UFI Global Congress 2024: Bullish prospects for the industry

International trade fair professionals will convene at Koelnmesse from 20 to 23 November. The 91st edition of the annual gathering will take place against the backdrop of record revenues worldwide.

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the latest 33rd edition of its Global Exhibition Barometer report which takes the pulse of the industry. The results highlight that the exhibition industry will achieve record revenues globally in 2024, moving beyond the post-pandemic recovery that was achieved at the end of 2023 on average. 2023 and 2024 revenues are expected to grow by a respective 20 per cent and 17 per cent year on year. Plus: Globally, 48 per cent of companies declare that they plan to increase their workforce in the coming six months, while another 48% declare that they will keep current staff numbers stable. “State of the economy in home market” is the most pressing issue (22 per cent of answers globally), followed by “global economic developments” (15 per cent).

Artificial Intelligence will also affect the industry, with 90 per cent of companies agreeing to this and a growing share of businesses reporting that they actively use this new technology. “This edition of UFI’s Barometer research confirms our early data from January that 2024 will be a record year for industry revenues globally,” comments Kai Hattendorf. “This edition shows how this growth translates into new jobs in our sector as well as in expansion plans from the majority of businesses,” points out UFI’s parting CEO. “Against a complex global backdrop, the global exhibition industry is bullish about its short and mid-term prospects.” Good prospects also for Cologne: For more information on the UFI Global Congress, its programme and speakers you can visit the congress website (www.uficongress.org).

Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse, about the gathering of the global trade fair industry.

What does it mean to host the UFI Global Congress on the occasion of Koelnmesse's centennial?
It is a great honour and pleasure for us. Even established events and modern exhibition centres require constant renewal - which is why the exchange with professionals in our industry is so important. But it is equally important that we can demonstrate our function as a bridge builder between cultures and nations, just like our founder Konrad Adenauer.

The event will take place at the new Confex. What can the delegates look forward to there?
Opened in June, Confex with its state-of-the-art media facilities, light-filled rooms, outstanding catering partner and huge open-air terrace offers a top-quality experience. Thanks to its own Intercity Express railway station at Cologne Messe/Deutz, Confex is easy to reach in an environmentally friendly way.

Around 500 trade fair professionals from all over the world will be attending. Is this also an opportunity for guest exhibitions at Koelnmesse?
Absolutely! Attendees will get a chance to experience our beautiful city, but above all, the advantages of Koelnmesse. The event is an excellent networking platform: trade fair professionals can initiate potential partnerships and collaborations that may lead to future guest shows - also in Cologne.