The global exhibition industry is preparing to celebrate the 11th edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) 2026) on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, as some of the world’s leading exhibition organisers come together to highlight the economic and social importance of trade shows and business events worldwide.
Facilitated by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, this year’s celebration will be organised under the theme “Exhibitions Drive Opportunities.” The initiative aims to encourage businesses, policymakers, governments, and communities across the globe to recognise the transformative role exhibitions continue to play in driving innovation, business growth, sustainability, and international collaboration.
Major exhibition organisers participating in GED 2026 include industry leaders such as Clarion Events, Comexposium, Emerald, Informa Markets, Messe Frankfurt, and RX. Together, these organisations represent a significant portion of the global exhibition ecosystem and collectively organise hundreds of major international trade fairs, expos, and conferences annually.
According to UFI, exhibitions remain more relevant than ever despite increasing geopolitical uncertainty, evolving global trade relationships, digital disruption, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. The association believes that face-to-face business events continue to provide unmatched value by creating environments where industries can innovate, businesses can expand internationally, and professional communities can establish trusted partnerships.
UFI noted that exhibitions offer something digital platforms alone cannot fully replicate — meaningful human interaction. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, exhibitions serve as spaces where industries reinvent themselves, emerging technologies are showcased, and companies of all sizes can access new markets through direct engagement with buyers and stakeholders.
The GED 2026 campaign has been built around three interconnected pillars: People, Planet, and Performance. These themes reflect the exhibition industry’s broader impact on economic development, sustainability, and professional growth.
The People pillar highlights how exhibitions encourage collaboration, strengthen industries, and create valuable networking opportunities. Trade fairs and expos help professionals expand their skills, build careers, and develop global partnerships that support long-term growth. UFI believes exhibitions continue to play a vital role in bringing together diverse communities and encouraging knowledge-sharing across sectors.
The Planet pillar focuses on sustainability and responsible industry practices. Exhibitions increasingly provide platforms for showcasing green technologies, sustainable innovations, and environmentally responsible business solutions. Organisers worldwide are also implementing sustainability strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of events through waste reduction, energy-efficient venue operations, and sustainable exhibition practices.
The third pillar, Performance, emphasises the strong economic value exhibitions generate for businesses, cities, and industries. Exhibitions create business opportunities, stimulate trade, and support market expansion by enabling companies to engage directly with customers, investors, and industry decision-makers. For many businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, exhibitions remain one of the most effective platforms for generating leads, launching products, and building international visibility.
Industry leaders participating in GED 2026 have also shared their perspectives on the importance of exhibitions in today’s global economy.
Lisa Hannant, CEO of Clarion Events, stated that exhibitions are where opportunities become tangible for businesses, communities, and individuals. She highlighted that Global Exhibitions Day demonstrates what the industry can achieve when organisers collaborate to create meaningful human connections that drive progress, growth, and positive global impact.
Pablo Nakhlé Cerruti, CEO of Comexposium, emphasized that exhibitions remain essential platforms for helping industries move forward. According to him, face-to-face interactions at exhibitions allow businesses to identify new clients, enter new markets, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate sustainable growth strategies in an increasingly competitive environment.
Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky described exhibitions as catalysts for economic activity and innovation. He explained that face-to-face interactions build trust, transform ideas into action, and create a multiplier effect that supports local economies, generates employment, and strengthens small businesses worldwide. Sedky added that Global Exhibitions Day provides the industry with an important opportunity to collectively showcase the value exhibitions deliver to communities and economies globally.
Patrick Martell, CEO of Informa Markets and COO of Informa Group, highlighted the role exhibitions play in building marketplaces that foster trade and innovation. He explained that the industry combines data-driven insights with sector expertise to create environments where sustainable business growth can thrive.
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, stressed that even in the age of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, human interaction remains essential for building trust and driving innovation. He noted that trade fairs continue to serve as important platforms where partnerships are formed and business progress becomes measurable.
RX CEO Hugh Jones also reinforced the importance of exhibitions as platforms for sustainable solutions, commercial growth, and global collaboration. According to Jones, exhibitions continue to bring people together, accelerate innovation, and deliver measurable business outcomes during a time of rapid change across industries worldwide.
As Global Exhibitions Day 2026 approaches, the event is expected to unite exhibition organisers, venues, service providers, governments, and businesses from around the world in recognising the critical role exhibitions play in economic development and industry advancement.
The celebration will also serve as a reminder that despite technological transformation and changing business environments, exhibitions remain one of the most effective ways to connect industries, support innovation, and generate long-term business opportunities on a global scale.
