UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced that the 2026 UFI Awards are now open, inviting exhibition organisers, venue operators, and service providers worldwide to gain global recognition for excellence and innovation. The awards are open to all exhibition professionals, regardless of UFI membership, and participation is free of charge.
The six award categories for 2026 have been defined by UFI Working Groups and reflect the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the global exhibition industry today. These include Digital Innovation, People & Culture, Industry Partners, Marketing, Operations & Services, and Sustainable Development. The topics range from AI-driven marketing and digital event experiences to operational excellence under pressure and carbon reduction initiatives.
Since their launch in 2011, the UFI Awards have recognised best practices and outstanding achievements across the international exhibition landscape. Organisations may submit entries in multiple categories, although the same project or show cannot be entered in more than one category.
Commenting on the programme, Chris Skeith OBE, CEO and Managing Director of UFI, highlighted that the awards celebrate powerful ideas, initiatives, and innovations from across the global exhibition community. He noted that by sharing best practices, the awards encourage the industry to evolve, adapt, and build long-term resilience through collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Award winners and finalists receive extensive visibility across leading international events industry publications and are featured in UFI’s Best Practices Library, helping to inspire peers and raise industry benchmarks globally.
The winners of the 2026 UFI Awards will be honoured at an official ceremony and will present their initiatives during the 93rd UFI Global Congress, scheduled to take place in Bahrain from 2–5 November 2026. The UFI Global Congress is regarded as the exhibition industry’s most important annual gathering, bringing together hundreds of senior professionals from across the world.
