LEADERS from the international exhibitions industry are heading to Hong Kong as UFI celebrates its centennial year and host venue AsiaWorld-Expo marks its 20th anniversary.
A highlight of the 92nd UFI Global Congress, taking place November 19-22, and its theme “Shaping the Future” is a keynote address by Dex Hunter-Torricke, one of the tech industry’s leading thinkers on artificial intelligence and human connection.
Hunter-Torricke is a renowned Silicon Valley strategist with past roles at SpaceX, Facebook and Google. He will delve into how AI and technological transformation are reshaping industries and the exhibitions sector’s unique potential to reconnect people and ideas.
“We are honoured to welcome the UFI Global Congress to Hong Kong this year,” said Irene Chan, CEO of AsiaWorld-Expo. “This special occasion marks AsiaWorld-Expo’s 20th anniversary and UFI’s centennial celebration, showcasing our strength as a world-class MICE venue and Hong Kong’s role as a vibrant cultural hub and gateway to the Greater Bay Area.
“Together with UFI’s inspiring programme, we are excited to co-curate experiences that highlight the city’s cuisine, traditions, and innovative spirit. We look forward to hosting industry leaders worldwide to shape new opportunities for growth and collaboration.”
UFI President Hugh Jones added: “This year’s UFI Global Congress will be unlike any other in our history. As UFI marks its centenary, we have a unique opportunity not only to honour a century of connecting people and industries worldwide, but also to look ahead and lay the foundations for the next 100 years.
“Hong Kong provides the perfect backdrop for this milestone gathering, and I look forward to joining the global UFI community this November to reflect, connect, and shape the future of our industry.”
SESSIONS ON THE MAIN STAGE INCLUDE:
– Future-first: How leading organisers are redesigning the exhibition experience– What our industry can learn from HYROX
– Rethinking the role of service providers in shaping ‘what’s next’
– How venues are evolving to meet the future of events
– Global Economic Outlook
Insight Series – Ideas in Action
Six one-hour workshops will spotlight UFI Award-winning projects in Digital Innovation, Sustainability, Marketing, Operations & Services, HR, and Industry Partnerships. Each begins with a short presentation followed by interactive discussions to translate ideas into actionable strategies.
Celebrating 100 Years of UFI
Centennial-themed activations are being organised, including the UFI-100 Expo Corner and a 1920s-themed Welcome Reception with attendees encouraged to dress in period attire to honour the association’s history.
Leadership Transition
The congress will also mark the handover of the UFI Presidency from Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, to Panittha Buri, Vice Chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group.
