Editor’ s Note
Bahrain ready to welcome the UFI global Grand Prix
ll eyes were on the UN in September as the
A conflict in the Middle East dominated headlines. UFI has taken the bold step of sticking with Bahrain as its Global Congress host, a great show of faith and solidarity in the team in Manama to deliver a secure event, 2-5 November 2026.
A successful event will undoubtedly breathe confidence not just into Bahrain but into the wider Middle East market where the threat of rogue missiles fired to and from Iran and proxies in Yemen continues to foster a climate of hesitancy and caution.
We need a diplomatic win in the region, as I am sure all else is waiting in the wings to quickly ramp up our industry and others again there.
In this issue we hear from some of the key players in that region and of those future opportunities waiting to be realised.
In a year where there are many conflicts and hot spots frustrating trade and peaceful economic activities, our global trade fair sector has nevertheless managed to generate upward of $ 6bn in M & A activity. Check out John McGovern’ s article, p21, on how event platforms are entering the next stage of growth.
CEO of global organiser RX, Hugh Jones, offers his insights on how his company is orchestrating the modern event experience. And another big voice – Conumer Technology Association president Kinsey Frabizio – shares wisdom with our US correspondent on p18 on the‘ Granddaddy of exhibitions’ in the US.
And, despite all the talk about live events being an antidote to AI, organisers continue to invest in AI-charged tech to create stronger customer relationships. Get that mix right and we have a powerful cocktail. EW
Paul Colston Editor X: @ ExhibitionWorld Instagram: @ ew _ magazine
Managing Editor: Paul Colston; Portfolio Director: Iain Stirling. International Marketing Executive: Jack Belcher. International Account Director: Myran Balasingham. Graphic Design: The Magazine Production Company. Contact us: Subscriptions:+ 44( 0) 20 8481 1128, Editorial: + 44( 0) 20 8481 1152, Advertising: + 44( 0) 20 8481 1122, Production:+ 44( 0) 20 8971 1132. Exhibition World is published by Mash Media Tel: + 44( 0) 20 8481 1122 fax: + 44( 0) 20 8481 1144, Email: info @ mashmedia. net Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the publishers. Printed by Pensord Press Ltd.
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