.ufi.org.
Additional source: UFI.org News and Media
