UFI announces 2025 Next Generation Leadership grant winners driving innovation in exhibitions
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced the recipients of its 2025 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) grant, a prestigious initiative recognising emerging talent in the exhibition sector who are driving innovation and redefining event formats. This announcement was made from Paris, France, highlighting the association's ongoing commitment to fostering new leadership within the global exhibitions community.
Now in its ninth year, the NGL grant targets professionals with fewer than ten years of experience in the exhibition industry who demonstrate a strong dedication to transformative ideas and initiatives. Sponsored by prominent industry players Clarion Events, dmg events, Informa Markets, and RX, this programme offers not only financial support but also access to mentorship from leading global figures in the sector. It is widely regarded as the leading talent accelerator initiative within the exhibitions industry.
The 2025 cohort of NGL grant recipients reflects a diverse geographical reach and array of professional expertise, indicating the programme’s inclusive and global outlook. The winners are:
- Anida D’Costa, Senior Conference Producer at Informa Markets (UAE)
- Diana Maria Salman, Senior Sales Manager at FEXPOCRUZ (Bolivia)
- Ilaria Basile, Event Operations Manager at Clarion Events (UK)
- Sarah Jung, Sales Manager at Messe München (Germany)
- Taher Hakami, Riyadh Business Events Manager at SCEGA (Saudi Arabia)
The 2025 programme concentrates on reshaping traditional exhibition formats to better align with the evolving requirements of audiences, exhibitors, and organisers. Through the course of the year, the grantees will explore and develop innovative approaches that challenge and expand conventional event models, thereby contributing fresh perspectives to the exhibition industry’s future.
The selection process was overseen by an esteemed international jury chaired by UFI President Hugh Jones, who is also CEO of RX. The diverse panel included senior representatives from major exhibition organisations and industry leaders, such as Celia Hidalgo Calvo from IFEMA Madrid, Hala Dean from Clarion Events in the USA, Sean Ongers from Informa Markets in the UK, and Beatrice Vedovato of Italian Exhibition Group, among others.
Commenting on the awardees, UFI President Hugh Jones noted in conversation with TravelDailyNews International, “The UFI Next Generation Leadership grant continues to shine a spotlight on bold ideas and the emerging talent shaping the future of our industry. I extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s recipients. Your drive, creativity, and dedication to pushing boundaries are truly inspiring and reflect the dynamic, ever-evolving spirit of the exhibition industry. I look forward to witnessing the meaningful impact your work will have in the years to come.”
The programme begins with an in-person workshop scheduled for June during the UFI European Events Week in Thessaloniki, Greece. Following this, the recipients will engage in an intensive seven-month collaborative online development process to refine their projects. Their efforts will culminate in a group presentation at the 92nd UFI Global Congress held in Hong Kong SAR, providing a prominent global platform to showcase their insights, innovative concepts, and visions for the future of exhibitions.
By supporting the next wave of exhibition industry leaders, UFI continues to enhance the sector’s capacity for innovation and sustainable growth, offering member organisations and stakeholders access to future-ready thinking and leadership. The 2025 NGL grant programme stands as a significant example of the association’s role in fostering talent and evolving the global exhibitions landscape.