IELA
Collaboration to the fore in transition
The International Exhibition / Event Logistics Association( IELA) reports on key themes emerging from its recent 41st Congress 2026
ore than 200 exhibition
M and event logistics professionals from around the world gathered in Sun City, South Africa, in June for the 41st IELA Congress and 13th Partnering Event; the flagship annual gathering of the International Exhibition / Event Logistics Association.
While the programme included the expected mix of networking, business meetings and industry discussions, several recurring themes pointed to a sector that is increasingly focused on long-term transformation and not short-term operational challenges.
Artificial intelligence, sustainability and business resilience dominated conversations throughout the week, reflecting the wider pressures and opportunities currently facing the global exhibition and events industry.
Structural shifts One of the strongest messages to emerge from the congress was the growing need for companies to move beyond reacting to market changes and instead prepare for structural shifts in how business is conducted. Keynote discussions on AI examined how new technologies are expected to affect business operations, knowledge management and decision-making processes across the industry. While opinions differed on the pace of adoption, there was broad consensus that AI is no longer a topic for future consideration but one that organisations must actively understand and evaluate today.
Alongside technology, delegates repeatedly returned to the subject of leadership. Discussions focused not only on commercial performance but also on the role industry organisations and businesses play in sharing expertise, setting standards and supporting the next generation of professionals. As global projects become increasingly complex and interconnected, participants highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange across markets.
Another significant moment of the week was the election of the new IELA Board of Management for the 2026 – 2028 term. Delegates elected Bas Wiendels as the association ' s new chairperson, marking the start of a new chapter for the organisation. The Board combines newly elected representatives with returning members, creating a leadership team that balances fresh perspectives with continuity and institutional knowledge.
Implementing sustainability Additionally, sustainability remained high on the agenda and continued to evolve from a conversation centred on awareness towards one focused on implementation. Several sessions and working group discussions explored practical approaches to environmental responsibility, particularly around emissions measurement, reporting and accountability. One notable development presented during the
16 Issue 4 2026 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk