UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is announcing today the election results for leadership positions in its five Regional Chapters worldwide. The elected industry leaders will begin their three-year mandate after the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026.
The future Regional Chapter Chairs are:
- For Asia-Pacific: Rita Chu, Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd, Hong Kong
- For Europe: Stefan Rummel, Messe München GmbH, Germany
- For North America: Joyce Leveston, Javits Center, USA
- For Central & South America: Fernando Gorbarán, Messe Frankfurt Argentina, Argentina
- For the Middle East & Africa: Mohammed Al Hussaini, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, Saudi Arabia
The Vice-Chairs for each Chapter will be:
For Asia-Pacific:
- Joon How Loy, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Thailand (1st VC)
- Helen Mantellato, ICC Sydney, Australia
- Gordon Payne, Hyve China Events Service (Beijing) Co. Ltd, China
For Europe:
- Maria João Rocha de Matos, Feira Internacional de Lisboa, Portugal (1st VC)
- Lisa Hannant, Clarion Events Ltd, United Kingdom
- Veronica Lindholm, Finnish Fair Corporation, Finland
For North America:
- Liz Irving, Clarion Events North America, USA (1st VC)
- Adrian Lopez, Informa Markets Mexico, Mexico
- Lisette Sierra, Cintermex, Mexico
For Central & South America:
- Maurício Macedo, Fiera Milano Brasil, Brazil (1st VC)
- Raul Strauss Justiniano, FEXPOCRUZ, Bolivia
- Diana Pabón, Grupo Heroica, Colombia
For the Middle East & Africa:
- José Vicente, QBEC & DECC, Qatar (1st VC)
- Trixie LohMirmand, Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates
- Dr. Debbie Kristiansen, Oak View Group Middle East, Bahrain & KSA
The role of the Regional Chapter Chairs and Vice-Chairs focuses on addressing key regional issues and developing ideas relevant to the region, while fostering collaboration and engagement among members. It also supports the promotion of UFI within the region by encouraging new organisations to join and participate.
UFI President, Panittha Buri, comments: “Our Regional Chapters are at the heart of what UFI does: connecting our global community and ensuring our members’ voices are heard in every corner of the world.
I warmly congratulate all newly elected Chairs and Vice-Chairs, and extend my sincere thanks to those stepping down for their dedication and service. I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to strengthen our industry together.”
To learn more about UFI’s leadership structure, please visit: www.ufi.org/ufi-leadership
