This November, Cologne hosted the 91st Global Congress of the International Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). Over 550 experts from more than 55 countries met to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the global trade fair industry. With a new attendance record, the event at Koelnmesse's newly opened Confex became the central meeting point for trade fair experts from all over the world.
At the opening ceremony, Koelnmesse CEO Gerald Böse emphasised the strength of the trade fair industry in connecting people and providing new impetus for a sustainable future through the exchange of ideas and knowledge. UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf added that the global trade fair industry had made an impressive comeback after the pandemic. Global growth of 17 per cent compared to the previous year is expected for 2024. With a turnover of almost 300 billion euros and 3.4 million secure jobs, the industry clearly demonstrates its economic importance.
In his welcoming address, AUMA Chairman Philip Harting emphasised the central role of trade fairs for trade, cooperation and diversity. He emphasised that trade fairs are essential marketplaces that stimulate the economy and promote innovation, but require free trade. Organisers and exhibitors create strong trade fair formats to bring people together and drive forward future topics. Harting called for an attitude of respect, cooperation and diversity in order to tackle global challenges together. "Trade fairs are the ultimate meeting places, hubs, focal points for people and their ideas. Trade fairs are the best marketplaces, they are places of trade and platforms for strong networks. We, the trade fair people, bring the economy to life. We bring supply and demand together. And we bring innovators and problem solvers together. What we really need for this is free trade."
UFI Award winners presented their projects
Under the motto "Changes to Chances", the conference focussed on current and upcoming global changes and explored the question of what opportunities they present for the trade fair industry. This year's UFI award winners and their innovative projects were presented in the Spotlight Sessions, which took place for the second time. These sessions also discussed key industry topics, including the industry's commitment to achieving zero emissions by 2050.
This year's Next Generation Leaders (NGL) gave a presentation on the use of artificial intelligence. Their insights showed the transformative potential of AI for greater efficiency, innovation and growth in the exhibition industry.
Session on the situation and importance of the German trade fair industry
The Country Focus Session was organised by the AUMA Association of the German Trade Fair Industry and Koelnmesse. In addition to Managing Director Jörn Holtmeier, Silvia Bauermeister, Barbara-Maria Lüder and Max Reichert represented AUMA on the podium. With 70 exhibition centres, Germany is an indispensable player that offers SMEs in particular access to global markets, according to the message. The high level of internationality, with over 65 per cent foreign exhibitors, and the quality seal "Trade fairs made in Germany" secure the future of the industry. The trade fair industry is committed to sustainability. This is also demonstrated by the current AUMA publication "Added value of trade fair visits: How individual trips are avoided". The study analyses the sustainability potential of trade fair visits on the basis of surveys of almost 3,000 trade fair participants.
Hugh Jones takes over as President
The UFI welcomed Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, as the new President for the year 2024-25, succeeding Geoff Dickinson, CEO of dmg events. Both will be part of the UFI trio in 2025. They will be joined by the new President Panittha Buri, Vice Chairman of the Bhiraj Buri Group.
In preparation for 100 years of UFI next year, the tradition of the UFI Medals of Honour was revived. Mary Larkin, UFI President from 2020 to 2021, Sandy Angus, UFI President from 2001-2003, and Kai Hattendorf, UFI Managing Director since 2015, were honoured at the congress.
Next year's Global Congress will take place in Hong Kong from 19 to 22 November and will be hosted by AsiaWorld-Expo. The Kingdom of Bahrain has been selected as the venue for 2026. The last hosts were Las Vegas (USA) in 2023, Muscat (Sultanate of Oman) in 2022 and Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2021.
Further information: www.ufi.org