Paris — 27/02/2025: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is pleased to welcome Alex Hsu as the association’s new Programme Manager Content & Communities.

In his role, Alex will work within UFI’s Marketing & Communications team on strategic initiatives such as Global Exhibitions Day and the Next Generation Leadership Grant, coordinating with overseas partners and stakeholders to ensure their success. He will also play an integral role in UFI’s 100-Year Celebration campaign.

Originally from Taiwan and now based in Paris, Alex brings six years of international experience in trade show coordination and marketing, having worked with Messe Frankfurt in both Taiwan and France. His expertise also extends beyond exhibitions with a background in graphic design, enabling him to bring both his creative and strategic sides to UFI’s programmes and initiatives.

Alex Hsu, UFI Programme Manager Content & Communities, comments, “This opportunity at UFI offers me a fresh perspective on the exhibition industry. I’m excited to be part of this international team, and I look forward to applying my expertise to further enrich UFI’s programmes and activities worldwide.”

“We are delighted to welcome Alex to UFI,” adds Adeline Vancauwelaert, COO of UFI.

“With his industry knowledge and creative mindset, he is a fantastic addition to our Marketing & Communications team. We look forward to the work he’ll do to further strengthen our reach within the global exhibition industry.”

For more information about UFI and its initiatives, please visit www.ufi.org.

Attachment:

• Portrait of Alex Hsu

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• 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.

Attachments:

• UFI NGL Grant 2025 logo
• UFI NGL Grant 2025 flyer

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