UFI to Host ‘Glocalized’ Global Congress in November

June 17, 2020

Facing the fact that COVID-19-related global travel restrictions will likely continue over the coming months, UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has shifted the format of its 87th annual UFI Global Congress to smaller regional gatherings instead of a large face-to-face event in one location in November. “Resilience” will be the 2020 theme of the event, known as the exhibition industry’s largest global annual meeting that attracts more than 50,000 industry professionals from across the world.

According to UFI officials, the association is committed to preserving the event’s in-person format, but plans to offer online options for those unable to attend face-to-face. Specific dates and locations will be announced later this summer.

“We want to ensure that as many of our colleagues as possible can attend in person, so this year, we are ‘glocalizing’ the UFI Global Congress,” said Mary Larkin, president of UFI and Diversified Communications USA. 

The smaller events will bring the global UFI community together in localities throughout the world, hence the “glocalized” label, she added. 

According to Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director and CEO, the association will organize both formal and informal face-to-face and online events that will enable members to network and discuss the trends and challenges across the exhibitions industry.

“Exhibitions and trade fairs in the post-COVID-19 era will play a crucial role in the economic recovery at a local and regional level and we will need to work together to support each other, as our industry always does,” Hattendorf said.

Hattendorf also said the 2020 event’s theme reflects the exhibition industry’s unflagging ability to face disruption and prove its resilience time and again — for example, after 9/11, the 2008 global economic crisis and SARS.

“Confronted with another worldwide challenge, we must now learn about how resilient our industry has been during this crisis, how well we have succeeded in adapting this time, and what we need to change to emerge stronger and better prepared for the future,” Hattendorf said. “Only by coming together, can we learn, inspire and deliver in the best way possible.”

The event’s original host, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in Muscat, Oman, will host the 89th annual UFI Global Congress in 2022. 

“We are looking forward to seeing our industry colleagues from all around the world – and we want them to enjoy our beautiful country Oman,” said Said Salim Al Shanfari, CEO of the OCEC. “A virus will not stop us from doing this. We are thrilled and excited to be welcoming everyone in the Sultanate of Oman in two years’ time.”

The city of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, will host the 2021 meeting.

To learn more about the event or to pre-register, go here.

  

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact