EXHIBITIONS industry leader Wolfram Diener, whose career includes two of Asia’s most iconic venues, has been elected President of UFI – the Global Association for the Exhibitions Industry – for the 2026-27 term.
Currently President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf Group, Diener is known for his strategic leadership at the Venetian Macao and Marina Bay Sands Singapore – two landmark venues that helped transform Asia’s business events landscape.
Diener will begin his term as Incoming President in November 2025, joining UFI’s Presidential Trio alongside Panittha Buri, of Thailand’s Bhiraj Buri Group, as President and Hugh Jones of RX as Outgoing President. He will officially take the reins at the 93rd UFI Global Congress in Bahrain in November 2026.
The leadership transition will be formalised at the close of the 92nd UFI Global Congress, taking place at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo, November 19-22, 2025.
Diener brings more than 30 years of experience with roles at UBM Asia (now Informa Markets), Shanghai New International Expo Centre, and Messe Frankfurt among other venues and companies. He is credited with having a global mindset and a proven track record of driving international growth.
Since joining Messe Düsseldorf’s executive board in 2018, and stepping into the CEO role in 2020, Diener has led the group through strategic expansion and innovation. His influence has extended beyond the boardroom: since 2021, he has served as treasurer on the UFI Executive Committee and is an active member of the UFI Board of Directors.
“I am honoured to take on the UFI Presidency at a time of global challenges – not only as a representative of our industry, but as someone deeply convinced of its power to connect, inspire and enable progress,” said Diener.
“We must be present where the economy needs us most: in emerging markets and at the crossroads of global exchange. We are bridge builders – within industries, and between business, politics and science. With this mission in mind, I am committed to shaping a global exhibition industry that is collaborative, future-oriented and impactful, so that we can make our strongest contribution to moving the world forward.”
We are bridge builders – within industries, and between business, politics and science.”
– Wolfram Diener
Hugh Jones, UFI’s current President, said: “Wolfram brings an extraordinary depth of leadership experience from one of the most successful and globally respected exhibition organisations. Under his guidance, Messe Düsseldorf has seen remarkable international expansion, strategic innovation, and sustained growth. His deep industry knowledge, global perspective, and forward-thinking vision make him exceptionally well placed to help steer the future of our industry.”
Chris Skeith, UFI CEO and Managing Director, added: “I have known Wolfram for many years, more recently as I stepped into the role of UFI CEO, where he serves as Treasurer on the UFI Executive Committee and sits on the UFI Board of Directors.
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“I have always held him in the highest regard, so I am thrilled that he will be UFI’s Incoming President for 2026/27. His extensive international experience and deep understanding of both organiser and venue perspectives will be invaluable as we guide UFI into its next exciting chapter together.”
As part of UFI’s Presidential Trio, Diener will help steer the association’s strategic direction, working closely with his peers to champion the exhibitions industry’s role in global economic development and cross-sector collaboration.
Main image… Wolfram Diener – photography by Andreas Wiese for Messe Düsseldorf; UFI Presidential Trio by Foto Bueno
