IFES World Summit 2026 Relocated to Munich Amid Geopolitical Considerations
The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) has officially announced the relocation of its highly anticipated IFES World Summit 2026 from Dubai to Munich, Germany. The event is now scheduled to take place from 16–19 June 2026, following a thorough assessment of the current geopolitical landscape and consultations with key stakeholders and authorities.
Strategic Move to Ensure Stability and Accessibility
The decision underscores IFES’s commitment to hosting its global community in a secure, stable, and accessible environment while preserving the importance of in-person engagement. As part of this adjustment, the Dubai edition of the World Summit has been rescheduled to June 2028.
According to IFES President Jorg Zeissig, the priority remains to provide a safe platform for members to connect and collaborate. He emphasized that ensuring confidence and continuity for attendees was central to the decision-making process.
Munich to Host Under “Navigating Change, Shaping What’s Next”
The 2026 summit will be held under the theme “Navigating Change, Shaping What’s Next,” focusing on strategic dialogue, industry insights, and active member participation. As one of Europe’s leading business and exhibition hubs, Munich offers advanced infrastructure, strong international connectivity, and a reliable environment for hosting global events.
The new location is expected to facilitate meaningful discussions around evolving market dynamics, rapid technological advancements, and shifting workforce expectations within the exhibitions and events sector.
Strengthening Industry Collaboration and Engagement
IFES Executive Director Gregor Bischkopf highlighted that the relocation is not merely a logistical change but a strategic evolution aimed at enhancing collaboration and shared direction-setting across the industry.
The summit will continue to serve as a vital platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and partnership building across the global exhibition and event services value chain.
Appreciation for Middle East Partners
IFES also expressed its gratitude to its partners and members in the Middle East, acknowledging the disappointment of not hosting the 2026 edition in Dubai as originally planned. The organisation extended its respect to those affected by the current situation and thanked its members for their understanding and continued support.
Looking Ahead
The IFES World Summit remains a cornerstone event in the organisation’s global calendar and will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of the exhibitions and events industry. Additional details regarding the venue, programme, and participation for the Munich edition will be announced in the coming months.
