UFI Awards
Three of the best recognised by UFI
2025 UFI HR Award: UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, has, in recent weeks, named the winners of three of its annual Awards.
The winner of the association’ s 2025 HR Award was Thailand’ s IMPACT Exhibition Management which had the topic:‘ Optimising Workload for Sustainable Performance’. The objective was to celebrate initiatives that implement innovative solutions to balance workload, improve resource allocation, and create environments where employees thrive while maintaining high performance.
Thamita Chongswatvorakul, director of corporate HR at IMPACT Exhibition Management, described the recognition – for a second year running – as a reinforcement of the belief that people are the true driving force of the organisation.“ Empowering them makes anything possible.”
Robert T. Heinemann, managing partner / CEO at Heinemann Management Consulting and chair of the UFI HR Working Group, said IMPACT had impressed the jury with their forward-thinking approach to workforce sustainability.“ Their‘ Keep Me’ platform is more than a digital tool – it’ s a transformational ecosystem that connects internal teams, academic partners, and the local community. By automating processes and empowering casual staff through fair, transparent practices, IMPACT continues to set the standard for how our industry can build resilient and people-centred HR strategies.” 2025 Operations & Services Award Exhibition Place in Toronto picked up the 2025 UFI Operations &
Services Award where the topic was‘ Revolutionising the F & B Experience in Exhibitions: Sustainable, Engaging, and Adaptive Solutions’. The aim here was to showcase how food and beverage services can contribute to the overall success of conferences and exhibitions while promoting sustainable practices across the value chain.
Laura Purdy, general manager, Exhibition Place, noted the venue, home to the LEED ® Gold Certified Enercare Centre, had been an early adopter in signing the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge.
Stefan Eckert, senior vice-president services at Koelnmesse GmbH and chair of the UFI Operations & Services Working Group, said Exhibition Place had impressed the jury with a systematic concept that put sustainability, customer experience, and operational excellence at the heart of their F & B strategy.
2025 Marketing Award: Targi w Krakowie / EXPO Krakow from Poland picked up the 2025 UFI
Marketing Award, where the topic was‘ NextGenConnect: Marketing strategies to engage the Next Generations in exhibitions’.
Ewa Woch, president, Targi w Krakowie / EXPO Krakow, said:“ As a private company, we face challenges that differ from those encountered by large public or stateowned organisations... This award proves that the success of a trade fair is not only determined by budget, but above all by the strength of the idea, the commitment, and the professionalism of the entire team,” she said.
Woch and her team had presented their strategy behind the 30th International Dental Trade Fair in Krakow KRAKDENT ®, which opened up new international development opportunities for the company. Dorota Wallusch, chair of UFI Marketing Working Group, commented:“ Today’ s trade shows must stay relevant in a world shaped by digital ease, lifestyle integration, and social awareness. Younger generations – Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha – want more than information; they seek inspiration, authenticity, community, and meaningful experiences. KRAKDENT rose to this challenge by redefining what a dental trade show can be.“ Through a multi-layered strategy anchored in storytelling, festivalisation, influencer collaboration, and the power of local culture, KRAKDENT ignited curiosity and loyalty among young dental professionals. The results: a 100.8 % increase in visitors aged 25 – 44 compared to the previous year, high digital engagement, and an event that blended business, learning, and lifestyle.” EW
n The 2025 UFI Award winners will present their projects at the 92nd UFI Global Congress, which takes place 19-22 November 2025 in Hong Kong SAR. www. exhibitionworld. co. uk Issue 4 2025 31