The world’s leading exhibition organisers, including Clarion Events, Comexposium, Emerald, Informa Markets, Messe Frankfurt and RX, will join forces on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to mark the 11th edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED).
Celebrated annually and facilitated by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, GED 2026 unites the industry under the theme ‘Exhibitions Drive Opportunities’, with a call to action for businesses, policymakers and communities worldwide to recognise the transformative power of exhibitions.
In a world reshaped by geopolitical uncertainty, shifting global trade patterns and artificial intelligence, exhibitions remain indispensable, UFI notes. “They are the environments where industries reinvent themselves, where small and medium enterprises discover international markets, and where human connection delivers a level of trust that cannot be replaced by digital interaction,” the association points out.
UFI points out that the GED 2026 theme is built on three interconnected pillars:
- People: Exhibitions foster collective effort, expand professional skills and create meaningful connections that support careers, communities and global collaboration.
- Planet: Exhibitions accelerate sustainable solutions, showcase green innovations, and advance responsible practices that help industries reduce their environmental footprint.
- Performance: Exhibitions power business growth, open new markets, and enable companies of all sizes to thrive through direct customer engagement and real marketplace connections.
Here’s what some of those leading organisers have to say:
Lisa Hannant, CEO, Clarion Events: “Exhibitions are where opportunity becomes real – for businesses, for communities and for people. Global Exhibitions Day is a powerful reminder of what we achieve when we work together as an industry, alongside UFI and our peers, to create real human connections that drive growth, progress and positive change around the world.” Pablo Nakhlé Cerruti, CEO, Comexposium: “Global Exhibitions Day reminds us of the essential role exhibitions play in helping industries move forward. Exhibitions turn opportunities into reality by bringing entire sectors together, where face-to-face interactions help businesses find new clients, enter new markets, strengthen partnerships and accelerate sustainable growth. In a world shaped by constant transformation, exhibitions remain powerful platforms for dialogue, trust and sustainable economic development.”
And Hervé Sedky, president & CEO, Emerald: “Exhibitions create opportunity by uniting people and businesses through the power of human connection. When those connections happen face to face, ideas take shape, trust is built, and conversations transform into action. This sparks a multiplier effect that strengthens local economies, supports small businesses, and creates jobs. At Emerald, we see this impact every day. That’s why Global Exhibitions Day is so important – it’s a global moment to speak with one voice, raising awareness of the economic and social value exhibitions deliver for people, businesses, and communities worldwide.”
Patrick Martell, CEO, Informa Markets & COO, Informa Group: “Exhibitions are where markets are created and innovation is fast tracked. “Using data-led insights and sector expertise, our industry helps to build marketplaces that boost trade, foster innovation and deliver sustainable growth for businesses of every size.”
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO, Messe Frankfurt, says: “In the age of AI, human connection builds trust and sparks true innovation. On Global Exhibitions Day, we celebrate the power of face-to-face exchange that drives our industry forward. Trade fairs remain essential platforms where ideas become partnerships and progress becomes tangible.”
Hugh Jones, CEO, RX: “Exhibitions are where opportunity turns into action. They bring people together, speed up sustainable solutions, and deliver real commercial results. At a time of rapid change, exhibitions remain one of the most powerful platforms for connection, innovation, and growth. And Global Exhibitions Day is our moment to speak with one voice, and show the essential role exhibitions play for people, the planet, and business.”
Chris Skeith OBE, CEO & MD, UFI: “Global Exhibitions Day 2026 is an opportunity for us to reflect on the unique role our industry plays in shaping the future. Exhibitions are spaces where conversations inspire progress and where connections grow into new pathways. In a world that is constantly evolving, these moments where people meet face-to-face matter more than ever. At UFI, we are proud to champion a global community of organisers, venues and service partners that continues to bring people together, turning potential into opportunity every single day.”
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
Comments are closed.