Editor’ s Note
Shaping an inclusive and data-savvy future
t has long been part and parcel of the events
I business to‘ project’ and to believe in a very bright future, sometimes over optimistically. Certainly the exhibition sector is in a far better place than it was just 3-4 years ago. However, it is important to retain perspective, particularly if you are planning for the long term.
Refreshing, therefore, to hear incoming UFI president Wolfram Diener tell delegates at the association’ s Global Congress in Hong Kong recently – held under the‘ Shaping the future’ theme – that we need to embrace Chinese members of UFI in a better way in the future.“ Against the backdrop of the geopolitical changes, the Chinese members got a little bit disengaged with UFI,” said Diener, pointing out they made up 30 % of the association’ s membership.
It made me think of another industry association on the meetings side that for years put on its annual global congress’ s main social event in an exclusively designed and very parochial UK format and taste, leaving Asian and African delegates to talk among themselves.
The close connection of trade fairs with trade and the economy, has perhaps meant the exhibition sub-sector of the events broad church has always been more‘ globally democratic’ in recognising the power and potential of Asia and the Middle East.
With the US becoming more introspective and Europe’ s economies misfiring on many fronts, perhaps it is the Asian tigers that will be leading a great leap forward in 2026 and beyond? Hong Kong certainly showcased its cultural and economic strengths to delegates at the UFI Congress in November, and South Korea, Singapore, China, Thailand and Japan are also in the vanguard of using technology to the max and introducing innovation at scale and at pace.
The Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to the forefront, is also quickly being embraced by legacy exhibition businesses with investment and joint ventures.
Next year’ s exhibition model could look very different, so maybe it’ s time to check your business is future ready for the global stage?
In the New Year the‘ E’ of’ MICE’ can roar, showing how AI can mould data mountains into clear winning strategy for businesses.
And, in this last edition of 2025 I can recommend excellent reports on the big SEMA motor show in Las Vegas from Stephanie Selesnick( p44), an exclusive interview with RX’ s new president for Asia Pacific, Brian Thomas( p47), as well as analysis on developments in South East Europe from Berislav Čižmek( p42).
With very best New Year wishes for success to you all from the whole EW team. EW
Paul Colston Editor X: @ ExhibitionWorld Instagram: @ ew _ magazine
Managing Editor: Paul Colston; Portfolio Director: Iain Stirling; International Marketing Executive: Jack Belcher.
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