Guadalajara: the stage for IFES World Summit 2025

03.02.2025

The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) will conclude its milestone “40 Years of Collaboration” celebrations at the 2025 IFES World Summit from June 17-20.

As the network reflects on its journey, Guadalajara, Mexico's capital for trade shows and events stands as the chosen platform to honour past achievements and inspire future advancements in the exhibition and events industry. Situated at the heart of Jalisco, Guadalajara embodies a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation. Known as the birthplace of tequila and mariachi, the city offers a rich cultural experience that captures the essence of Mexico. With its grand colonial cathedrals, bustling markets, and contemporary art galleries, Guadalajara provides a dynamic backdrop for global gatherings.

The IFES World Summit will take place at Expo Guadalajara, a venue that blends heritage and modernity while prioritising sustainability. By hosting the Summit in such a dynamic environment, IFES underscores the city’s role as a cultural and economic hub for Latin America. “Guadalajara is proud to be one of the leading cities in Latin America. That is why hosting IFES reaffirms our city’s commitment to leadership in tradeshows. Welcome IFES to the most Mexican city in the world,” says Gustavo Staufert Buclon, general director of the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Vision for a sustainable future
As IFES steps into 2025, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to expand its reach and build a more sustainable future for the exhibition and events industry. The focus on underrepresented regions, including Latin America, Africa and Asia-Pacific, reflects a commitment to empowering local talent and creating new opportunities for members. “Guadalajara is not only a celebration of our legacy but a springboard for transformative change,” states IFES president Jörg Zeissig. “This Summit represents an opportunity for our members to leverage four decades of collaboration and learning to address global challenges and drive growth in this region, as well as globally.”

The 2025 World Summit will spotlight sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. Looking to the future, this event will also evaluate current trends and their potential relevance for the IFES community. By uniting members, industry leaders, and global associations, IFES aims to create relevant solutions that address the evolving needs of the industry. Attendees will engage in open dialogue, share insights, and explore ways to integrate sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies into their operations. A line up of renowned keynote speakers will explore topics shaping the exhibition space in today’s world, including the evolution of collaboration, AI’s impact on business models and client interactions, engaging with a tech-savvy younger workforce, and leveraging digitalization to redefine networking and business opportunities in events in future (www.ifesnet.com/events-all/ws25-guadalajara/).