UFI Announces 2017 Next Generation Leadership Grant Program

February 14, 2017

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has launched its 2017 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) grant and is inviting talented events professionals from around the world to apply.

UFI will award grants to up to five future leaders who have shown exceptional initiative in driving change and innovation in their area of the exhibition industry.

Together, the winners will investigate the future of exhibitions, working closely with the team at UFI headquarters in Paris. They will present their findings in a special session at the 84th UFI Global Congress in Johannesburg (South Africa) – the world exhibition industry’s leading annual global event.

“UFI’s NGL grant is all about promoting the talent we have in the exhibition industry – and giving our best rising professionals the international recognition and opportunities they deserve,” said UFI Managing Director Kai Hattendorf.

He added, “When UFI set up the NGL scheme last year it generated enormous global interest. It is exciting to drive this project forward as it facilitates the dialogue between the generations.

Last year’s inaugural NGL competition attracted applications from 16 countries. Chaired by UFI President Sergey Alexeev, the international jury selected five winners: Adeline Larroque Desages, Qatar Tourism Authority (Qatar); Jennifer Feeney, Freeman XP (US); Vineet Mahajan, Reed India (India); Farokh Shahabi Nezhad, Eventbox (Iran); and Matthias Pollmann, Koelnmesse (Germany).

In a  session at the UFI Global Congress in Shanghai in November, all five 2016 NGL winners set out their visions for the future, drawing an audience of more than 400 high-ranking exhibition professionals.

The 2017 NGL grant is open to anyone who works full-time in the exhibition industry, and has done so for no more than 10 years.

The grant includes:

• global recognition among exhibition professionals before, during and after the UFI Global Congress;

• opportunity to enhance network with peers and industry leaders worldwide;

• interviews in exhibition industry media;

• expert guidance throughout the project.

The grant covers travel and accommodation to take part in the UFI European Conference in Cologne (Germany) May 10-12 and the UFI Global Congress Nov. 1-4. 

Applications are open until 26 March 2017. More information is available online.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.