UFI
UFI APAC Conference sets new standards in the Land of Smiles
Two hundred and sixty leaders meet in Bangkok to reshape and reinforce the trade fair industry in the Asia Pacific region.
ver 260 delegates from
O across Asia and beyond attended the 2026 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Bangkok. The event was hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau( TCEB) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre( QSNCC).
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, brought together industry leaders at the conference, 5-6 March, for the region’ s industry flagship annual gathering.
This year’ s programme featured speakers who explored the major forces reshaping the industry, from global trade and supply chains to technology innovation and evolving client needs. In parallel, UFI’ s Associations Committee and Asia-Pacific Chapter met to exchange insights and reinforce partnerships across the region.
The event received strong support from Thailand, this year’ s host country, and there were addresses from Mr Chadchart Sittipunt, governor of Bangkok; Ms. Sunanta
Left: UFI CEO Chris Skeith with TCEB president Dr Supawan Teerarat
Below: All together for UFI ' s APAC Conference in the Land of Smiles
Kangvalkulkij, director general of the Department of International Trade Promotion; and Dr Supawan Teerarat, president of the TCEB.
Dr Supawan Teerarat commented:“ TCEB was delighted to host the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, an event that perfectly aligns with our mission to elevate Thailand as a global leader in exhibitions.” She added that, together, with UFI, TCEB and Thailand were setting a bold new standard for the exhibition industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
Chris Skeith OBE, CEO and managing director of UFI, added:“ The Asia- Pacific region remains one of the most dynamic exhibition markets in the world, as well as home to UFI’ s largest member base. Bringing our community together in Bangkok has once again highlighted how important this conference is for strengthening regional collaboration and crossborder connections.”
The discussions during the conference reflected the ambition and innovation of this region, he said, as well as the vital role exhibitions play in driving growth and opportunity.“ Finally, bringing the conference to Bangkok this year was especially meaningful as it is the hometown of our current UFI president, Panittha Buri,” Skeith noted.
Delegates also had the opportunity to explore the‘ Land of Smiles’ through curated post-conference tours to Bangkok’ s most popular temples and neighbourhoods.
The next event in the association’ s calendar is the UFI European Conference, which will take place, 3-5 June in Izmir, Turkïye.
In 2027, the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will take place in Bali, Indonesia, hosted by IECA, the Indonesian Exhibition and Convention Association.
Full details about the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference can be found on the event website: www. ufiasia. org. EW
40 Issue 2 2026 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk