UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will bring its 93rd Global Congress to the Kingdom of Bahrain from Nov. 2–5. The event will mark the first time the congress has taken place there.
Exhibition World Bahrain and the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority will host the event under the theme “Stronger Connections, Smarter Futures.” This year’s program will focus on growth, global business events, technology, data, artificial intelligence and the changing role of live events.
Carter to Deliver Keynote
Stephen A. Carter, group chief executive of Informa, will deliver the keynote address, “The Power of Live.” He will discuss the value of live events and their role in international markets and cities. In addition, Carter will examine how data and AI are creating new opportunities for organizers and customers.
Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, will close the first day with a session on how exhibitions are evolving. Specifically, he will look at how organizers can create more value for participants while helping attendees do business more effectively.
Industry Issues Take the Main Stage
Other sessions will examine confidence and growth, the changing business of global events and the global economic outlook. The program will also explore the communities built around exhibitions and the industry’s use of technology, data and AI.
UFI CEO and Managing Director Chris Skeith said the congress will give industry leaders a place to exchange perspectives and consider what comes next.
“In a rapidly changing and unpredictable world, the value of coming together, sharing perspectives, and finding clarity for what lies ahead has never been stronger,” Skeith said.
Leadership Change Ahead
The final day will also bring a change in UFI leadership. Wolfram Diener, president and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf Group, will become UFI president.
He will succeed Panittha Buri, vice chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group. Buri will then move into the role of outgoing president.
Meanwhile, the congress will include the UFI Medal of Honour ceremony. The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the global exhibition industry and the UFI community.
Bahrain Hosts for the First Time
Sara Ahmed Buhejji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain, called hosting the congress an important milestone.
“Hosting the 93rd UFI Global Congress is significant for EWB, bringing the global exhibition community together in the Kingdom for the first time,” Buhejji said.
UFI says its member companies represent more than 50,000 industry professionals worldwide. As a result, the congress is expected to bring together exhibition organizers, venues and service providers from across the global events industry.
For more information, visit uficongress.org.
About
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, represents exhibition organizers, venue operators and service providers around the world. In addition, it supports the exhibition industry through research, education, advocacy and networking. For more information, visit ufi.org.
Press release submitted by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length and style.
