The global exhibition industry is gearing up to celebrate the 11th edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) on June 3, 2026, with some of the world’s leading exhibition organisers coming together to champion the power and impact of face-to-face business events. Facilitated by UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, GED 2026 will be celebrated under the theme “Exhibitions Drive Opportunities,” highlighting how exhibitions continue to fuel economic growth, innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.
Major organisers including Clarion Events, Comexposium, Emerald, Informa Markets, Messe Frankfurt, and RX will jointly participate in the worldwide initiative, reinforcing the exhibition sector’s collective role in driving opportunities for businesses, industries, and communities.
According to UFI, exhibitions remain critical platforms in a rapidly evolving world shaped by geopolitical shifts, changing trade dynamics, and the rise of artificial intelligence. The association emphasised that exhibitions are where industries reinvent themselves, SMEs discover international markets, and trusted human connections continue to outperform digital-only engagement.
GED 2026 is built around three core pillars – People, Planet, and Performance. The “People” pillar focuses on professional development, collaboration, and community building through exhibitions. “Planet” highlights the industry’s commitment to sustainability, green innovation, and responsible event practices. Meanwhile, “Performance” underlines how exhibitions generate business growth, open new markets, and create direct commercial engagement opportunities.
Industry leaders echoed the importance of exhibitions in today’s business environment. Lisa Hannant described exhibitions as spaces where opportunities become real for businesses and communities. Patrick Martell noted that exhibitions accelerate innovation and create marketplaces that support sustainable growth. Wolfgang Marzin emphasised that in the AI era, face-to-face interactions remain essential for trust and innovation.
Chris Skeith stated that GED 2026 serves as a reminder of the exhibition industry’s unique ability to transform conversations into progress and connections into opportunities, reaffirming the sector’s global economic and social significance.
