UFI launches “Next Generation Leadership” Grant programme for 2025

20 February 2025

Industry-leading talent initiative now in its 9th year
Future leaders to focus on Redefining Exhibition Formats
Deadline for applications is 3 April 2025

Paris — 20/02/2025: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is inviting talented industry professionals from around the world to apply to the 2025 edition of its “Next Generation Leadership” Grant programme.

The UFI Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Grant fosters emerging leaders within the exhibition industry by recognising individuals who demonstrate clear initiative in driving change and innovation in their respective domains. Now in its 9th year, the programme has been a stepping stone for dozens of rising leaders worldwide and is supported by leading global exhibition organisers Clarion, dmg events, Informa Markets, and RX.

Every year, NGL Grant applicants are asked to focus on a mission that tackles a critical topic facing the exhibition industry. The 2025 mission calls for applicants to explore innovative, unconventional formats to inspire the next evolution of event models.

“There has never been a better time for fresh talent to step forward and rethink exhibition formats. The NGL Programme offers a unique platform to challenge conventions and shape the future of events. I urge industry leaders to put forward their best, and I challenge bright minds everywhere: Step up and redefine exhibitions.” says Chris Skeith OBE, UFI Managing Director and CEO.

Adeline Vancauwelaert, COO of UFI, adds, “The NGL Grant is not just about recognizing talent but also about creating space for emerging leaders to experiment and drive change. The best ideas often come from fresh perspectives, and we can’t wait to see how this year’s winners challenge the way we think about exhibitions.”

UFI awards the NGL Grant to up to five future leaders. The winners will be selected by an international jury chaired by UFI President Hugh Jones (CEO, RX) on 17 April. Applications are open to anyone who works full-time in the exhibition industry but who has done so for no more than ten years.

The 2025 grant winners will be announced in late April. The seven-month programme allows participants to engage while continuing their daily work obligations. Together, the winners will investigate the future of exhibitions through the 2025 mission and will work closely with the UFI team as well as receive support from the NGL alumni community and mentors.

The NGL grant winners will first be invited to the UFI European Events Week in Thessaloniki, Greece, on 3-7 June 2025 to kick off their project together. The programme will then culminate in a special session at the 92nd UFI Global Congress on 19-22 November 2025 in Hong Kong, SAR, where they will present their findings to our industry’s top leaders and decision-makers.

Applications are open until 3 April 2025. Detailed information about the programme, the 2025 mission, and how to apply is available online at www.ufi.org/ngl.

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UFI Asia-Pacific Conference brings industry leaders to Australia for the first time

18 February 2025

Industry leaders from 20+ countries gather in Melbourne, Australia
Diverse line-up of speakers tackle sustainability, AI, talent, and more
Event co-located with Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) and the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) Leaders Forum

Paris / Melbourne — 18/02/2025: The UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, brought together industry leaders from over 20 countries to Australia for the first time on 13-14 February.

Co-located with the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) and the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) Leaders Forum, the conference set the stage for a dynamic week of exceptional networking, insights, and industry collaboration.

Natalie O’Brien AM, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, commented, “We were thrilled to host the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference for the first time in Australia. Hundreds of thought leaders from around the world came together to network, exchange ideas and discuss some of the biggest challenges and opportunities for our industry.”

“It was a momentous week for the business events industry, with the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, AIME and ABEA Leaders Forum all taking place here at MCEC. We were proud to showcase Melbourne’s vibrant, welcoming culture and reputation for delivering world-class events.”

“We were thrilled to bring the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference to Australia for the first time ever,” added Chris Skeith OBE, Managing Director and CEO of UFI.

“As the exhibition industry continues to evolve, the conversations we’ve had here in Melbourne—on sustainability, AI, talent, and more—will help shape the future of our sector in the region and beyond. We’re excited to see the momentum from this event drive innovation and growth across the industry.”

Over two days, a diverse lineup of speakers and thought leaders from across the APAC region and beyond tackled key issues shaping the exhibition industry today, including talent development, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and evolving market trends. All sessions will be made available to UFI members and conference participants in the coming days as on-demand videos.

Alongside the sessions, the UFI Asia-Pacific Chapter and Associations Committee also had a chance to meet and share updates. The Associations Committee meeting provided updates on UFI research and advocacy and included a presentation by MFTA (Macau), focusing on education and sustainability.

In addition, post-conference tours offered delegates the opportunity to experience the vibrant host city of Melbourne. Highlights included a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a scenic cruise along the Yarra River showcasing the city’s stunning skyline, and visits to the Australian Sports Museum and the legendary Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit.

As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises annual regional conferences in Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa, as well as the UFI Global Congress. The next event will be the UFI MEA Conference, which will take place from 28 to 30 April in Cairo, Egypt. The 92nd UFI Global Congress will take place in Hong Kong SAR from 19 to 22 November.

In 2026, the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

Full details about the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2025 can be found on the event website: www.ufiasia.org.

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