s the exhibitions

While newer challenges have reared their heads , the congress will have a unique content programme and feature keynote speakers from inside and outside the sector .

The congress will look at the future of the industry alongside facilitating networking opportunities and giving attendees the chance to exchange experiences and gain new insights and ideas .

Caitlin Read has more than a decade of experience in the exhibitions industry , and is coordinating UFI ’ s Global Conference . She tells EW what delegates can expect .

EW : Is there a conference theme this year ? CR : We didn ’ t originally set a specific theme for the UFI Global Congress in 2022 , but as discussions surrounding the programme evolved , and having talked with our members about what ’ s on their minds , the idea of ‘ uncovering ’ kept coming up , be that opportunities , challenges , or innovation .

We started playing with the idea of ‘ uncovering the unseen ’ which is what led us to choosing our keynote

speaker this year : Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy , the academy awardwinning filmmaker . She will set the tone for the congress by talking about – and demonstrating to us – new ways to look at the world .

EW : As the agenda takes place , what topics will be discussed ? CR : You can expect the classics that any programme would be remiss without . We will have sessions on the state of the economy , global risks and opportunities , and trends across the industry . We ’ ll also be covering the timely and critical talent discussion with the Next Generation Leaders sharing their views on a transformed talent narrative for the industry .

The ‘ big change ’ topics of the moment include sessions on the use of data and insights to create serendipitous moments and how we ’ re driving sustainability in our events and businesses .

The session I am most looking forward to ( but please don ’ t tell any of the speakers , I don ’ t want them to think I ’ m playing favourites ) will be an industry Board meeting . There , we ’ re going to have folks from different organisations representing all the normal Board functions , providing an update from their area , and a discussion on which topics will be of critical importance on their agendas for 2023 .

EW : Are the challenges faced by the industry world-wide , or are there regional differences ?

Caitlin Read

“ What I hope events like the UFI Global Congress can do is bring people together to share insight and be able to discuss frankly and openly .”

CR : This is something we think about a lot when putting together the programmes for our global events : are we covering topics that show off how different regions are dealing with hot-button issues , or do we want to talk about topics that are universal to all of us ?

In general , I think , there are topics that we are all thinking about , that are keeping everyone in the industry up at night in autumn 2023 . These include customer experience , talent , digital , sustainability , and economic pressures , as examples . The question is how those topics are manifesting , what the pressures are and , significantly , what ’ s the right solution for a business , a portfolio ,