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Sunday, November 1
04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Board of Directors meeting (by invitation only) - "Final Meeting of the 2023-2026 Board"
Board of Directors
07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Board of Directors Dinner (by invitation only)
Board of Directors
Monday, November 2
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
MEA and Europe Chapter Meetings (UFI Members only)
UFI Chapter Meeting
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Board of Directors meeting (by invitation only) - "First Meeting of the 2026-2029 Board"
Board of Directors
12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Welcome Lunch
Networking
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
General Assembly (UFI Members only)
General Assembly
03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Xchange Sessions
Xchange Session
07:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Networking
Tuesday, November 3
06:30 AM - 07:45 AM
UFI Sports Club
Networking
09:20 AM - 09:40 AM
Official Congress Opening
Congress Session
09:40 AM - 10:10 AM
Keynote - The Power of Live
Congress Session
Lord Stephen A. Carter, who has been Group CEO of Informa PLC for 13 years, will explore the increasing value and power of live events over the last decade, and what the future might hold for the industry. Under Lord Carter’s leadership, Informa has become an international leader in B2B live events, expanding its portfolio of major B2B brands and establishing deep partnerships all over the world. This keynote will discuss how major live events are driving growth for international markets and international cities, and the role of data and AI in creating new opportunities and value for the customers our industry serves.
▶ Watch now a special message from our keynote speaker Lord Stephen A. Carter
Lord Stephen A. Carter
10:15 AM - 10:55 AM
From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Rebuilding Confidence and Accelerating Growth
Congress Session
As our industry navigates geopolitical uncertainty and shifting market conditions, what will it take to rebuild confidence and accelerate growth? This session explores how governments, tourism authorities, destinations and industry leaders can work together to support recovery, strengthen resilience and create the conditions for a more confident and sustainable future.
Sara Ahmed Buhejji
Michael Kruppe
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Networking Break
Networking
12:00 PM - 12:10 PM
UFI Awards Ceremony
Congress Session
12:10 PM - 01:10 PM
Insight Series – Ideas in Action
Insight
01:10 PM - 02:30 PM
Networking Lunch
Networking
02:30 PM - 03:10 PM
State of the Industry
Congress Session
Jochen Witt provides his perspective on the global exhibition industry, drawing on the latest market data and economic developments across international markets. He will explore the key economic, geopolitical and industry trends shaping the sector, where opportunities and challenges are emerging, and what they could mean for the future of exhibitions.
Jochen Witt
03:15 PM - 03:30 PM
Congress Session
Congress Session
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Networking Break
Networking
03:35 PM - 03:55 PM
Bate Papo Corner: From Uncertainty to Confidence: Keeping Exhibitors and Buyers Engaged in Challenging Times
Networking
Recent uncertainty in the Middle East has put organisers to a very real test, from travel confidence and international participation to changing exhibitor expectations and buyer engagement.
In this candid Bate-Papo conversation, senior industry leaders will go beyond what happened to explore what they actually did: how they communicated during uncertain moments, responded to exhibitors’ concerns, adapted buyer programmes and commercial strategies, and protected confidence without making promises they could not keep.
The discussion will also look ahead: what have organisers learned from this period, and what will they now permanently change in the way they build relationships, engage international audiences and run their shows.
An open, practical exchange about turning uncertainty into trust, and trust into stronger events.
About Bate-Papo
Running alongside the networking break, Bate-Papo (bah-tchee-PA-poo) is an informal space for dynamic, small-group conversations. Inspired by the Portuguese term for “chat,” it empowers attendees to shape the dialogue and learn from each other in an open, participatory setting. Located in the heart of the coffee and networking area, it’s the perfect spot for candid exchanges and sharing insights.
Enrico Gallorini
03:55 PM - 04:15 PM
The Organiser of the Future? Building the Next Generation of Global Events Businesses
Congress Session
04:30 PM - 05:10 PM
The Community We Create - How the Exhibition Ecosystem Can Build Communities That Last Beyond the Event
Insight
Exhibitions bring together a unique ecosystem of organisers, venues, destinations, suppliers and partners - but what role does each play in creating a genuine sense of community? This panel explores how the industry can move beyond simply bringing people together to creating environments where people feel connected, engaged and part of something that continues beyond the event itself. From the experiences we design to the spaces we create and the relationships we build, what can each part of the ecosystem do differently to turn audiences into communities?
Lori Hoinkes
Vanessa Claspill
Margaret Dunn
05:15 PM - 05:30 PM
Face to Face: The New Luxury
Congress Session
Drawing on new RX research, Hugh will explore what customers expect in return for their time and investment, and what that means for the industry. Hugh will show how portfolio segments work as archetypes, each with its own customer needs, and why one-size-fits-all events no longer work. As AI makes information instant and digital connection the norm, he will argue that bringing people together isn't an outdated model but the greater competitive advantage.
This closing keynote will offer a fresh perspective on how to learn, adapt and build the event experiences of the future.
Hugh Jones
07:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Congress Dinner
Networking
Wednesday, November 4
08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Networking Refreshments
Networking
09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Launching, Growing and Delivering World Class Event Brands at Tahaluf
Congress Session
Tahaluf has rapidly established a portfolio of world-class event brands in one of the most dynamic and challenging markets in the global exhibitions industry. In this fireside chat, Mike Champion will share insights from the journey so far, exploring what it takes to turn ambitious event concepts into successful, sustainable brands, and the lessons that can be applied across the wider exhibition industry.
Mike Champion
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Congress Session
Congress Session
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Networking Break
Networking
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Bate Papo Corner: Talks, Ideas, Exchange
Networking
Running alongside the networking break, Bate-Papo (bah-tchee-PA-poo) is an informal space for dynamic, small-group conversations. Inspired by the Portuguese term for “chat,” it empowers attendees to shape the dialogue and learn from each other in an open, participatory setting. Located in the heart of the coffee and networking area, it’s the perfect spot for candid exchanges and sharing insights.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
The Global Economic Outlook
Congress Session
This session will provide a look at the forces shaping the global economy and what they mean for the exhibitions industry. Exploring the outlook for growth, trade, investment and geopolitical uncertainty, we will consider the key economic trends businesses need to understand, and where the opportunities and risks lie in the years ahead.
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Congress Session
Congress Session
12:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch
Networking
02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Bahrain Focus
Congress Session
The host country takes centre stage in a series of sessions exploring Bahrain’s dynamic events and exhibitions landscape. Hear from local leaders and industry voices as they share perspectives on the market, its ambitions and the opportunities emerging across the region.
04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
UFI Presidency Handover and Next Host Announcement
Congress Session
Thursday, November 5
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Post-Congress Tour - Tradition to Modern: A Cultural Journey Through Bahrain
Networking
Join us for a tour that showcases the very best of Bahrain's heritage and modern creativity. You will experience the lively sights and sounds of the Manama Souq before admiring local talent at the RAK Art Foundation. Next, we will head to Muharraq to explore the island's famous UNESCO-listed Pearling Path and the historic Bu Maher Fort. We will end the day by the water with a fantastic networking lunch at Saada Restaurant.
📍 Pick-up and Drop-off: UFI Official Hotels
🍽️ Includes: Transportation • Guided Tour • Lunch
How to book the tour?
If you haven’t registered yet: You can select the tour directly in the event registration form.
If you have already registered: Please contact the UFI team at events@ufi.org and provide the names of the participants that will join the tour.