HONG KONG is playing host to a landmark gathering of the exhibitions industry this week as UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – stages its 92nd Global Congress at AsiaWorld-Expo, drawing more than 600 senior figures from 47 countries and regions.
his year marks UFI’s centenary, a milestone celebrated under the theme “Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Shaping the Future”. It is also the 25th anniversary of AsiaWorld-Expo, which opened its doors in 2000 alongside Hong Kong International Airport.
The Congress follows yesterday’s UFI General Assembly, chaired by association president Hugh Jones, where members reviewed achievements from 2025 and set priorities for the year ahead.
Jones reflected on a year defined by advocacy, sustainability and talent development “When I began my term, I set out three clear priorities: advocacy, sustainability, and talent. This year, UFI has stepped up our advocacy efforts globally. A significant milestone was the creation of TC 354 – a new ISO Technical Committee for Events. This is a long-term win that gives our industry the recognition and framework it deserves on the world stage.”
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On sustainability, Jones emphasised: “As I said a year ago, we need to be part of the solution, not the problem. UFI has strengthened initiatives like Net Zero Carbon Events, sharing best practices, supporting organisers and venues, and ensuring sustainability is at the core of everything we do.”
Talent development also featured prominently: “Seeing the UFI Next Generation Leaders present this year reminded me why I’m so optimistic about the future. These programmes, along with our Award Winner and Working Groups, are helping to equip tomorrow’s leaders with the skills, knowledge, and vision to shape what comes next.”
Chris Skeith, UFI’s CEO and Managing Director, added: “The year 2025 has been a year of connection, building on our century-long legacy of bringing communities together. In our centennial year, we have focused on strengthening how UFI delivers value through our events, working groups, delegations, and all the ways we connect and empower people worldwide. That momentum will carry us into our next century, one that continues to evolve together with our global industry.”
