The eleventh edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) was celebrated worldwide on 3 June 2026 under the theme “Exhibitions Drive Opportunities” with a newly refreshed campaign logo.
GED 2026’s three key messages highlighted how exhibitions drive opportunities for people, by fostering skills, careers, and face-to-face connections; for the planet, by accelerating sustainable innovation and responsible industry practices; and for performance, by powering business growth, opening new markets, and enabling direct customer engagement.
In the lead-up to and during GED 2026, global activations generated significant online reach, with the #GED2026 hashtag being widely used across the community to highlight the role and relevance of exhibitions in driving progress for people and the planet.
A global LinkedIn campaign, supported by UFI, mobilised the people to share personalised posts celebrating the mentors and colleagues who shaped their careers in the exhibition industry, further amplifying the visibility and impact of GED 2026.
This year’s Global Exhibitions Day coincided with the UFI European Conference in İzmir, Türkiye, which drew over 400 attendees. A special GED 2026 video was created with participants to mark the celebrations in-person and on-site.
Leading global exhibition organisers Clarion Events, Comexposium, Emerald, Informa, Messe Frankfurt and RX, collaborated on a joint media release on the opportunities created by exhibitions for people, the planet and performance. Industry associations from around the world shared the importance of GED and encouraged their respective communities to participate and celebrate the day.
Panittha Buri, UFI President, said: “Seeing Global Exhibitions Day celebrated worldwide is a reminder that our industry is in the business of making connections happen. People, ideas, opportunities & businesses crossing borders—it’s networking on a global scale, with measurable results.”
Highlights of GED 2026 in Asia-Pacific
The Association of Korean Exhibition Industry (AKEI) created a campaign for their members and took a commemorate group photo with their team.
Association of Korean Exhibition Industry
Association of Korean Exhibition Industry
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) celebrated Global Exhibitions Day 2026 with a morning breakfast at ICC Sydney, bringing together some of the most respected voices in Australia’s exhibitions and business events sector.
Australian Business Events Association, ICC Sydney
Australian Business Events Association, ICC Sydney
Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) celebrated GED at its Annual Conference & Dinner at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) live streamed their celebration across India on the IEIA TV and from the Jio World Convention Centre.
Informa Markets in India ran a series of social posts highlighting the impact of exhibitions, culminating in live celebrations in their Delhi and Mumbai offices and cake-cutting at the World of Concrete India 2026.
Informa Markets, India
Informa Markets, India
Japan Exhibition Association (JEXA) organised a special seminar and networking event to celebrate while Japan Exhibition News ran a front cover story on GED.
Malaysia Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS) honoured the people behind exhibitions with a series of photos.
RX Greater China celebrated the exhibition professionals on the front lines.
Shenyang New World EXPO shared a team video celebrating the day.
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) posted a team reel celebrating its industry stakeholders.
Thailand Exhibition Association (TEA) featured GED celebration photos from their members such as BITEC, ExpoPass, Paragon Hall, QSNCC, and VNU Asia Pacific.
Thailand Exhibition Association
Visit Singapore Business Events showcased how exhibitions foster connections, accelerate sustainable solutions and propel industries forward.
Visit globalexhibitionsday.org to see more GED 2026 activities and photo highlights.
