UFI Column
Celebrating the past, shaping the future: UFI at 100
As UFI marks its centenary, Chris Skeith OBE, chief executive, reflects on a landmark year of engagement, innovation, and leadership transitions, and looks ahead to 2026, exploring emerging trends and collaboration
EW: How do you assess 2025 as a year for UFI and its achievements? It’ s been a fitting year for our centenary. Engagement has increased across all areas – events, groups, and initiatives – and we’ ve launched new products, research, and activations that have resonated with members worldwide. We’ ve also transitioned to new leadership, from Geoff to Hugh( presidents-ed), and with me stepping in as CEO.
This combination of celebrating our past and embracing fresh perspectives has been energising. Overall, 2025 demonstrates that we’ ve honoured our heritage, celebrated the present, and positioned UFI to continue shaping the future of the global exhibition industry.
As we move into the New Year, what are the aims for UFI for 2026? Complacency is not an option. The trust our members place in us gives us the confidence to keep innovating and exploring new ideas. We’ ve transformed the Global Congress, introducing new faces, stories, and far more space for meaningful connections and interactions.
It’ s a model for positive change, demonstrating what can be achieved when members lead the way. Looking ahead, we will continue to drive our advocacy agenda, contribute to influential groups like ISO and NZCE, and support our partners, including EEIA and ECA. Our ambition is to ensure UFI remains a hub for collaboration, knowledgesharing, and industry progress.
Above: Chris Skeith
What will be the key trending topics for 2026 in our sector? We’ ll be publishing our five trends later, so you’ ll have to wait for the full picture! That said, there is no shortage of topics shaping the sector, from sustainability and digital innovation to evolving business models and international partnerships. The discussions we’ ve had at Congress already suggest a strong focus on agility, resilience, and leveraging technology to create richer experiences for both organisers and attendees.
UFI has made it its business to deepen collaboration with other industry associations. Is there more that can be done in that area and in the sphere of education? There’ s always more to do. I regularly meet the leaders of other associations, and we strive to reduce duplication, create consistency, and add value for our members and the wider industry. Research, data, training, education, and activities around our mutual events are a rolling agenda. By aligning efforts and sharing expertise, we can amplify the benefits for all participants and ensure the sector continues to evolve in a professional, sustainable, and innovative way.
In terms of markets to watch in 2026, clearly the Middle East and Saudi seem hot. What is your view? Change is happening across all regions, and our Regional Directors are supporting developments worldwide. This year, we’ ve supported members in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia, alongside delegations and activations to Türkiye, Japan, and Bogotá. Opportunities exist everywhere, so I’ ll be watching all markets closely. What’ s exciting is that growth is not confined to a single region; wherever there is ambition, investment, and innovation, there is potential for the exhibitions industry to flourish. EW www. exhibitionworld. co. uk Issue 6 2025 9