From Experiment to Essential: UFI’s AI Journey Across Continents

Written by Herson Engcoy, Product Advocate at Snapsight.

The exhibition industry is no stranger to innovation, but the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has marked a new era of possibilities. At UFI, we’ve embarked on an exciting journey to harness the power of AI, transforming the way we organize and experience events. Let’s explore how AI has evolved from an experimental tool to an indispensable asset in our global conferences.

The Genesis: UFI Asia Pacific Conference in Macau

Our AI journey began in March 2024 at the UFI Asia Pacific Conference in Macau. We introduced Snapsight, an AI-powered insights tool developed by Gevme, to enhance the attendee experience. With nearly 300 delegates from 20 countries, this conference set the stage for AI integration in UFI events.

The European Leap: AI Takes Center Stage

Fast forward to June 2024, and the UFI European Conference in Zurich showcased how Snapsight had become an integral component of our events. What started as an experiment had transformed into a standard feature, seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the conference.

Event Highlights:

  • Hosted by MCH Group at Messe Zürich
  • 300 delegates from 41 countries and regions   
  • Explored 5 key industry trends
  • Featured a keynote by renowned economist Stephane Garelli

Behind the Scenes: Simplicity Meets Sophistication

 

Behind the Scenes: Simplicity Meets Sophistication

One of the most impressive aspects of Snapsight’s implementation was its user- friendly interface. Our tech team easily incorporated Snapsight’s key takeaways into the mobile application without any coding or complex technical procedures. This “no code, no tech integration” approach allowed for swift and hassle-free implementation.

 

AI as the Co-Host

Snapsight has become an integral part of UFI’s event programming and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Its real-time insights complemented our diverse program, including main-stage sessions, breakout discussions, and specialized summits.

The Organizer Experience: In Their Own Words

Nick Dugdale-Moore, Regional Director – Europe at UFI

“I was very happy to introduce Snapsight into the European Conference. It was really easy to integrate into our mobile app which I think made all the difference. As opposed to delegates having to navigate to a separate platform, they could check out the highlights instantly in the app.”

The Ripple Effect: Insights Beyond the Event

The post-event report generated by Snapsight has become a valuable tool for UFI’s strategic planning. It provides deep insights into session key takeaways and sentiment analysis, complementing our commitment to making all sessions available for members and conference participants.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Exhibitions

As UFI continues to pioneer the integration of AI in the exhibition industry, our partnership with Gevme and Snapsight stands as a clear example of the power of innovation. The journey from the Asia Pacific to the European conference demonstrates not just the adoption of technology, but a fundamental shift in how events are experienced and managed.
Join us as we continue to explore the possibilities of AI in shaping the future of exhibitions. Stay tuned to the UFI Blog for more insights and updates on our AIjourney across continents.