• Industry leaders from 15+ countries gathered in Rwanda for 2024 UFI MEA Conference
• Conference hosted by Rwanda Convention Bureau at Kigali Convention Centre
• International line-up of speakers explored the exhibition landscape of the region

Paris / Kigali – 23 April 2024: The UFI Middle East & Africa Conference brought together industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders in Kigali, Rwanda, from 15-17 April. Hosted by the Rwanda Convention Bureau at the Kigali Convention Centre, the conference explored opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping the region.

Over the course of three days, attendees from 15+ countries had the opportunity to network, exchange knowledge, and collaborate with colleagues from MEA and beyond. Engaging sessions tackled our industry’s most pressing topics, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging market growth, industry trends, and sustainability, providing invaluable perspectives to navigate the region’s evolving exhibition landscape.

“Our profound appreciation goes to the Rwanda Convention Bureau for graciously hosting the UFI Middle East and Africa Conference, an event that has undeniably set a new benchmark for industry gatherings in this region, through thought-provoking discussions and diverse topics, a strong line-up of speakers and experts, unparalleled networking opportunities, in addition to memorable social activities. We are immensely thankful to our sponsors, partners, and the diverse group of attendees, whose collaboration and insights turned this conference into a unique experience. Rwanda’s warmth and hospitality have left an unforgettable mark on us all”, commented Naji El Haddad, UFI Regional Director MEA.

Janet Karemera, CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau, added: “Hosting the UFI MEA Conference for the first time in Africa is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment and the continent at large to establish its presence in the global exhibition sector landscape. We were privileged to learn from peers about how vast the possibilities are to expand our portfolio as a destination with the right investment and support from industry stakeholders.”

The conference was also an opportunity for the UFI Middle East & Africa Chapter to convene and exchange strategies for enhancing the Chapter’s growth, along with fostering greater diversity and inclusion. UFI Regional Director MEA Naji El Haddad outlined forthcoming plans for the MEA Chapter in 2024, emphasizing upcoming events and activations, advocacy efforts, including Global Exhibitions Day on 5 June, and initiatives in education and research. The subsequent chapter meeting is scheduled to occur in Cologne, Germany, during the 91st UFI Global Congress.

One of the highlights of the conference was the social activities that provided participants with the opportunity to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships, all with vibrant Rwanda as their backdrop. Numerous post-conference tours immersed participants in the host city’s rich culture and history, showcasing Kigali as a dynamic and emerging hub for exhibitions and business events.

All conference sessions will be made available to UFI members and conference participants in the coming days as on-demand videos.

As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises annual regional conferences in the Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, as well as the UFI Global Congress.

Full details about the 2024 UFI Middle East & Africa Conference can be found on the event website: www.ufimea.org.

Attachments:

• UFI Middle East & Africa Chapter Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda
• 2024 UFI Middle East & Africa Conference visual

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• Registration open for 91st UFI Global Congress, taking place 20-23 November 2024
• Largest, most global event of the year hosted by Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany
• Special discounted pricing for first 91 registrations

Paris – 2 April 2024: The countdown to the 2024 UFI Global Congress has begun, as registration for the event is now open. The 91st edition of the association’s largest and most global annual event will take place from 20-23 November 2024 in Cologne, Germany, UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry has announced.

The UFI Global Congress is the premier annual gathering for the exhibition industry, where industry leaders convene from across the globe to forge connections and exchange knowledge. True to UFI’s global reach, the congress rotates through different regions worldwide each year. This year, it will be hosted by Koelnmesse in their new Conference and Exhibition Centre: Confex. With a total of 22 conference rooms and the large, multifunctional Confex hall, it will offer space for innovative event formats and more than 6,000 participants.

Geoff Dickinson, UFI President and CEO of dmg events, comments: “UFI’s Global Congresses are pivotal gatherings for our industry where we take the pulse of our industry with colleagues from around the world. This year’s edition in Cologne will offer opportunities to connect and learn that are second to none, and I very much look forward to navigating the industry’s future alongside you all in November.”

Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse, adds: “With the opening of the future-oriented Confex, Koelnmesse is also celebrating an important anniversary this year. We have been bringing people and markets together in Cologne for 100 years now. Even established trade fairs and modern trade fair grounds require constant renewal. It is, therefore, a true honour to welcome the professionals of our industry to Cologne. We look forward to the exchange and inspiring talks.”

As every year, the event’s content will reflect the latest trends and innovations that are driving the industry forward. Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of sessions focusing on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the global exhibition industry as well as unparalleled networking opportunities.

UFI invites the 50,000+ industry professionals in its member companies, as well as colleagues in partner associations, SISO, ICCA, and AIPC, to join this event that will bring together leaders from around the world to shape the future of the industry.

In honour of the 91st edition of the Global Congress, exclusive discounted pricing is available for the first 91 registrants. To take advantage of these rates and register, visit: www.uficongress.org.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities and media inquiries for the UFI Global Congress, please contact events@ufi.org.

Attachments:

• 2024 UFI Global Congress visual – 1024 x 1024
• 2024 UFI Global Congress visual – 1920 x 1082

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