The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) will bring its European MasterClass to Poznań, Poland, Nov. 25–27, 2026, for three days of professional development, industry discussion, and networking.
Hosted at MTP Poznań Expo, the event will focus on practical skills exhibition professionals can use as client expectations, technology, and ways of working continue to change.
The Poznań gathering is the second IFES MasterClass of 2026, following a collaborative MasterClass held in Dallas in August. Together, the two events extend IFES learning opportunities across two continents.
Practical skills for a changing industry
Under the theme “Futureproof Your Personal Toolbox,” the program will address client insight, resilience, artificial intelligence, executive presence, and career development.
The program opens with Speak Exhibitor, led by Agnieszka Garboś, which will examine how professionals can look beyond a client brief, identify business objectives, and move from order taker to strategic partner.
Keynote speaker Agnieszka Maruda will follow with Future-Proof Under Pressure, focused on resilience, emotional regulation, and staying effective in demanding event environments.
In Beyond the Brief, Han Leenhouts and Lee Ali will bring together contractor and exhibitor perspectives to explore how better questions can uncover hidden objectives, improve briefs, and strengthen client relationships.
The program will also include Matt Hughes’ AI Productivity Lab. Hughes, a Microsoft Certified Trainer and founder of TubeFest and Festival of AI, will lead a hands-on workshop in which delegates build an AI-powered tool around a workplace challenge.
On Friday, Aliya Rajah, executive presence and public speaking coach, will lead Building Executive Presence, focused on communication, trust, and influence.
The program concludes with Futureproof Your Career, a panel moderated by IFES President Jörg Zeissig. The discussion will explore leadership lessons, future skills, and international career development in the exhibition industry. Delegates will then create their own Futureproof Career Plan.
“The most useful professional development gives people something they can put into practice as soon as they return to work,” said Lee Ali of the IFES Education Committee. “In Poznań, we want participants to test ideas, challenge familiar habits and learn from colleagues whose markets and experiences may be very different from their own.”
Learning beyond the classroom
The MasterClass will also include opportunities for delegates to connect outside formal sessions.
On Thursday, participants will visit the Poznań Croissant Museum & Experience for an introduction to the city’s St. Martin’s Croissant tradition. The group will then continue to an evening networking dinner in the Old Town area.
Registration for IFES MasterClass 2026 in Poznań is now open.
The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services is a global trade association serving exhibition designers and tradeshow and event service providers. Its network includes more than 350 companies in more than 47 countries. For more information, visit ifesnet.org.
Press release submitted by IFES. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
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