The UFI has officially revealed the five winners of its prestigious 2026 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Programme, recognizing emerging talent poised to drive innovation and transformation within the global exhibition industry.
Now celebrating its tenth edition, the NGL Programme continues to spotlight rising professionals who demonstrate exceptional potential, creativity, and commitment to advancing the sector. The winners were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants by an international panel of judges chaired by Panittha Buri, reflecting the programme’s rigorous selection standards.
Recognizing Emerging Leaders in the Exhibition Industry
The NGL Programme is designed to identify and support professionals with fewer than ten years of experience in the exhibition industry who show a strong passion for innovation and positive change. By nurturing fresh perspectives, the initiative aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and relevance of exhibitions worldwide.
The programme is supported by leading industry organizations, including Clarion Events, dmg events, Informa Markets, Messe Düsseldorf, and RX. Their sponsorship highlights the industry’s collective commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
Meet the 2026 NGL Programme Winners
The five professionals selected for the 2026 cohort represent a diverse mix of roles, regions, and expertise:
- Divya Jashnani – Head of Data & Analytics at dmg events (UAE)
- Ewa Łukomska-Ślęk – Brand Communication Manager at Targi Kielce (Poland)
- Mariella Greifenberg – Senior Customer Experience Manager at Messe Düsseldorf North America (US)
- Tracy Abou Jaoude – Project Manager at IFP Group (Lebanon)
- Vivian Yap – Assistant Business Development Manager (Exhibitions) at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (Malaysia)
These individuals have been recognized for their forward-thinking ideas, leadership potential, and dedication to enhancing the exhibition industry through innovation and strategic thinking.
Focus on Engaging the Next Generation
The central theme of the 2026 NGL Programme focuses on how exhibitions can remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world shaped by Gen Z and younger Millennials. As audience expectations shift, the programme encourages participants to explore new ways to engage these emerging generations through technology, experience design, and content innovation.
Throughout the programme, the selected leaders will collaborate to develop actionable strategies and insights that address these challenges, contributing to the future direction of the global exhibition landscape.
Leadership Insights and Industry Vision
Commenting on the announcement, Panittha Buri emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent within the industry. She noted that the NGL Programme serves as a vital source of fresh energy and ideas, adding that the 2026 winners stood out for their bold thinking and willingness to challenge conventional approaches.
She also highlighted that the selected leaders are expected to bring innovative perspectives to the upcoming UFI Global Congress, where they will present their ideas and contribute to industry-wide discussions.
Programme Journey and Key Milestones
The 2026 NGL cohort will begin their journey with an in-person workshop at the UFI European Conference, scheduled to take place in Izmir in June. This initial gathering will provide an opportunity for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and set the foundation for their collaborative project.
Over the following seven months, the group will continue working together through virtual sessions, refining their concepts and developing innovative solutions aimed at strengthening the exhibition industry.
The programme will culminate at the 93rd edition of the UFI Global Congress, where participants will present their final project to a global audience of industry leaders. This platform will allow them to showcase their vision and contribute to shaping the future of exhibitions.
Driving the Future of Exhibitions
As the exhibition industry navigates rapid digital transformation and changing audience behaviors, initiatives like the NGL Programme play a crucial role in fostering innovation and adaptability. By empowering emerging leaders, UFI continues to strengthen the industry’s ability to evolve and thrive in a competitive global environment.
The 2026 NGL winners represent the next wave of leadership, bringing fresh perspectives and bold ideas that are set to redefine how exhibitions engage audiences and deliver value in the years ahead.
