UFI Column
Time for resilience, communication and learning
The implications of the Iranian conflict, UFI’ s learning strategy and events and campaigns on the horizon were at the centre of EW’ s latest regular catch up with UFI CEO and managing director Chris Skeith
EW: Once again the industry is facing cancellations and postponements of events – this time in the Middle East, as well as logistical and travel challenges. What is your advice to UFI members, and what kind of feedback are you receiving from the ground on the impact of the current situation? Our thoughts and best wishes are with everyone affected, and we very much hope to see a swift deescalation of the situation.
In times like these, communication becomes even more important. We have an active regional chapter that is working closely with members on the ground, offering support and helping to share information. Our advice is to stay connected, reach out, and make use of the network. UFI is here to support wherever we can.
The feedback we are receiving reflects a strong sense of resilience and professionalism. Members are navigating the challenges as they arise, adapting quickly, and working together to find practical solutions. That spirit of collaboration is something the industry consistently demonstrates in difficult circumstances.
This remains a fast-moving and evolving situation, and we are continuing to monitor developments closely. We hope to see greater stability soon, and in the meantime, we remain ready to support our members.
EW: On a more positive note, tell us about progress in the key UFI projects we are covering in this issue, such as UFI Learning and the NGL programme for 2026. We are receiving a positive response from our members to our strategy on learning. Developed in close consultation with the industry, it reflects our intention to provide more accessible and relevant learning opportunities for our members.
Through UFI Learning, we are creating opportunities for professionals
Above: Chris Skeith to exchange insights and engage with real-world challenges. It is also encouraging to see the early impact of our new programmes such as UFI Exhibition Essentials, made possible through partnerships with our members, such as Tahaluf Academy in Saudi Arabia. By focusing on local delivery and capacity building, we can better support our members and talent across the industry.
We are also seeing high engagement from senior professionals, particularly through initiatives like the Event Directors Summit, which offers a valuable space for peer exchange.
Within UFI Learning, there is also the Next Generation Leadership Programme, which has once again attracted significant global interest. The jury process will soon take place to select the 2026 cohort, who will work together on this year’ s mission focused on the next-generation audience. Their work will explore how exhibitions can remain relevant for younger audiences and will be shared with the industry later in the year. Across all of our activities, including events, working groups, and programmes, we aim to offer highquality learning opportunities and meaningful ways to engage with our global community.
EW: Any other business? Our elections process for the Regional Chapters and the Associations Committee has recently concluded. These are important moments for member engagement and governance. Preparations for the UFI European Conference in Izmir, Türkiye, 3-5 June, are also progressing well. Taking place alongside Global Exhibitions Day, it offers a timely opportunity for the industry to come together, exchange perspectives and collectively advocate for the value and impact of exhibitions. We look forward to welcoming participants from across the global exhibition community. EW www. exhibitionworld. co. uk Issue 2 2026 9