(Image of Jorg Zeissig from IFES, Paulo Octavio Pereira de Almeida from UBRAFE, Gregor Bischkopf from IFES, and Mariane Ewbank from UBRAFE)
submitted by Robyn d’Alessandro, IFES
The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) and UBRAFE, the Brazilian Union of Business Fairs and Events, are proud to announce the relaunch of the IFES Global Exchange Experience following the signing on an MOU between the two organisations towards the end of 2024. This exciting initiative is one of the first actions arising from the agreement, marking a new chapter in global collaboration. The Global Exchange Experience offers unique learning opportunities for members of both organisations and advances the broader exhibition and events industry, initially with a particular focus on Brazil.
The IFES Global Exchange (GEE) Program serves as a one-of-a-kind platform facilitating international internships within the IFES network of companies worldwide. Participants gain exposure to best practices, fresh perspectives, and cross-cultural knowledge while sharing skills and ideas with industry peers. Originally launched prior to the pandemic, the program was put on hold during COVID-19. With the industry’s strong recovery, now is the perfect time to reinstate this valuable initiative and bring fresh thinking to the global community.
UBRAFE has been instrumental in jumpstarting the relaunch, creating an innovative mechanism for Brazilian members to benefit from the program. This collaboration emphasises professional development and international recognition, offering participants a four-week exchange of work and cultural experiences. Members will strengthen their skills, broaden their industry knowledge, and gain a deeper understanding of global exhibition practices—all while fostering open-mindedness, teamwork, and adaptability.
“Our MOUs with select organisations act as a springboard for joint agendas, creating opportunities where both parties benefit,” says IFES Executive Director Gregor Bischkopf. “This collaboration is a great example of how we can attract fresh talent, strengthen partnerships with companies and associations, and build a globally aligned workforce in a key region.”
Mariane Ewbank, UBRAFE’s Director of International Relations, agrees: “The GEE program for Brazil is all about fostering respect, understanding, and -sharing knowledge across generations and cultures while raising industry standards. We’re excited to bring fresh ideas from the Brazilian trade show and events community to the global stage and to learn from international players as well.”
The program also aligns with IFES’ broader goals of increasing representation in underrepresented regions, including Latin America, where this year’s IFES World Summit will take place, Asia, and Africa.
Brazil is a key player in the global exhibitions and events industry, boasting a robust economy, strategic location, and world-class venues such as São Paulo Expo and Riocentro. Events like Agrishow and the APAS Show showcase the country’s rich cultural appeal and sector diversity, making Brazil a prime destination for international exhibitors and event professionals. By embedding global expertise into the Brazilian exhibition context and bringing Brazilian insights to the global network, the program aims to better serve the needs of this vibrant market.
A Brazilian delegation courtesy of UBRAFE is planned to attend the upcoming IFES World Summit in June, where they will share insights on local challenges in Latin America and engage in discussions on global collaboration between service providers, venues, and organisers.
IFES and UBRAFE encourage all members to seize this opportunity to grow professionally, expand their networks, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the global exhibitions industry.
For more information about the IFES Global Exchange Program, please visit https://www.ifesnet.com/ifes-global-experience-exchange/ or contact UBRAFE directly to sign up for member participation.
About IFES:
The International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services (IFES) is the worldwide trade association dedicated to the specific needs of exposition designers and providers of tradeshow and events services. Over 300 companies representing more than 45 countries are proud network members. The purpose of IFES is to promote the commercial, professional, and socio-political interests of its members on an international level and generate and promote a business and knowledge exchange platform for its active members in the global market.
The IFES mission is to create partner unity and generate a stronger understanding of exhibition and event marketing on a worldwide scale through networking and knowledge sharing.
For more information about the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, go to www.ifesnet.org.
About UBRAFE
UBRAFE, the Brazilian Union of Trade Fair Promoters, represents and supports the business fairs and events sector in Brazil. This is the entity that represents the trade promotion sector nationally and internationally in all segments of the Brazilian economy. Its membership includes the largest companies in the value chain of the events sector, focused on generating business. UBRAFE is committed to elevating Brazil’s role as a leader in the global exhibitions and events market.
For more information about the Brazilian Union of Business Fairs and Events, go to www.ubrafe.org.br.
