The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) has officially announced that its 2026 World Summit will take place in Dubai, marking a significant moment for the global exhibition and event services community. The three-day summit will be hosted at the renowned Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), one of the Middle East’s most established exhibition venues.
The announcement follows the successful 2025 edition held in Guadalajara, Mexico, and sets the stage for another high-impact gathering under the forward-looking theme “Beyond Boundaries.”
IFES World Summit 2026: A Global Industry Gathering
The IFES World Summit is one of the most anticipated annual meetings for professionals across the exhibitions and events supply chain. Bringing together service providers, contractors, designers, project managers, and strategic partners from around the world, the summit serves as a collaborative platform to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and address operational challenges facing the industry.
The 2026 edition in Dubai is expected to attract a diverse international audience, reflecting IFES’ global membership network that spans Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. With the theme “Beyond Boundaries,” the summit aims to push conversations beyond conventional limits — whether geographical, technological, or conceptual — and encourage innovation across the exhibitions ecosystem.
Why Dubai? A Strategic Choice for 2026
According to IFES Executive Director Gregor Bischkopf, the selection of Dubai reflects the city’s rising influence in the global exhibitions and events sector. Strategically positioned between East and West, Dubai has become a natural crossroads for international trade, business tourism, and large-scale events.
Dubai’s global connectivity is a major advantage. With one of the world’s busiest international airports and direct flight links to hundreds of cities, the destination offers easy access for delegates travelling from Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Americas. This accessibility aligns with IFES’ mission to foster global collaboration within the exhibition services industry.
Beyond connectivity, Dubai’s infrastructure and hospitality capacity make it particularly well-suited for hosting a global summit. The city boasts extensive hotel inventory across all categories, advanced transport networks, and a business-friendly environment that supports international events.
The Dubai World Trade Centre, which will host the 2026 summit, has long been at the heart of Dubai’s exhibition landscape. Established in 1979, DWTC has grown into a major regional hub for trade fairs, conventions, and large-scale corporate events. Its modern facilities, flexible event spaces, and integrated services provide a strong foundation for a dynamic and interactive summit programme.
Building on the Success of Guadalajara 2025
The 2025 IFES World Summit in Guadalajara set a high benchmark for content quality and community engagement. Participants highlighted the value of in-depth workshops, meaningful networking sessions, and collaborative discussions that addressed real-world operational challenges.
IFES President Jorg Zeissig noted that the Guadalajara edition left attendees energised and inspired. He emphasised that the sense of connection and knowledge exchange experienced in Mexico will carry forward into the Dubai edition.
The transition from Guadalajara to Dubai also reflects IFES’ commitment to rotating its summit across different global regions. By selecting diverse host cities, the federation ensures that members experience varied markets, cultural contexts, and industry dynamics – reinforcing the truly international character of the organisation.
Theme 2026: “Beyond Boundaries”
The 2026 theme, “Beyond Boundaries,” signals a forward-thinking agenda. The exhibition and event services sector continues to evolve rapidly, influenced by technological innovation, sustainability imperatives, shifting client expectations, and global economic developments.
Under this theme, the summit programme will focus on breaking traditional barriers:
- Technological boundaries – Exploring digital tools, automation, AI integration, hybrid event solutions, and advanced production methods.
- Sustainability boundaries – Addressing environmental responsibility, material innovation, circular design principles, and carbon footprint reduction.
- Design boundaries – Rethinking stand architecture, experiential environments, and brand storytelling within exhibition spaces.
- Client delivery boundaries – Enhancing efficiency, collaboration, and adaptability in increasingly complex project environments.
Workshops and panel discussions will be shaped directly by IFES member priorities and current operational challenges. This member-driven approach ensures that sessions remain practical, relevant, and actionable rather than purely theoretical.
A Comprehensive Programme for Members and Non-Members
The IFES World Summit 2026 will be open to both members and non-members, offering an inclusive environment for industry professionals seeking global connections.
The three-day schedule will include:
- High-level keynote sessions featuring industry thought leaders
- Interactive workshops addressing technical and operational topics
- Panel discussions with global experts
- Structured networking formats to encourage meaningful business dialogue
- Informal social activities designed to strengthen professional relationships
Networking remains a cornerstone of the IFES Summit experience. The global nature of the membership allows attendees to establish cross-border partnerships, explore new market entry opportunities, and develop long-term collaborations.
For younger professionals and emerging leaders in the industry, IFES has confirmed that special discounts will be available as part of early bird registration. This initiative aligns with the federation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of exhibition and event specialists. Dubai to Host IFES World Summit 2026 at DWTC
Dubai’s Growing Exhibition Sector
Dubai’s selection as host city also reflects measurable growth within its exhibition sector. In 2024, the Dubai World Trade Centre reported a 7 percent increase in total attendees and a 32 percent year-on-year rise in large-scale events. These figures demonstrate strong market momentum and increasing international interest in the Gulf region.
The broader Middle East market has witnessed a surge in activity as global organisers expand into the region. International trade show brands are launching Middle East editions, while regional players are scaling up event formats and investing in production capabilities.
Suppliers and service providers have also strengthened their regional presence. Many global contractors now operate permanent offices or partnerships in the Gulf, enabling efficient project delivery and closer collaboration with organisers.
Dubai’s government-backed initiatives to position the city as a global business hub have further supported this growth. From streamlined visa processes to investment-friendly policies, the environment encourages international participation and long-term engagement.
The Middle East as a Strategic Industry Hub
Hosting the IFES World Summit in Dubai highlights the increasing strategic importance of the Middle East within the global exhibitions ecosystem.
The region’s economic diversification strategies, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have fuelled demand for trade fairs, conferences, and large-scale exhibitions across sectors such as technology, healthcare, energy, construction, and tourism.
Dubai’s role as a gateway to emerging markets in Africa and South Asia adds to its strategic appeal. For IFES members, the 2026 summit will offer first-hand exposure to a dynamic market with strong growth prospects.
The city’s ability to combine world-class infrastructure with cultural diversity and business accessibility creates an environment conducive to high-level international gatherings.
Addressing Industry Challenges Through Collaboration
The exhibition and event services industry continues to navigate complex challenges, including rising material costs, supply chain fluctuations, sustainability regulations, digital transformation, and evolving client expectations.
The IFES World Summit provides a platform to collectively address these issues. By bringing together suppliers from different regions, the summit encourages knowledge sharing and best-practice exchange.
Discussions around sustainable materials, modular stand design, and responsible production methods are expected to feature prominently in 2026. Similarly, sessions on technology adoption and digital integration will examine how companies can remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.
The collaborative nature of the IFES network ensures that solutions are grounded in practical industry experience rather than theoretical speculation.
Early Bird Registration and Industry Engagement
IFES has confirmed that early bird registration for the 2026 World Summit is now open. Delegates who register early will benefit from discounted rates, with additional concessions available for younger members.
This pricing structure aims to maximise accessibility and encourage broad participation from across the global network.
The announcement of Dubai as host city is expected to generate significant interest, particularly among professionals operating in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, given the city’s strong connectivity and business appeal.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the exhibition industry continues to redefine itself in a post-pandemic and digitally evolving landscape, the IFES World Summit 2026 promises to serve as a critical meeting point for innovation and strategic alignment.
With its theme “Beyond Boundaries,” the summit reflects the industry’s ambition to expand its capabilities, strengthen sustainability commitments, and enhance global collaboration.
Dubai’s established position as an international exhibition powerhouse, combined with the expertise and global reach of the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, sets the stage for a landmark edition of the World Summit.
Building on the momentum of Guadalajara 2025 and leveraging Dubai’s dynamic market environment, IFES World Summit 2026 is poised to deliver three days of insight, inspiration, and industry connection — reinforcing the federation’s role at the forefront of global exhibition and event services.
As preparations begin, the global industry now turns its attention to Dubai, where professionals from across continents will gather to explore new possibilities and truly go beyond boundaries.
