UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – has confirmed that its next Asia‑Pacific Conference will be held in Bali in 2027.
The announcement followed the conclusion of this year’s conference in Bangkok, which brought more than 260 industry leaders to the Thai capital.
The 2026 edition, held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, March 5-6, and hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, underscored the region’s resilient business events industry.
The Asia-Pacific region remains one of the most dynamic exhibition markets in the world, as well as home to UFI’s largest member base.”
– Chris Skeith, UFI managing director and CEO
“Bringing our community together in Bangkok has once again highlighted how important this conference is for strengthening regional collaboration and cross-border connections.”
The two days of discussions, presentations, meetings and networking in Bangkok reflected the “ambition and innovation” across Asia Pacific and the “vital role exhibitions play in driving growth and opportunity”, Skeith added.
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The decision to award the 2027 conference to Bali signalled Indonesia’s rising influence within the exhibition and meetings industry. The event will be hosted by IECA, the Indonesia Exhibition and Convention Association, the country’s principal industry body representing organisers, venues, service providers and destination stakeholders.
Over the past decade, IECA has played a central role in advocating for professional standards, workforce development, sustainability frameworks and policy recognition for business events in Indonesia.
IECA works closely with government ministries, tourism authorities and regional partners to expand the country’s international competitiveness – part of a broader national effort to diversify economic activity and attract high‑value business travellers.
With Bali long established as Indonesia’s premier destination for conferences and incentive travel, IECA is expected to leverage the island’s global profile among business event organisers.
IECA’s hosting duties are also expected to strengthen Indonesia’s ties with its regional counterparts, many of whom view the country as an increasingly strategic hub for Southeast Asian events.
The UFI Asia-Pacific Conference is regarded as one of the industry’s most important annual gatherings for the regiona, serving as a platform for collaboration between exhibition organisers, venue operators, contractors, technology providers and public‑sector stakeholders.
Main picture… UFI delegates gather at Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok during the 2026 UFI Asia Pacific Conference
