91st UFI Global Congress Draws 600 to Cologne, Germany

December 6, 2024

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, welcomed 600 delegates to its 91st Global Congress in Cologne, Germany. By comparison, last year’s UFI Global Congress drew 500 delegates to Las Vegas. Held Nov. 20-23 and hosted by Koelnmesse, the 2024 UFI Global Congress attracted members from more than 55 countries and regions, who reunited for four days of networking and knowledge sharing.

“The strength of our industry lies in its ability to bring people together. The past few days in Cologne have impressively demonstrated what we can achieve when we unite our ideas, knowledge, and passion. We are returning to our companies with renewed energy and innovative ideas, ready to set new benchmarks and shape the future sustainably,” says Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2024. “It was an honor to host the congress in our state-of- the-art conference and exhibition centre, Confex. I want to thank UFI for their trust.”

UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf, added, “This year’s Congress in Cologne will find a place among the biggest and best ones that this organization 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.”

koelnmesse — *The 91st Global Congress was held Nov. 20-23 at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany.*

Here are 11 moments worth remembering from this year’s event:

general assembly — **1. Membership reached new heights.** Chaired by UFI President Geoff Dickinson, the General Assembly provided an opportunity for UFI members to review and preview the association’s initiatives to support members worldwide. Membership has reached a new all-time high of close to 900 member organizations, representing 90 countries and regions. Read the full release here.

ufi medal of honor — **2. UFI named Medal of Honour recipients.** This year’s winners included Sandy Angus, who served as UFI President 2001–2003, Mary Larkin, who served as UFI President 2020–2021, and Kai Hattendorf, who has served as UFI CEO since 2015. Read the full release here.

terrapin and clarion — **3. Overheard at the session titled** “**Growth and Opportunity in the Global Exhibition Industry.”** “We can’t find what we want to buy,” said Terrapin Holdings Limited Group CEO Greg Hitchen, who said he has $50 million to play with. But Clarion Events Limited Executive Chairman Russell Wilcox disagreed: “We have been pleasantly surprised at the quality of assets that come to market, particularly in the U.S.”

ufi opening party — **4. Networking German style.** This year’s Welcome Reception was held at Gaffel am Dom, where attendees enjoyed local Kolsch beer, traditional German cuisine, and live music in the heart of Cologne.

concert at church — **5. One-of-a-kind experiences.** On rare and special occasions, the Cologne Cathedral is closed to the public, and UFI attendees got to take in an exclusive organ concert in the magnificent ambience of the iconic building. Following the concert, attendees were transferred to a reception and dinner at Flora, which is nestled in Cologne’s botanical gardens.

sustainability — **6. Heard at the session titled “Measuring Sustainability Impact in Exhibitions.”** “Should exhibitors who waste less pay less?” asked Siemens VP Communications Services Robert Sarcevic.

new data by explori — **7. New data revealed.** 76% of visitors and 73% of exhibitors surveyed feel it is important for the events they attend to be run in an environmentally and socially responsible way, according to research produced by UFI and Explori and supported by SISO.

economist — **8. Heard at a session, “The Power Hour: The Forces Shaping Our Industry.”** “It’s a politics-first world,” said Tom Rafferty, head of global forecasting economics, Economist Intelligence Unit. “Politics is driving economies more than ever before, so we need to understand them.”

gary shapiro — **9. Heard on the main stage during the session, “Industry Insight: Turning Change into Opportunity.”** “Success makes pivoting harder,” said Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro. How is CES pivoting for 2025? The show will be focused on quantum computing, energy, digital health, and content creators, he said. His advice to the audience: Be humble and paranoid.

ufi sports club — **10. Wakeup wellness.** The UFI Sports Club featured a 5K run along the Rhine River at 6:45 a.m., before which participants received running shirts with the new UFI logo.

kai and chris — **11. Celebrating a decade of leadership.** The meeting reflected on a decade of leadership under outgoing UFI CEO Hattendorf. Incoming CEO Chris Skeith was in attendance. Related: New Year Will Bring a New Leader as UFI Taps Chris Skeith as Its Next CEO

hong kong — **Looking ahead:** In 2025, the 92nd UFI Global Congress will be held Nov. 19-22 in Hong Kong, hosted by AsiaWorld-Expo. The full event schedule for UFI in 2025 is available here.

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