It took our face-to-face industry only two years to essentially recover from the most serious pandemic in more than a century. In addition, the industry has managed to deal with global inflationary pressures not seen in a generation. On top of that, we have faced new wars and growing geopolitical tensions. Despite all of those challenges, our industry has recovered and returned to growth mode. And as investor fantasies around the metaverse and virtual events imploded, there is no lack of investors willing to put their money into our industry and our core business model.

Besides the programme on the various stages, a lot was going on at our recent Global Congress in Las Vegas. Alongside all the networking and matchmaking, UFI’s working groups and chapters met, committees were in session, and all our leadership circles met as well as, of course, all of us in the General Assembly. I would like to highlight UFI’s work on advocacy here today, and how it ties into the work through our Associations Committee and the chapters.

I am writing this as the UFI team is wrapping up work on this year’s Global Congress. From your initial feedback, it was one for the history books. With around 500 colleagues from all over the world coming to Vegas, it is one of the biggest Congresses in UFI’s history. With 65 speakers, we had more voices on the stages than ever before. With the launch of the North America Chapter, it leaves a very special legacy. And with you, our members, voting in favour of our new membership fee scheme without a single “no” vote, you have agreed to a major change that makes the fee structure much simpler and fair for everyone. Thank you for that. Let me expand here a little about why we have opened a 5th regional chapter.

In today’s evolving business landscape, the role of the exhibition organizer has transcended beyond traditional boundaries. As the global economy advances through the post-COVID-19 era, organizers must prepare for the 'Future Global Agenda', which comprises environmental impact, biotech and advanced materials, digital and advanced engineering, and society and demographics. It is vital that exhibition organizers adapt to these agendas to ensure their continued success in building marketplaces and industrial partnerships.