The UFI Board of Directors has announced the election of Wolfram Diener, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf Group, as UFI President for the 2026–27 term. Diener will officially join the UFI Presidential Trio as Incoming President in November 2025 and will assume the role of President at the 93rd UFI Global Congress, set to take place in Bahrain in November 2026.
For the term spanning November 2025 to November 2026, the UFI Presidential Trio will comprise Panittha Buri (Vice-Chairperson, Bhiraj Buri Group) as President, Hugh Jones (CEO, RX) as Outgoing President, and Wolfram Diener as Incoming President. This transition will formally take effect following the conclusion of the 92nd UFI Global Congress, scheduled from 19–22 November 2025 in Hong Kong SAR.
Diener has been serving as President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf since July 2020. With over 30 years of leadership experience in the global exhibition industry, he has played pivotal roles in shaping the trade fair landscape across Asia. His previous positions include leadership roles at UBM Asia (now Informa Markets), Venetian Macau Ltd., Marina Bay Sands Singapore Ltd., the Shanghai New International Expo Centre Ltd., and Messe Frankfurt. Since joining Messe Düsseldorf’s Executive Board in 2018, Diener has been instrumental in steering the group’s international growth strategy.
Wolfram Diener, UFI’s Incoming President, comments: “I am honoured to take on the
UFI Presidency at a time of global challenges – not only as a representative of our
industry, but as someone deeply convinced of its power to connect, inspire and enable
progress. We must be present where the economy needs us most: in emerging markets
and at the crossroads of global exchange. We are bridge builders – within industries, and
between business, politics and science. With this mission in mind, I am committed to
shaping a global exhibition industry that is collaborative, future-oriented and impactful.
So that we can make our strongest contribution to moving the world forward.”
Hugh Jones, UFI’s President, adds: “I am delighted to welcome Wolfram Diener into his
new role at UFI. Wolfram brings an extraordinary depth of leadership experience from
one of the most successful and globally respected exhibition organizations. Under his
guidance, Messe Düsseldorf has seen remarkable international expansion, strategic
innovation, and sustained growth. His deep industry knowledge, global perspective, and
forward-thinking vision make him exceptionally well placed to help steer the future of our
industry. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to shape a more
connected, sustainable, and innovative exhibitions world.”
Chris Skeith OBE, UFI CEO and Managing Director, comments: “I have known Wolfram
for many years, more recently as I stepped into the role of UFI CEO, where he serves as
Treasurer on the UFI Executive Committee and sits on the UFI Board of Directors. I have
always held him in the highest regard, so I am thrilled that he will be UFI’s Incoming
President for 2026/27. His extensive international experience and deep understanding of
both organiser and venue perspectives will be invaluable as we guide UFI into its next
exciting chapter together.”
Within UFI, Diener has been actively involved in the association’s leadership. Since November 2021, he has served as Treasurer on the UFI Executive Committee and is also a member of the UFI Board of Directors. As Incoming President, he will collaborate closely with the President and Outgoing President, helping guide UFI’s strategic direction and reinforce its global mission to connect, support, and promote the exhibition industry.
Founded in 1925, UFI is a non-profit, international, and nonpartisan association that represents over 50,000 exhibition industry professionals across 90 countries. Headquartered in Paris, UFI operates regional offices in Asia, North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa. Reflecting its global membership, UFI’s recent Presidents have included leaders from the UAE, UK, Hong Kong, India, USA, and South Africa.
More information about UFI’s leadership and structure can be found at www.ufi.org/structure.
