UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is inviting talented industry professionals from around the world to apply to the 2026 edition of its “Next Generation Leadership Programme”.
UFI’s Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Programme supports emerging leaders in the exhibition industry by recognising and empowering individuals who demonstrate initiative in driving change and innovation. Now in its 10th year, the programme has been a stepping stone for dozens of rising leaders worldwide and is supported by leading global exhibition organisers Clarion, dmg events, Informa Markets, Messe Düsseldorf and RX.
Every year, NGL Programme applicants are asked to focus on a mission that tackles a critical topic facing the exhibition industry. For 2026, this focus challenges applicants to examine how exhibitions can remain relevant for Gen Z and younger Millennials, whose expectations around purpose, sustainability, trust and digital engagement are reshaping live events.
“Changing audience expectations present both a challenge and an opportunity for exhibitions.
Through the NGL Programme, I encourage organisations to support strong talent and invite ambitious professionals to contribute ideas that will influence the future of exhibitions.
Being part of the NGL Programme is widely regarded as the experience of a career, creating lifelong friendships and a powerful network that benefits both the individual and their organisation,” says Chris Skeith OBE, UFI Managing Director and CEO.
Panittha Buri, UFI President, adds, “One of the best parts of the NGL Programme is watching emerging leaders dive into real industry challenges and make them their own. Every year brings fresh ideas and bold thinking, and we can’t wait to see how this group reimagines relevance for the audiences of tomorrow.”
UFI will select up to five high-potential industry professionals as the 2026 Next Generation Leaders (NGLs). The winning applicants will be chosen by an international jury chaired by UFI President Panittha Puri (Vice-Chairperson, Bhiraj Buri Group). Applications are open to anyone who works full-time in the exhibition industry and has done so for less than 10 years.
Applications are open until 25 March 2026, and the selected NGLs will be announced in late April. During the seven-month programme, the five leaders will collaborate on the mission while continuing their daily work obligations. Together, they will investigate the future of exhibitions through the 2026 topic and will work closely with the UFI team as well as receive support from the NGL alumni community and mentors.
The NGLs will first be invited to the UFI European Conference in Izmir, Türkiye, on 3-5 June 2026 to launch their project together. The programme will then culminate in a special session at the 93rd UFI Global Congress on 2-5 November 2026 in Bahrain, where they will present their findings to our industry’s top leaders and decision-makers.
The NGL Programme is part of UFI Learning, which promotes knowledge sharing, collaboration, and continuous learning across the global exhibition industry. Detailed information about the programme, the 2026 mission, and how to apply is available online at www.ufi.org/nglprogramme.
