UFI CEO Chris Skeith OBE argues that economic impact data underpins effective advocacy, highlighting a powerful case the exhibition industry rarely amplifies. There is a story the sector has always struggled to tell. Not because it isn’t compelling – it is – but because the evidence that makes it undeniable has, for too long, been…
Organised by the Newborn Brain Society, the 15th International Newborn Brain Conference (INBBC) returned to Ireland for the third time — and to Cork for the second — from 28 February to 2 March 2024, hosted at Fota Island Resort in Cork. All three Irish editions of the INBBC bear the imprint of host committee…
ECA announces a new era of advocacy, engagement and growth with a range of new tools, services and activities, and names Tommy Goodwin as President and CEO. Building on ECA’s success over the past five years, ECA 2.0 represents the next phase of growth as ECA deepens its advocacy work, and introduces new opportunities…
ICCA is strengthening its commitment to sustainability and advocacy with the appointment of Alexander Alles as Senior Director, Advocacy and Sustainability. Alles, who previously served as Executive Director of the Joint Meetings Industry Council, will join the ICCA team effective 1 April as part of ICCA’s ongoing efforts to advance these two core strategic pillars.
From Boardroom: The first details of the IMEX Frankfurt education program reveal a learning lineup designed to meet the industry exactly where it is today—and where it’s poised to thrive in the future. The program is rooted in real-world examples and shaped by the here and now, as IMEX’s Head of Programming explains…
As the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia F1 races face likely cancellation, the fallout is highlighting broader risk for live events across the region as trade shows, conferences, and corporate gatherings prepare for the post-Ramadan business rebound. The conflict is causing the most significant disruption in the Middle East since the Covid-19 pandemic. From Skift Meetings…
Dr Emma Delaney analyses some key issues regarding subventions and other financial incentives, drawing from the perspective of PCOs. Amongst her conclusions: flexible, co-created incentive packages are more effective than rigid, conditional offers, and when aligned with a destination’s goals, incentives can facilitate sustainable, inclusive and high-quality conferences and stronger societal impact. From CEF…
UFI Learning is structured as a learning landscape that brings together programmes, events, communities, and resources. This flexible approach aims to provide diverse opportunities to encourage continuous learning for all. Whether it’s an UFI event, a programme, or a research report—every engagement with UFI offers an opportunity to learn.
Naomi Smith explores what events are revealing about association leadership this year in places where strategy becomes visible: association events. Naomi is joined by Ariane Brusselmans, Senior Nonprofit Executive and Director of Conferences at the International AIDS Society, and Professor Peter Van Daele, Secretary General of the International Union of Radio Science.
Regional instability is rippling across the global events industry, forcing organizers to make high-stakes calls with little certainty. Airspace shutdowns and safety advisories are prompting cancellations and postponements across the Gulf and casting doubt over upcoming trade shows, including IAAPA Expo Middle East, scheduled for 31 Mar–02 Apr in Abu Dhabi. From Skift Meetings…
A study by the Barcelona Institute of Economics reveals that Fira de Barcelona generates over 49,000 jobs, contributes a GVA of €2.96bn (≈1% of Catalonia’s GDP), and produces an annual economic impact exceeding €6.1bn, with growth of 28% in the last five years, mainly in commerce, hospitality, transport, and local industry. From Meetings International…
Skift Meetings summarises the key findings of JWC’s annual Global Performance Review of the worldwide trade show and exhibition sector, including the consultancy’s first country-level ranking. China and US lead the way, but perhaps surprisingly, France appears at number three ahead of Germany.
Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes across the Gulf have triggered widespread business disruption leading to airport closures, a halt in port operations and major event cancellations. Emirates and Qatar Airways suspended all flights following major Middle East airspace closures, grounding two of the world’s largest global transit hubs in Dubai and Doha. From Exhibition World…
As US-Iran strikes escalate, business events across the Middle East are facing postponements, rerouted delegations, and operational disruption. The fallout is reverberating far beyond the region. President Donald Trump has indicated that the Iran strikes could continue for four to five weeks, signaling ongoing impacts for the business events sector. From Skift Meetings…
IAPCO has announced the election of new Council Officers and the confirmed the new President-Elect as Jason Yeh at the conclusion of its 2026 Annual Meeting and General Assembly in Athens. Yeh, CEO of GIS Group, Taiwan, will serve for a one-year term as president-elect, before becoming president at the AM&GA in 2027. From CMW…
A foundational learning programme for professionals entering the exhibition industry, providing a cross-functional overview of the exhibition lifecycle–from concept to delivery–enabling professionals to understand not only their own role, but how all parts of an exhibition connect. This programme is certified by UFI and participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the programme.
This White Paper argues that current RFP models, largely designed more than two decades ago, have failed to keep pace with societal and business demands and expectations. To stay relevant, responsible and resilient, RFP processes must evolve from procurement tools into strategic frameworks for mission-aligned, impact-driven partnerships. From World PCO Alliance…
AMI’s James Lancaster examines a peculiar contradiction that sits at the heart of Europe’s convention bureaux: while they spend much of their time handing out money to compete for lucrative association conferences, they often struggle to secure their own funding. Could tourism tax up-end the rules of the game?
Tommy Goodwin, Vice President of Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance, provides a helpful and robust decision-making framework for industry leaders attempting to understand and navigate the fast evolving geopolitical landscape we all are facing. From Exhibition World Magazine…
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