UFI prepares to mark its centennial with a groundbreaking global congress in Hong Kong in 2025
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is gearing up to mark a monumental milestone with its 92nd Global Congress, scheduled to be held in Hong Kong from 19 to 22 November 2025. This event not only celebrates UFI’s centennial year but also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the AsiaWorld-Expo, the Congress’s host venue. Themed “Shaping the Future,” the Congress is set to bring together leading figures from the global exhibitions and business events industry for an extraordinary programme designed to reflect on a century of achievements and shape the sector’s next hundred years.
Hong Kong, with its dynamic status as a cultural hub and a crucial gateway to the Greater Bay Area, provides an ideal backdrop for this landmark gathering. Irene Chan, CEO of AsiaWorld-Expo, highlighted the venue's commitment to showcasing the city’s rich culinary, cultural, and innovative spirit, while fostering new collaboration opportunities among global industry leaders. The venue’s strategic location, adjacent to the Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, facilitates seamless access to the region and beyond—key for fostering international participation and connectivity.
The Congress’s agenda is designed to provide both thought leadership and actionable insights. UFI President Hugh Jones emphasised the unique significance of this event: it will not only celebrate UFI’s 100 years of connecting people and industries worldwide but will also look ahead to the future of the exhibitions sector. Among the highlights is a keynote address by Dex Hunter-Torricke, a noted tech visionary with experience at SpaceX, Facebook, and Google, who will explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and technology on reconnecting people and industries.
In addition to the main stage programme, which will tackle topics from exhibition redesign and service innovation to global economic outlooks, the Congress will introduce new interactive formats such as the Bate-Papo Corner—a side stage designed to spark informal discussions and be shared widely through podcasts. Six Insight Series workshops will delve into award-winning projects across critical areas such as digital innovation, sustainability, marketing, and industry partnerships, translating best practices into practical strategies.
A series of special centennial events will add a historic and celebratory dimension. Delegates can explore the UFI-100 Expo Corner, which chronicles the association’s history and landmark moments in the global exhibition industry. The welcoming reception will transport attendees back to the 1920s with period décor and entertainment, encouraging participants to don era-appropriate attire to honour UFI’s founding decade.
As tradition dictates, the Congress will also witness a leadership transition within UFI. Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, will pass the presidency to Panittha Buri, Vice Chairperson of BHIRAJ BURI GROUP, highlighting the global and diverse nature of UFI’s leadership.
For delegates, practical considerations have been thoughtfully addressed to ensure a smooth and enriching experience. Special airfares, travel and entry information, and sightseeing opportunities into the Greater Bay Area—such as tours to Macao and Zhuhai—are available to complement the event. These guided excursions provide unique insights into the economic and cultural dynamics of one of Asia’s most vibrant regions, reinforcing the Congress’s theme of connection and future opportunity.
Overall, the 92nd UFI Global Congress is poised to be a defining event for the exhibitions and business events industry, combining reflection on past achievements with a forward-looking vision. It promises a rich blend of knowledge sharing, networking, and celebrations that underscore the resilience and innovation that have powered UFI over the past century and will continue to shape the future of global exhibitions.