90th UFI Global Congress

UFI Global Congress in Las Vegas “Goes Beyond”

The 90th UFI Global Congress, hosted in Las Vegas from 1-4 November 2023, was a landmark event for the exhibition industry. Bringing together around 500 participants from over 50 countries and regions, the Congress offered four days of intensive business exchange, insightful content, and valuable networking opportunities. This year’s event, held at the ARIA Resort & Casino, was particularly notable for introducing many new participants, especially from North America, to the global UFI community.

A Diverse and Growing Global Community

The UFI Global Congress, the exhibition industry’s largest and most international gathering, once again demonstrated its importance as a platform for connecting leaders from around the world. With around 40% of the delegates attending for the first time, the Congress highlighted the growing global reach and influence of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. This year’s event was a crucial opportunity for industry professionals to come together, share ideas, and drive the future of exhibitions and events.

Exploring Industry Trends and Innovations

The Congress featured a rich programme of sessions designed to address the most pressing issues facing the exhibitions and events industry today. The event opened with an overview of the state of the industry, followed by strategic sessions that delved into five key trends shaping the future of exhibitions.

One of the most anticipated segments was the presentation by UFI’s Next Generation Leaders, who introduced a new blueprint for the design and development of exhibition spaces. Their innovative approach underscored the importance of adapting to changing market demands and enhancing the attendee experience at events.

Focus on Sustainability and the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative

Sustainability was a central theme at the UFI Global Congress in Las Vegas, reflecting the industry’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility. Across various sessions, delegates discussed the challenges and opportunities of moving towards more sustainable practices in exhibitions and events. UFI continues to lead the way in this area through its active participation in the “Net Zero Carbon Events” initiative, hosted by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC).

During the Congress, Alexander Alles, Executive Director of JMIC, provided a status update on this initiative, emphasising the need for collective action to reduce the carbon footprint of events. The discussions highlighted how sustainability is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in how the industry operates, with UFI playing a pivotal role in driving this change.

Building Connections Through Matchmaking Sessions

To maximise the networking potential of the Congress, UFI organised special matchmaking sessions before the event. These sessions facilitated around 550 one-on-one meetings, helping participants forge new connections and explore potential collaborations. This initiative, in partnership with mdg (a Freeman company) and Grip, underscored UFI’s commitment to fostering meaningful relationships within the exhibitions and events industry.

A New Chapter in UFI Leadership

As the Congress came to a close, Geoff Dickinson, CEO of dmg events, was officially welcomed as the new UFI President for 2023/24. In his address to the UFI community, Dickinson emphasised the importance of continuous improvement and innovation within the industry. He highlighted the role of exhibitions as platforms for positive change, driving sustainability and inclusivity in the global business landscape.

Dickinson succeeds Michael Duck, Executive Vice President of Commercial Development at Informa Markets, who will continue to contribute to UFI’s leadership as part of the UFI Trio, alongside incoming President Hugh Jones, CEO of RX Global.

Looking Ahead to UFI Global Congress 2024

The momentum from the 90th UFI Global Congress in Las Vegas will carry forward to the next edition, scheduled to take place in Cologne, Germany, from 20-23 November 2024. Hosted by Koelnmesse, the 91st Congress promises to build on the success of Las Vegas, offering even more opportunities for international networking and industry advancement. In 2025, the UFI Global Congress will move to Hong Kong, further expanding UFI’s global footprint.

Thank you to our sponsors

The success of the UFI Global Congress in Las Vegas was made possible through the support of numerous sponsors and partners. UFI extends its thanks to its Diamond Sponsors, TCEB and Visit Qatar, as well as its Gold Sponsors, including Asia World Expo, Freeman, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Their contributions were instrumental in delivering a memorable and impactful event for all participants.

The 90th UFI Global Congress in Las Vegas will be remembered as a defining moment in the exhibition industry’s journey towards a more sustainable and innovative future. As UFI continues to grow and evolve, the Global Congress remains a vital platform for shaping the future of exhibitions and events worldwide.