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Wednesday, November 20
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 1 - ground floor
Speed Matchmaking
Networking
Join our Speed Matchmaking session and have 6 one-to-one meetings with potential business partners before the start of the main Congress.
Powered by Expoplatform, for this session you do not need to register in advance, you just show up on the day at 10:45 to register and check-in.
Session starts at 11:00 sharp!

12:00 PM - 01:30 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Foyer South + Foyer West - ground floor
Light Lunch
Networking
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
General Assembly (UFI Members only)
General Assembly
02:45 PM - 03:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 2 – ground floor
Rethink Data-Driven Trade Fair Services
Xchange Session
In today’s trade fair landscape, much of the valuable data remains untapped, leaving potential improvements in services and efficiency unrealized. This presentation will explore how intelligent data use can transform trade fair operations by reducing congestion, streamlining services, and enhancing sustainability. For example, connecting logistics data with hall layout planning can optimize the flow from deliveries to final placement, reducing traffic and improving efficiency for all participants.
This is the underlying philosophy employed by VisiFair in the development of its all-in-one trade fair management platform. Discover how Visifair redefines trade fair logistics, turning previously unused data into actionable insights for smarter, greener, and more profitable events.
Rolf Schulte Strathaus
Leon Funke

03:05 PM - 03:20 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 2 – ground floor
Shows Are About Connecting – So Why Isn’t Your Software Better Connected?
Xchange Session
Yes, every ticketing software company will promise to help you sell more tickets. We can do that too, but we can also cut your costs, prevent vendor lock-in, and unlock much better customer journeys for both exhibitors and visitors with the magic of open APIs and open source software. Are you interested in a strategic long-term advantage over software that locks you in a closed ecosystem with ever-rising costs and no clear way out? In this session, we look at what “API” and “open source” mean and what opting for the most open solution can mean for you. Chances are, you even have employees spending dozens of hours every week on moving data from software to Excel sheets and back again.
We’re here to show you the way out.
We’re here to show you the way out.
Raphael Michel

03:25 PM - 03:40 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 2 – ground floor
Taiwan, Your Best Partner for Business Events
Xchange Session
As the core of strategic positioning in the Asia-Pacific region and a global hub for semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Taiwan’s significance in the world supply chain is widely recognized. Taiwan has created some of the world's most important exhibitions, including COMPUTEX Taipei, Taipei AMPA, TIMTOS, Food Taipei, and Taipei Cycle. With its strategic geographic advantage, convenient international transportation, warm hospitality, safe environment, and rich cultural heritage, Taiwan is the ideal destination for hosting international conferences and incentive travel.
Founded in 1970, TAITRA is Taiwan's foremost nonprofit trade promoting organization. Sponsored by the government and industry organizations, TAITRA assists enterprises to expand their global reach. Headquartered in Taipei, TAITRA has a team of 1,300 specialists and operates 5 local offices as well as 60+ branches worldwide. If you are interested in Taiwanese services, products, exhibitions, or events, TAITRA will be your best partner.
We welcome you to join our presentation and experience the beauty of Taiwan's MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) industry, elevating your business events to the next level!
Speaker: Simon Wang, President & CEO of TAITRA
Simon Wang

03:45 PM - 04:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 2 – ground floor
How Terrapinn increased engagement across 70 events, 420,000 registrations and achieved an NPS +32
Xchange Session
Many event organizers face significant challenges in enhancing event engagement, from difficulties in facilitating meaningful networking opportunities to low attendee participation in sessions and activities. This leads to diminished attendee satisfaction and reduced return on investment (ROI) for both organizers and exhibitors. In this session, we will delve into how Terrapinn, a global leader in events, navigated these challenges to drive higher attendee engagement and maximize ROI. Aimed at executives looking to increase/boost event ROI, streamline communications, and optimize engagement at scale, this session promises to be packed with real-life examples and data-driven insights that will help improve event outcomes.
Emma Lomas
Sharon Roessen

04:00 PM - 04:30 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Foyer South - ground floor
Networking Break
Networking
04:30 PM - 04:45 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 2 – ground floor
How EventX Use AI Drove 2X Registrants and 12x Conversion Rate for Exhibitions
Xchange Session
Explore two case studies showcasing how AI identified key attendees and enabled hyper-personalized outreach, doubling registrants and achieving 12x higher conversion rates. Discover the transformative power of the AI-powered event marketing platform.
Sum Wong

04:50 PM - 05:05 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 2 – ground floor
Hong Kong – Where Global Business Events Achieve More
Xchange Session
Hong Kong stands as a dynamic hub for global business events. Renowned in its strategic location and proximity to Mainland China, vibrant economy, world-class infrastructure, and diverse offerings, this session will explore the unparalleled opportunities that Hong Kong offers for international business events.
Justine Ng

05:05 PM - 05:20 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 2 – ground floor
Let’s Imagineer: From Vision to Reality – How Modular Solutions Transform Tomorrow’s Exhibitions
Xchange Session
As the industry’s demand for sustainability, cost-effectiveness and flexibility is growing, it’s essential to maximize efficiency in both creation and installation of stands. Stay ahead of the curve, and discover how Aluvision can be your partner in setting the pace for tomorrow’s exhibitions.
Emmanuel Hamelinck
Daan Ruysschaert

07:30 PM - 10:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Gaffel am Dom
Welcome Reception
Networking
Kick off the UFI Global Congress at our Welcome Reception on Wednesday, 20 November at 19:30, hosted at the lively Gaffel am Dom. Enjoy local Kölsch beer, traditional German cuisine, and great company in the heart of Cologne. It's the perfect start to an unforgettable week of networking!

Thursday, November 21
06:30 AM - 07:45 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Meeting points: 6:30 in Radisson and Dorint lobbies and 6:45 in Hyatt lobby
UFI Sports Club
Networking

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Foyer South - ground floor
Networking and Refreshments
Networking
09:00 AM - 09:30 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
Opening of the 91st UFI Global Congress
Session
Kai Hattendorf
Henriette Reker
Geoff Dickinson
Gerald Böse
Philip Harting
09:30 AM - 10:00 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
Gaining Clarity In a Changing World
Keynote
Join us for an inspiring keynote by Anna Rosling Rönnlund, co-founder of Gapminder. Known for her ability to make complex global trends accessible and easy to understand, Anna will explore how we can transform uncertainty into opportunities for growth and success. Her Keynote promises to challenge the way we interpret change, providing valuable insights on navigating today’s rapidly evolving world. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective how to turn challenges into chances!
Anna Rosling Rönnlund

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
Industry Insight: Turning Change into Opportunity
Insight
Gary Shapiro will share his visionary insights on how the exhibitions industry can navigate and thrive amidst rapid transformations. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a leading thought leader who understands the intricacies of adapting in a dynamic global landscape.
Gary Shapiro
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Foyer South - ground floor
Networking Break
Networking
11:15 AM - 12:30 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
The Power Hour: The Forces Shaping Our Industry
Insight
Three experts in the geopolitical, societal and economic landscapes will share their views on the wider forces that have shaped the industry – and the world.
Zoë Williams
Tom Rafferty
Matthew Sherwood

12:30 PM - 01:45 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 1 + Foyer West - ground floor
Networking Lunch
Networking

01:45 PM - 02:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
UFI Medal of Honour Ceremony
Session
On the eve of UFI's centennial, we are reviving UFI's legacy medal of appreciation in a reimagined format. Called the “UFI Medal of Honour”, this new scheme will award up to three individuals annually for their unique services to the global exhibition industry and the UFI community.
Join us as we announce and celebrate the initial recipients of UFI's highest honour.
Geoff Dickinson
02:00 PM - 02:45 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
The Global Exhibition Industry Board Meeting
Session
Our Industry Board come together once again to forming a joint board on behalf of our whole industry. How will the board respond to the changes and challenges between now and 2030 – and what are the chances can you take advantage of?
Session moderator: Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director/CEO, UFI
Panittha Buri
Lisa Hannant
Geoff Dickinson
Kai Hattendorf
02:45 PM - 03:15 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
Measuring Sustainability Impact in Exhibitions
Session
As the global focus on sustainability intensifies, the exhibition industry is increasingly assessing its economic, social and environmental impacts. This session will explore the benefits and limitations of the concept of 'value for carbon'. As part of the session, Explori will present findings from a comprehensive project conducted with exhibiting companies and organisers.
Liz Scofield
Robert Sarcevic
Brian Brittain
03:15 PM - 03:30 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
How I See It - Elevating Our Industry Through Collaboration
How I see it
In this dynamic and thought-provoking talk, James Latham will make a compelling case for why now is the time for the industry to come together and collaborate. With a focus on raising the profile of our sector, he will highlight the power of collective action, the opportunities for innovation through partnerships, and the need for a unified voice to address changes, challenges and opportunities. James’ op-ed style will leave you inspired to play your part in shaping the future of the industry.
James Latham

03:30 PM - 04:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Foyer South - ground floor
Networking Break
Networking
04:00 PM - 04:35 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
Growth and Opportunity in the Global Exhibition Industry
Session
An analysis of the current state of the exhibition industry, including major players, market share, and growth trends.
Gregory Hitchen
Russell Wilcox
Franziska Kayser
John J. McGovern
Baris Onay
04:35 PM - 04:50 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
How I see it - India’s Exhibition Industry: Turning Changes into Chances
How I see it
Join Sonia Prashar as she provides a snapshot of the Indian exhibition market, highlighting its journey from a burgeoning industry to a more mature and dynamic force. With insights into how the sector has evolved, she'll explore key trends and future opportunities, offering a perspective on what makes India's exhibition landscape unique and where it’s heading next.
Sonia Prashar
04:50 PM - 05:05 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
How I see it - The Power of Soap Bubbles
How I see it
On the eve of UFI’s 100th year, this session puts what we do into a wider perspective. From ancient rituals to cutting-edge experiences, events have always shaped history, and they hold the power to drive change in the world. Let’s review the changes and chances events brought and bring to societies.
Enrico Gallorini
05:05 PM - 05:10 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
Closing Day One
Session
06:30 PM - 11:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Cologne Cathedral and Flora Köln
Congress Dinner Programme
Networking
Only very rarely, and only on the most special occasions, does Cologne Cathedral close its doors early to the public. This will be the case for UFI Global Congress delegates, who can look forward to enjoying well-known melodies during an exclusive organ concert in the magnificent ambience of this iconic building.
Following this, an exquisite dinner awaits at the stunning Flora venue, nestled in Cologne’s botanical gardens. It will be a memorable evening of fine dining, networking, and celebration!
Meeting Point at 18:30 in each hotel lobby

Friday, November 22
08:00 AM - 09:00 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Foyer South - ground floor
Networking refreshments
Networking
09:00 AM - 09:45 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin
UFI Chapter Meetings (UFI Members only)
UFI Chapter Meeting
- Europe Chapter Meeting: Room P&Q, level 2
- MEA Chapter Meeting: Room V, level 2
- Asia-Pacific Chapter Meeting: Room W, level 2
- North America Chapter Meeting: Room S, level 2
- Central & South America Chapter Meeting: Room T, level 2
09:45 AM - 10:30 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Level 2 and Foyer South - ground floor
Networking and Refreshments
Networking
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Room M, level 2
Spotlight Session: Focusing on Excellence with our UFI Award Winners - Digital Innovation (Easyfairs) and HR (IMPACT Exhibition Management)
Breakout
Join us as we celebrate the forefront of innovation in the exhibition industry.
Stephan Forseilles, Chief Technology Officer at Easyfairs, will present their award-winning approach to Digital Innovation. Easyfairs has pushed the boundaries of technology by integrating cutting-edge AI tools, transforming internal processes and external deliveries. Their holistic and visionary approach truly exemplifies their slogan, “Visit the future”.
In the HR category, Thamita Chongswatvorakul, Director of Corporate Human Resources at IMPACT Exhibition Management, will share insights into their innovative R2i project, which fosters a culture of perpetual learning and innovation. By empowering employees to innovate, IMPACT is driving business transformation and setting new standards for the industry.
Stephan Forseilles
Thamita Chongswatvorakul
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Room N, level 2
Spotlight Session: Focusing on Excellence with Our UFI Award Winners - Industry Partners (Fiera Milano) and Marketing (RX Germany)
Breakout
Join us as we celebrate the power of collaboration and data-driven innovation in the exhibition industry.
Vincenzo Cecere, Head of Investor Relations & Sustainability at Fiera Milano, will present their award-winning project, developed in partnership with Montecolino, for Industry Partners. Their initiative highlights groundbreaking R&D in green stand design, reducing environmental impact while driving exhibition success. This collaboration exemplifies synergy and excellence across the industry.
In the Marketing category, Christian Reiß, Chief Marketing Officer at RX Austria and Germany, will share how their data-driven marketing strategy for the FIBO exhibition transformed data into actionable business ideas. RX Germany’s targeted marketing approach and use of automation tools have set new benchmarks for success in the industry.
Vincenzo Cecere
Christian Reiss
Carolin Scharnowski
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Room P, level 2
Spotlight Session: Venues of the Future, Challenges, and Opportunities Ahead
Breakout
In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, venues must navigate a range of challenges, including digital disruption, inflation, economic uncertainty, climate change, and evolving customer needs.
This interactive session brings together experts from around the world to debate these issues and share best practices and potential solutions. Unlike a traditional speaker-led format, this session encourages every participant to actively contribute, making it a unique opportunity to gather a wealth of experiences and insights.
Experts will gather in small groups and deep dive in one of those key topics such as:
- Sustainability and the road to net zero carbon by 2050: How is our industry responding to the global movement towards a green economy and how is it performing in relation to achieving net zero carbon by 2050?
- Event profile protection: What are the clients (event organizers) demands and what are best practices globally when it comes to profile protection while safeguarding the interest of both the venue and organizers?
- Cost and Pricing in light of current economic climate: Should venues raise their prices significantly just to stay afloat? Is there a way to face inflation?
- Acquisition of new customers / events: In a highly competitive environment, what competitive advantages venues can work on in order to appeal to new clients while retaining their existing customers.
The outcome of each working group will then be shared with all attendees of this session. The session is co-moderated by industry professionals.
Naji El Haddad
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Level 2 and Foyer South - ground floor
Networking Break
Networking
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Room M, level 2
Spotlight Session: Focusing on Excellence with Our UFI Award Winners - Operations & Services (Freeman-Zenus) and Sustainable Development (Easyfairs)
Breakout
Join us as we celebrate transformative innovations that are redefining customer experience and sustainability in the exhibition industry.
Jo-Anne Kelleway, International Industry Ambassador at Freeman, will present their joint award-winning initiative in Operations & Services. Their cutting-edge digital partnership leverages ethical behavior mapping technology to provide event organisers with actionable insights into visitor sentiments, helping them enhance the customer experience and measure event success.
In the Sustainable Development category, Nil Sönmez, Chief Sustainability and Customer Experience Officer at Easyfairs, will showcase their comprehensive ESG plan. Easyfairs’ data-driven and collaborative approach to sustainability, which integrates eco-friendly practices into their business model, demonstrates how sustainability can enhance both the operational success and the attendee experience at exhibitions.
Nil Sönmez
David Saef
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Room Q, level 2
Spotlight on Advocacy: Examining Global Changes and Chances. Exploring Regional Competition and Cooperation
Breakout
Advocacy sits at the heart of UFI’s mission. We drive and advance advocacy for the exhibition industry globally through the collaborative efforts and collective voices of our members and partners. Join us to hear global advocacy efforts in Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States as we discuss chances presented by global changes and their implications for regional competition and cooperation.
Barbara Weizsäcker
Tommy Goodwin
Stuart Bailey
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Room N, level 2
Spotlight Session: Energy Concepts Specifically For Trade Fair and Event Organisers
Breakout
Koelnmesse aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 with a strong focus on energy supply as a key element of its strategy. The company is concentrating on expanding photovoltaic (PV) systems and developing alternative heating solutions. Since 2015, Koelnmesse has integrated sustainability into its modernisation and construction projects, organising its efforts into three strategic pillars: nature, events, and community. A major goal is to reduce energy consumption while increasing the use of renewable energy sources on its exhibition grounds. Additionally, Koelnmesse is developing a new heating concept in collaboration with energy provider E.ON, aiming to completely eliminate the use of fossil fuels.
Daniel Zech
Dominik Lenz
Martin Weiss
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Foyer South - ground floor
Break
Networking
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
NGL Showcase: Leveling Up the Exhibition Industry
Presentation
In this session, the NGL team explores the transformative potential of AI in the exhibition industry. Framed through a gaming lens, they’ll highlight AI’s current capabilities and challenges, demonstrating how it’s a powerful ally in overcoming industry-wide obstacles. Join them as they showcase how AI empowers us to level up in the exhibitions arena, driving change in real-time.
Ana Carolina Aguilera
Celia Hidalgo
Alexander Caspari
Lesley Gurney
Nadja Ella Hutton-Mills
12:30 PM - 01:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
Presidency Handover Ceremony
Session
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 1 + Foyer West - ground floor
Networking Lunch
Networking

02:00 PM - 03:05 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
The German Trade Fair industry Overview
Session
- 2:00 pm - 2:05 pm: Introduction, Jörn Holtmeier (AUMA)
- 2:05 pm – 2:20 pm: The German Trade Fair Industry: Facts & Figures, Silvia Bauermeister (AUMA)
- 2:20 pm – 2:50 pm: The added value of trade fair visits, Max Reichert (AUMA) und Barbara Lüder (AUMA)
- 2:50 pm - 3:05 pm: Study Koelnmesse, Christian Glasmacher, Karen Brune, Jana Effmann (Koelnmesse)
AUMA – the Association of the German Trade Fair industry – gives an overview of the German trade fair industry.
After that, Barbara-Maria Lüder and Max Reichert will share insights into a study of AUMA. This study examines the efficiency and sustainability of trade fair visits in Germany, considering increasing mobility and sustainability requirements. It aims to determine the average number of personal business contacts per trade fair visitor and to assess the extent to which digital alternatives could generate these contacts equivalently. Additionally, it investigates how trade fairs contribute to the avoidance of additional business trips.
Afterwards, Koelnmesse presents a study examining how consolidating business travel to trade fairs can reduce overall CO₂ emissions and promote sustainability within the industry. Building on previous research, it introduces a method to measure the CO₂ savings achieved by attending trade fairs, thereby reducing the need for multiple individual business trips. Using trade fair-specific data and advanced on-site technologies, this approach establishes benchmarks for mobility-related emissions savings at each event. The framework developed enables organisers to evaluate the environmental impact of trade fair-related business travel, supporting the industry’s broader sustainability goals.
Jörn Holtmeier
Silvia Bauermeister
Barbara Maria Lüder
Max Reichert
Christian Glasmacher
Jana Effmann
Karen Brune
03:05 PM - 03:30 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin Confexhall Sektion 3 - ground floor
Congress Closing & Host 2025 Announcement
Session
Saturday, November 23
09:00 AM - 02:00 PM (GMT+01:00) Berlin
Post-Congress Tours
Networking
To make the most of your time at the congress in Cologne, take part in one of the three unique post-congress tours, giving you the chance to explore the rich culture and history of the city.
How to book a tour?
Please contact the UFI team at events@ufi.org with your tour preferences and the names of participants.
Participants joining the post-congress tours may bring their luggage on the buses. Shuttles to the 3 official hotels (Hyatt, Radisson, and Dorint) and to Cologne Central Station (Köln Hbf) will be provided at 14:00.
Tour 1 - City Tour is fully booked.
Tour 2 - Sticky and Sweet – The Chocolate Museum free spots available.
Tour 3 - Footsteps of the ancient Romans free spots available.