Programme Enters Tenth Year with Global Talent Focus

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced five winners of its 2026 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) programme, marking the initiative's tenth edition. The recipients were selected from a competitive applicant pool by an international judging panel chaired by UFI President Panittha Buri.

The programme targets emerging professionals with fewer than ten years of industry experience who demonstrate commitment to driving positive change and innovation within the exhibition sector. Major industry sponsors include Clarion Events, dmg events, Informa Markets, Messe Düsseldorf, and RX.

2026 Winners Represent Global Exhibition Markets

This year's NGL recipients span five countries across multiple continents:

  • Divya Jashnani – Head of Data & Analytics, dmg events (UAE)
  • Ewa Łukomska-Ślęk – Brand Communication Manager, Targi Kielce (Poland)
  • Mariella Greifenberg – Senior Customer Experience Manager, Messe Düsseldorf North America (US)
  • Tracy Abou Jaoude – Project Manager, IFP Group (Lebanon)
  • Vivian Yap – Assistant Business Development Manager, Exhibitions, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (Malaysia)

Mission Targets Generational Relevance

The 2026 programme centres on a critical industry challenge: how exhibitions can maintain relevance in a world shaped by Gen Z and younger Millennials. Throughout the initiative, participants will develop forward-thinking approaches to engage emerging generations with exhibition formats and experiences.

"If exhibitions are powered by people, then the NGL programme is where the energy comes from. This year's winners impressed with fresh thinking, fearless ideas & a real appetite to make a difference. Expect them to shake things up – in the best way possible – at the UFI Global Congress this November," said UFI President Panittha Buri.

Programme Structure and Timeline

The NGLs will begin with an in-person workshop during the UFI European Conference in Izmir, Turkey, in June. Following this initial gathering, participants will collaborate online over seven months to develop their project further. The programme concludes with a group presentation at the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November, providing a global platform to share insights and vision for the industry's future.

The judging panel included industry leaders from multiple sectors: Ann-Katrin Lammers from Messe Düsseldorf, Brian Brittain from RX, Catherine Girven from Informa, Chris Skeith OBE from UFI, Diana Maria Salman from FEXPOCRUZ Bolivia, Hala Dean from Clarion Events USA, and Premila Braganza from dmg events UAE.

Based on reporting by Exhibitor Magazine. Read the original article.