Paris/Cologne, 26th November: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, held its 91st Global Congress in Cologne, Germany, running from 20th to 23rd November. It was hosted by Koelnmesse, about 600 delegates from over 55 countries and regions attended the congress.

The theme of this year’s congress was “Changes to Chances”, with programme defined and described the global changes underway and forthcoming, as well as tackled the question of which opportunities they will provide for the sector.

During the congress, the first “UFI Medals of Honour” awarded to three recipients: Sandy Angus (UFI President 2001-2003), Mary Larkin (UFI President 2020-2021) and Kai Hattendorf (UFI CEO since 2015). It also welcomed the 2024-25 UFI President: Hugh Jones, CEO of RX.

Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, stated, “This year’s Congress in Cologne will find a place among the biggest and best ones that this organisation has ever produced. Participants’ numbers match Shanghai 2016, which had been the best attended Congress to date. Beyond the numbers, and in great collaboration, we have been able to deliver value to each and every participant, empowering them to turn changes into chances in reflection of this year’s theme.”