Informa Markets ASEAN has been named the winner of the 2026 UFI People & Culture Award, recognising its efforts to strengthen internal relationships, collaboration and employee engagement across the exhibition industry in the ASEAN region.
The award has been presented by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, as part of its annual UFI Awards programme, which highlights outstanding initiatives and achievements across the global exhibitions and business events sector.
UFI People & Culture Award 2026 Focuses on Internal Collaboration
The theme of the 2026 UFI People & Culture Award was “Strengthening Internal Relationships and Collaboration”. The award focused on recognising practical initiatives that help organisations improve employee experience, business performance and organisational resilience.
Informa Markets ASEAN was selected for its approach to creating stronger connections among employees across different countries, functions and levels of the organisation.
The initiative demonstrated how people and culture programmes can support collaboration while also contributing to broader business objectives.
Informa Markets ASEAN Recognised for People-Focused Strategy
According to UFI, Informa Markets ASEAN impressed the judging panel through a comprehensive and practical strategy designed to strengthen internal relationships throughout the organisation.
The initiative created multiple opportunities for employees to connect, share knowledge and collaborate on real business challenges. The approach brought together people from different parts of the organisation and encouraged cross-border and cross-functional cooperation.
The jury also highlighted the combination of a clear strategy, leadership involvement and measurable outcomes as important elements of the winning entry.
Ian Roberts Highlights Importance of Employees
Ian Roberts, Senior Vice President, Informa Markets Asia, said the recognition reflects the organisation’s focus on its people as an important driver of business growth.
He noted that operating across a diverse and dynamic ASEAN region requires opportunities for employees to learn, develop, connect and collaborate across countries.
Roberts also recognised the contribution of the ASEAN HR team and people managers who supported the initiative, describing the award as recognition of what can be achieved when organisations invest in their employees and create an environment where they can thrive.
UFI Jury Praises Practical Approach
Cinzia Zanin, Chair of the UFI People & Culture Working Group, said Informa Markets ASEAN stood out for its practical approach to strengthening relationships across countries, functions and organisational levels.
The jury particularly noted the organisation’s efforts to provide intentional opportunities for employees to connect, learn from colleagues and work together on real business challenges.
UFI said the winning entry demonstrated how a strong People & Culture strategy can create stronger workplace connections while delivering tangible value for both employees and the business.
Four Organisations Named as Finalists
Alongside Informa Markets ASEAN, four other organisations were recognised as finalists for the 2026 UFI People & Culture Award.
The finalists were Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), Consumer Technology Association, Dubai Airshow – Informa Markets, and IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd.
Their participation reflects the growing focus within the global exhibition industry on employee engagement, workplace culture and collaboration as important components of organisational development.
UFI Awards Highlight Excellence Across Exhibition Industry
The UFI Awards recognise achievements across several areas of the exhibition and business events industry, including digital innovation, marketing, sustainable development, operations and services, people and culture, and industry partnerships.
Beyond recognising individual winners, UFI uses selected award-winning projects to support knowledge sharing across the international exhibition community.
Projects from the UFI Awards are shared through UFI’s Best Practices Library, allowing exhibition professionals around the world to learn from initiatives implemented by organisations across the industry.
2026 UFI Award Winners to Be Recognised in Bahrain
The winners of the 2026 UFI Awards will receive further recognition during the 93rd UFI Global Congress, scheduled to take place from 2 to 5 November 2026 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The event will bring together professionals from the international exhibition industry and provide an opportunity to highlight the achievements recognised through this year’s UFI Awards.
The recognition of Informa Markets ASEAN underlines the increasing importance of people and culture strategies within the global exhibition sector, particularly as organisations seek to strengthen collaboration across markets and create more connected workplaces.
