PARIS — UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is shifting the paradigm when it comes to professional development across the global events community.
The association announced a new Strategy on Learning, which includes UFI Learning, a portfolio guided by three priorities:
- Increasing access and flexibility
- Leveraging industry expertise and partnerships
- Curating engaging and relevant learning opportunities
“Event organizers and the industry as a whole are operating in a rapidly changing environment,” Chris Skeith, OBE, UFI’s CEO, explained. “The new strategy ensures that learning is grounded in real industry practice and directly relevant to the challenges they face.
“By integrating learning across UFI’s activities, we are creating more space for organizers and exhibition professionals to share experience and strengthen their ability to evolve with the industry.”
This strategy was developed following research and consultation with UFI members, including feedback gathered through a dedicated survey.
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The new UFI Learning portfolio will continue to be developed over time, with opportunities introduced progressively. This work will be informed by ongoing dialogue with members and partners.
The plan is to provide a variety of learning opportunities based on real-world practice and peer exchange.
“That includes activities and events such as UFI Experiences and the Event Directors Summit, as well as the UFI Insight Series learning sessions integrated into our conferences,” Skeith said. “Whether through an UFI event, a program or a research report, every engagement with UFI offers an opportunity to learn.”
UFI is acutely aware that different generations have different educational needs and styles.
“Preparing the next generation is a key priority, which we support through our programs, such as UFI Exhibition Essentials and the Next-Generation Leadership Program,” Skeith explained. “But our strategy extends beyond any single generation. It reinforces that learning matters at every stage of your career.”
UFI’s existing educational offerings span many areas, from its Knowledge Hub, which includes everything from reports on global exhibition statistics (like the Global Exhibition Barometer) to working groups on a variety of topics, such as digital innovation, marketing and sustainable development.
Event-based learning opportunities include the Global CEO Summit, regional conferences and the annual Global Congress, which will take place Nov. 2-5, 2026, in Bahrain.
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