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UFI Celebrates Centennial at 92nd Global Congress in Hong Kong – Where the Future of Exhibitions is Shaped

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9 months ago

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UFI

Exhibition industry converges to explore how to leverage Hong Kong’s super-connector role between the world & the Greater Bay Area, world-class venues and diverse cultural experiences to achieve more for trade shows and visitors
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 November 2025 – The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has cemented Hong Kong’s position as an exhibition and conference hub in Asia as the host city of the landmark 92nd UFI Global Congress. Staged at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) on 19–22 November 2025 under the theme “Shaping the Future”, the Congress in UFI’s centenary brought together hundreds of global industry leaders to reflect, connect and shape the future of the global exhibition industry, capturing Hong Kong’s strengths as the trade fair capital of Asia and the World’s Meeting Place delivering world-class infrastructure, seamless Greater Bay Area (GBA) integration and innovative event solutions.
HKTB Chairman Peter Lam remarked, “We are thrilled that the UFI Global Congress has returned to Hong Kong after 25 years to celebrate UFI’s centenary. This year’s Congress holds special significance; it is both an honour and a testament to our city’s enduring position as the “World’s Meeting Place”. Combined with business-friendly policies, world-class infrastructure, professional services and unique GBA opportunity, Hong Kong continues to attract international business events across the region. Moreover, Hong Kong goes beyond being just a business hub – the city boasts a year-round calendar of world-class mega events, enlivening it with delightful activities, exclusive festive attractions and irresistible experiences. I invite global industry leaders to explore beyond the conference halls and immerse themselves in Hong Kong.”

Hong Kong – A Destination of Choice to Unleash Growth Potential for the Exhibition Sector

As a key economic pillar, the global exhibition industry produced US$95 billion in direct GDP and contributed US$162 billion in direct spending in 2024, according to UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry. In 2024, Hong Kong’s flagship venues – Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AWE – hosted more than 350 exhibitions with 9.17 million participants. This year, the city sees a strong momentum in trade exhibitions, with 10 new exhibitions staged in Hong Kong.

Chris Skeith, Managing Director & CEO of UFI noted, “Coming to Hong Kong this year particularly is important to UFI as it’s our centenary. We’ve been celebrating the past, honouring the present, but the main thing we’re here today for is to help shape our future. Experience and trust are two major trends to watch for the industry, and Hong Kong is the perfect destination for us today. Not only have you got the people, the growth opportunity, the amazing landscapes and seascape, and you have also got the venues and the capability to help deliver the events that we can bring. So as UFI moves into our next centenary, I can see lots of our members bringing events to Hong Kong again to help shape the future of their businesses, their communities, their events, and we will do that together.”

Future-focused Congress Programme Highlights Future-proof Developments & Insights

In this year’s UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong, high-calibre speakers led future-focused dialogue. Silicon Valley strategist Dex Hunter-Torricke, hailing from SpaceX, Facebook and Google, dissected how AI and technological changes were reshaping industries, and how the exhibition sector could play a defining role in reconnecting people and ideas.

Global industry leaders also explored the forces shaping the future of events through the main stage programme. A key highlight was AWE’s Phase II development featuring Hong Kong’s largest purpose-built in-door performance venue with 20,000 seats, to be completed by 2028. This expansion is an integral part of SKYTOPIA, the new tourism landmark in Lantau being developed by the Airport Authority. The project integrating commercial activities, culture and leisure is set to propel the city to become a dream destination for visitors.

Lisa Hannant, Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Events attested to Hong Kong’s appeal. “We have an iconic brand called Global Sources, and we have been established here in Hong Kong for over 50 years. Hong Kong is at the forefront of the evolving industry across the whole of the trade show sector. It’s a meeting place for international markets and a real connector where buyers meet sellers. With a diverse economic background and vibrant culture, it is an extraordinary place to be able to establish new events such as The Hong Kong International Show Jumping Show.” she said.

Richard Ireland, Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Events Asia echoed this viewpoint “It didn’t take us long to realise that Hong Kong is a great destination for such a show. Its location near the Greater Bay Area, its affluent population and ability to host large successful events really made it a very simple decision.”

Hong Kong – the Gateway to Unlock Opportunities in GBA and Beyond

Featured as a speaker in the Session themed “Gateway to Growth: Unleashing Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area”, HKTB’s General Manager, Mega Events, MICE and Cruise Marilyn Tham highlighted Hong Kong as an unmatched gateway for uncovering opportunities in the GBA and Asia, thanks to Hong Kong’s one-hour easy access to the GBA market of 87 million people, and the four-hour flight radius to all Asian markets.

Margaret Ma Connolly, President and CEO of Informa Markets Asia, elaborated, “Hong Kong is really the bridge from Asia to the world. Hong Kong has unique access to the Greater Bay Area, and Chinese Mainland is the second largest exhibition market in the world. At Informa Markets, we have launched a few Asia’s debuts in Hong Kong that are aligned with the government Policy Address’s key strategic pillars, whether it’s in aviation, logistic hub or MICE development. So we have launched the Super Terminal Expo, The Battery Show Asia, the Beauty Ingredients & Formulation Asia (BIFA) and Connect Marketplace Hong Kong and we are also launching LEAP East next. Hong Kong has a lot going for it, with the MICE industry being the hub in APAC. I do believe this is Asia’s century and now the momentum is strong.”

Rich Destination Experiences to Enhance Visitor Enjoyment

UFI Global Congress delegates personally experienced how Hong Kong masterfully blends business and leisure. The Congress Dinner at M+, hosted by the HKTB, presented an elaborate feast of culinary excellence, neon art, cross-genre music, and a dance performance paying tribute to Bruce Lee on the 85th anniversary of his birth.

Four tours of contrasts were also curated by HKTB for delegates – Peak Tram to PMQ that contrasted legendary skyline with creative energy; Palace Museum to Kowloon Walled City that mixed imperial treasures with a urban regeneration gem; Ngong Ping 360 to Tai O that juxtaposed modern engineering with traditional fishing village vibe; and Tai Kwun to Big Bus Tour that showcased colonial heritage alongside cosmopolitan energy.

The HKTB-sponsored destination experiences showcased endless reasons for extending stays to take in more.

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Energy

Transnet Freight Rail Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Spotlight South Africa’s Rail Reform at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

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1 week ago

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August 20, 2026

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Etu Energias

As South Africa accelerates freight rail reforms and private sector participation to unlock mining investment, Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies will outline the company’s infrastructure modernization strategy and opportunities for investors at African Mining Week 2026

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 20, 2026/APO Group/ –Russell Baatjies, Group Chief Executive of Transnet Freight Rail, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – Africa’s premier gathering for the mining industry – taking place October 14-16 in Cape Town.

 

Baatjies will participate in the Regional Connectivity: Financing Africa’s Mineral Infrastructure panel, where he is expected to discuss Transnet’s strategy to modernize South Africa’s freight rail network, expand private sector participation and strengthen regional logistics corridors to support mining growth and cross-border trade.

His participation comes as South Africa accelerates sweeping logistics reforms aimed at removing infrastructure bottlenecks and unlocking greater investment across its mining sector. As the country seeks to mobilize R2 trillion to develop its critical minerals industry – including an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore resources – expanding rail and port capacity has become central to increasing exports of coal, platinum group metals, manganese, chrome and iron ore while improving regional trade connectivity.

In May 2026, Transnet signed rail access agreements with 11 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) serving the coal, manganese, container, fuel and general freight sectors, marking a major step toward opening the national freight rail network to private operators. The agreements are expected to add 24 million tons of annual freight capacity, with the potential to increase to 52 million tons over the next five years, supporting South Africa’s goal of increasing annual rail volumes from approximately 180 million tons to 250 million tons by 2030.

Building on these reforms, Transnet launched the procurement process in June 2026 for The Leasing Company, a rolling stock leasing platform designed to improve access to locomotives and wagons for both established and emerging TOCs. The initiative is expected to increase asset utilization, strengthen freight capacity and attract greater private investment into Southern Africa’s rail sector.

The company is also reinforcing its financial position to accelerate infrastructure modernization through major financing agreements, including a €300 million loan from Agence Française de Développement, a €350 million loan from the European Investment Bank, a $278 million facility from the New Development Bank, a $1 billion loan from the African Development Bank and a R94.8 billion government guarantee package supporting its long-term recovery and investment program.

Alongside infrastructure investment, Transnet is strengthening collaboration with the mining industry to improve export capacity through strategic agreements with Exxaro Resources, United Manganese of Kalahari, Hotazel Manganese Mines and Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining, reinforcing efforts to support higher mining production through more efficient logistics.

At AMW 2026, Baatjies is expected to examine how rail modernization, private sector participation and regional logistics integration can unlock new mining investment while strengthening Africa’s mineral value chains and improving access to global markets.

 

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

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Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) and VUKA Group announce joint EIUG Conference and C&I Energy + Storage Summit

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2 weeks ago

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August 18, 2026

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Energy

The EIUG Conference will provide a platform for open dialogue on electricity industry challenges and opportunities

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 18, 2026/APO Group/ –The Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG), together with VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com/), will co‑host the EIUG Conference alongside the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, created by VUKA Group, on 28–29 October 2026 at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton.

The EIUG Conference is more than a gathering – it is a platform to shape South Africa’s industrial energy future

The EIUG Conference will provide a platform for open dialogue on electricity industry challenges and opportunities. It will bring together government, industry leaders, energy‑intensive consumers, and service providers to exchange perspectives, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and explore solutions for South Africa’s energy future.

The two‑day programme features ministerial and industry keynotes, panel discussions on tariff escalation, carbon tax, CBAM, and electricity market reforms, as well as masterclasses on financing, digitalisation, grid security, and hydrogen development.

Delegates will also benefit from networking functions, case study presentations, and practical workshops designed to accelerate the just energy transition.

“The EIUG Conference is more than a gathering – it is a platform to shape South Africa’s industrial energy future,” says Fanele Mondi, EIUG CEO. “ By bringing together government, industry, and service providers, we aim to foster open dialogue and practical solutions that support competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.”

For more information, visit EIUG Conference (https://apo-opa.co/4x0Wzwd).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Business

JSCCIB Joins Forces with Public Sector and World Bank to Launch “The Bangkok Business Summit 2026: Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN”

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2 weeks ago

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August 18, 2026

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Bangkok Business Summit

Driving the Thai Economy and Charting New Strategic Pathways for the Future of ASEAN
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), comprising the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Federation of Thai Industries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), and the World Bank, has announced its readiness to convene a high-level leadership conference, ‘The Bangkok Business Summit 2026,’ under the theme ‘Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN.’

To be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the summit will showcase the vision of public-private sector collaboration aimed at restructuring Thailand’s economy. This event serves as a milestone paving the way toward the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026, which Thailand will proudly host in Bangkok in October 2026, as well as Thailand’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.

A key highlight of The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 includes a keynote address entitled ‘Thailand’s Offer to the World’ by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand. The address will declare Thailand’s readiness as a global investment hub, shifting the nation from cost-based competition to enhancing capabilities, innovation, and digital infrastructure. Furthermore, Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, will deliver a policy address on ‘Unlocking the Next Growth Engines for Thailand & ASEAN,’ revealing policy reform steps designed to unlock private sector investment and drive the country’s new economic engines. Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, will address positioning Thailand as a regional investment platform for high-tech industries.

Mr. Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), stated that this event aims to answer a critical question: How can Thailand transform global shifts and its central location in ASEAN into new opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable growth?

“The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 is not merely a platform for exchanging perspectives, but a venue where Thailand presents its concrete strengths, opportunities, and development directions to the global business community—bridging the government’s vision, recommendations from international organizations, and the practical expertise of the private sector,” Mr. Payong stated.”Thailand’s challenge today is not just growth, but building competitive growth in a rapidly changing world. We need a platform for collaborative efforts to ‘Reinvent Thailand’ by creating new economic engines and elevating our competitiveness so Thailand can capture new opportunities and become an integral part of a ‘Resilient ASEAN’ capable of adapting to global dynamics.”

Key Highlights & Session Overview

Special Keynote: Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, will present on ‘Thailand’s New Horizons: From Ambition to Delivery.’
Global Insights Panel: Featuring in-depth discussions with Mr. Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, Mr. Sarvesh Suri, Regional Vice President for Asia and Pacific, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Mr. John W.H. Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) exchanging views on economic trends, investments, and business opportunities.
Report Launch: Launch of the World Bank’s latest report, ‘Building Thailand’s Future Today: The Investment and Growth Playbook.’ The report proposes a roadmap for Thailand to achieve high-income country status through investment and reforms that create jobs, boost productivity, and lay the foundation for long-term growth, highlighting potential industries such as advanced manufacturing, sustainable & wellness tourism, digital services, agriculture & food, and the creative economy.
Luncheon Discussion: Thai Beverage Public Company Limited will host a special session entitled ‘Growth Reaches Communities: Sufficiency Economy Philosophy,’ presenting the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as a framework that creates balance, strength, and sustainability from local communities to the business sector and macroeconomy.
Afternoon Tracks

Track 1: Building Resilience (Infrastructure, Energy, and Digital Finance): Led by Mr. Piti Disyatat, Deputy Governor for Monetary Stability, Bank of Thailand, in building competitiveness and the ability to attract future industries to the country. The session will include discussions on the topics of ‘Efficient Energy & Low-Carbon Infrastructure’ and ‘Policy Architecture and Low-Carbon Cities in Action’ focusing on investing in key infrastructure that will drive the industrial transition to a low-carbon society, with leaders from various sectors, including the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, PTT Public Company Limited, Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, Siam Cement Public Company Limited, Thai Airways Public Company Limited, and Google LLC and the topic of ‘Building Thailand’s Trusted Economy: Digital Public Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth,’ focusing on digital public infrastructure in the financial sector for sustainable growth, and safe and inclusive digital finance, with senior executives from Bangkok Bank, Krungsri Bank, TMBThanachart Bank, and Ascend Money.
Track 2: New Horizons (Future Industries, Agri-Food, and Human-Centric Economy): Led by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, focusing on developing high-potential talent within organizations and positioning Thailand as a regional investment platform for high-tech industries, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and advanced R&D.
Additionally, the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 will feature a panel discussion titled ‘The Future of Agrifood Business.’ Under the concept of Elevating to a Regional Strategic Asset, leaders from top companies including Sea Value PCL and Olam Agri (Singapore) will share their perspectives on how Thailand’s agrifood industry is evolving beyond its traditional role as the ‘Kitchen of the World’ to become a vital strategic asset for regional food security, and another discussion on ‘The Future of the Human-Centric Economy,’ integrating health, wellness, tourism, and the creative economy centered around people rather than isolated sectors. Panelists include Minor International, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), and Cerecin.

Closing & Actions

To conclude the summit, leaders from the three JSCCIB member organizations will summarize actionable proposals to transform insights into concrete practices. These encompass enhancing competitiveness, building investment ecosystems, and developing future industries. The event will culminate in the signing of a Letter of Intent for Cooperation on the Digital & AI Compact between Thailand’s economic agencies and the World Bank.

 

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