submitted by the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES)
Brussels, Belgium – The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Association of Korean Exhibition Industry (AKEI). This new partnership strengthens our shared commitment to advancing the exhibition sector and deepening collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Together, IFES and AKEI will work to promote best practice, raise professional standards, and create meaningful connections between exhibition professionals in Korea and the global IFES network.
“Korea’s exhibition landscape is evolving at pace,” said Jörg Zeißig, President of IFES. “This partnership with AKEI reflects our belief that for our industry to thrive globally, we need to champion regional growth, exchange knowledge freely and open new pathways for collaboration. We see this as an exciting opportunity to connect Korean enterprises with our international members, unlocking new markets, partnerships and more resilient ways of working.”
From the Korean side, Sohn Soo-Deuk, President of AKEI, shared: “AKEI is excited to join forces with IFES to promote cooperation and shared success among exhibition practitioners. Korea’s exhibition industry plays a vital role in driving exports, supporting related sectors and generating employment. Through this partnership, we aim to strengthen the industry’s infrastructure, create new business opportunities for SMEs and enhance Korea’s standing in the global exhibition community.”
Korea’s exhibition sector continues to gain global attention. AKEI has been instrumental in achieving formal industry recognition through the Exhibition Industry Development Act, launching certification programmes and advancing digital transformation and international expansion. These initiatives have established a strong platform for deeper engagement with IFES’s worldwide membership. In turn, IFES brings a diverse network of over 320 companies in 47 countries — a powerful hub for knowledge-sharing, education and business development across the exhibition supply chain.
Under the MOU, IFES and AKEI will collaborate on professional development, share market intelligence and best practices, and help Korean service providers and organisers reach new international opportunities. Likewise, IFES members will benefit from AKEI’s market insight and local expertise, opening doors to partnerships within Korea’s dynamic and innovative exhibition scene. This collaboration supports AKEI’s ambition to boost the industry’s global competitiveness while expanding IFES’s presence across East Asia.
Sustainability, innovation and professional excellence are shared priorities for both organisations. Korea’s growing strengths in smart technology, immersive environments and digital engagement align naturally with IFES’s focus on emerging formats, circular economy principles and global service standards. Together, IFES and AKEI will explore how hybrid models, sustainable supply chains and joint educational initiatives can further raise the bar for the exhibitions industry.
This agreement marks a positive step toward a more connected, forward-looking exhibition community in Korea and across the globe. IFES and AKEI extend heartfelt thanks to all members, partners and stakeholders who helped bring this collaboration to life — and look forward to the opportunities it will create for our shared industry.
About IFES
The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) is the only global organisation dedicated to the needs of exhibit designers, stand builders and show-service providers. Through its worldwide network, IFES connects professionals to share knowledge, drive innovation and enable sustainable growth — delivering on its promise of Working Local. Globally.
More information: www.ifesnet.com
About AKEI
The Association of Korean Exhibition Industry (AKEI) was founded in 2002 to represent Korea’s exhibition-industry value chain—from organisers and venues to service providers and supporting associations. AKEI’s mandate includes industry advocacy, collection of statistics, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promotion of internationalised exhibitions, certification of industry professionals and the development of a skilled workforce in line with digital and ESG trends. Through its efforts, AKEI positions Korea’s exhibition industry as a strategic sector for innovation, export-growth and high-value services.
More information: https://www.akei.or.kr/english
