UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has successfully concluded the 2026 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, which brought together over 260 industry leaders in Bangkok, Thailand. Held on 5-6 March, the conference was hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC).
As the region’s flagship annual gathering, the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference once again served as a crucial forum for dialogue and collaboration. This year’s programme featured a dynamic line-up of speakers who explored the major forces reshaping the industry, from global trade and supply chains to technology innovation and evolving client needs. In parallel, UFI’s Associations Committee and Asia-Pacific Chapter met to exchange insights and reinforce partnerships across the region.
The event also received strong support from Thailand, this year’s host country. Opening addresses were delivered by Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok; Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director General of the Department of International Trade Promotion; and Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
Conference Opening
Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), commented, “TCEB is delighted to host the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, an event that perfectly aligns with our mission to elevate Thailand as a global leader in exhibitions.
This week is a celebration of resilience and evolution, highlighting how Thailand serves as a strategic hub for the Asian market.
We express our sincere thanks to UFI for their trust and for the opportunity to showcase our world-class facilities and warm Thai hospitality. Together, we are setting a bold new standard for the exhibition industry in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Conference delegates
Chris Skeith OBE, CEO & Managing Director of UFI, adds, “The Asia-Pacific region remains one of the most dynamic exhibition markets in the world, as well as home to UFI’s largest member base. Bringing our community together in Bangkok has once again highlighted how important this conference is for strengthening regional collaboration and cross-border connections.
The discussions over the past two days reflect the ambition and innovation of this region, as well as the vital role exhibitions play in driving growth and opportunity. Finally, bringing the conference to Bangkok this year was especially meaningful as it is the hometown of our current UFI President, Panittha Buri.
Thank you to TCEB, our gracious hosts, for helping make it all possible!”
Delegates also had the opportunity to explore the “Land of Smiles” through curated post-conference tours to Bangkok’s most popular temples and neighbourhoods. Showcasing Bangkok’s cultural, spiritual, and historical richness, attendees experienced everything that makes this year’s host city so unique.
Post Conference Tour
As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI organises several events annually, including the Regional Conferences, the UFI Global Congress, the Global CEO Summit and the Event Directors Summit. The next event in the calendar is the UFI European Conference, which will take place from 3-5 June in Izmir, Turkïye.
In 2027, the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will take place in Bali, Indonesia, hosted by IECA, the Indonesian Exhibition and Convention Association.
Full details about the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference can be found on the event website: www.ufiasia.org.
About UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry: UFI is the global trade association of the world’s tradeshow organisers and exhibition centre operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations, and selected partners of the exhibition industry. UFI’s main goal is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry. UFI directly represents more than 50,000 exhibition industry employees globally and also works closely with more than 72 national and regional association members. Close to 900 member organisations in 90 countries and regions worldwide are presently signed up as members. Over 900 international trade fairs proudly bear the UFI-approved label, a quality guarantee for visitors and exhibitors alike. UFI members continue to provide the international business community with a unique marketing media aimed at developing outstanding face-to-face business opportunities.
