submitted by UFI
Paris / Hong Kong — The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) has named the recipients of this year’s UFI Medals of Honour, awarded by UFI President Hugh Jones during the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong SAR.
For 2025, UFI leadership selected:
- Chen Xianjin (UFI President 2012-13)
- Michael Duck (UFI President 2022-23)
- Jo-Anne Kelleway (Innovator & Industry Ambassador)
- Cliff Wallace (UFI President 2008-09)
Commenting on the selected recipients, UFI President Hugh Jones shares:
“Mr. Chen Xianjin devoted four decades to advancing the exhibition industry in China and beyond,” says Jones. “From chairing the Shanghai International Exhibition Corporation and serving as Deputy Director of the Bureau of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, to leading the China Association for Exhibition Centers, his leadership has raised industry standards. As UFI’s first Asian President, Chen built vital bridges between China and the global exhibition community.”
“Michael Duck’s name is synonymous with passion and commitment to the exhibition industry,” commented Jones. “Since joining the Hong Kong Trade Fair Group in 1994, Michael has dedicated his career to building outstanding trade shows across Asia. He served as UFI Treasurer for 20 years and played a key role in opening UFI’s Asia-Pacific office in 2004. As a former UFI President, Michael has been a strong advocate for sustainable events. His dedication and leadership have made a lasting mark on our global community.”
“For more than 35 years, Jo-Anne Kelleway has been a driving force for innovation in our industry,” says Jones. “As founder of Info Salons, she transformed event registration and data management, introducing new technologies that reshaped how events connect with their audiences. After selling her business to Freeman in 2018, Jo-Anne continued her role as an industry ambassador, something she had been in spirit since day one. Within UFI, she has served as a mentor, an active Working Group member, and an enthusiastic speaker at many events.”
“Over the course of 50 years, Ciff Wallace has shaped the exhibition industry in Asia like few others,” commented Jones. “Closely involved in all aspects of the expansion of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Cliff’s leadership helped define our industry in the region. During his UFI Presidency, he helped initiate the UFI Global Exhibition Barometer report, which has become a flagship industry study. As a passionate educator and mentor through the Venue Management School, his influence continues to inspire new generations of professionals.”
Introduced in 2024, the “UFI Medal of Honour” awards individuals for their unique services to the global exhibition industry at large and the UFI community in particular.
Each year, the UFI President selects recipients in consultation with the respective members of the UFI Trio, and the medals are given out during the UFI Global Congress.
To learn more about the UFI Global Congress, visit www.uficongress.org.
About UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
UFI is the global trade association of the world’s tradeshow organisers and exhibition centre operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations, and selected partners of the exhibition industry. UFI’s main goal is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry. UFI directly represents more than 50,000 exhibition industry employees globally and also works closely with more than 72 national and regional association members. More than 900 member organisations in 90 countries and regions worldwide are presently signed up as members. Over 900 international trade fairs proudly bear the UFI-approved label, a quality guarantee for visitors and exhibitors alike. UFI members continue to provide the international business community with a unique marketing media aimed at developing outstanding face-to-face business opportunities.
