PARIS – The eleventh edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) was celebrated worldwide on 3 June 2026 under the theme “Exhibitions Drive Opportunities”, accompanied by the launch of a refreshed campaign logo.
GED 2026 focused on three key messages, highlighting how exhibitions create opportunities for people through skills development, career growth and face-to-face networking; for the planet through sustainable innovation and responsible business practices; and for performance through business growth, market expansion and direct customer engagement.
In the lead-up to and during the event, industry organisations and professionals around the world participated in coordinated activities that generated significant online engagement. The hashtag #GED2026 was widely used across social media platforms to promote the role of exhibitions in supporting economic activity, innovation and sustainability.
Global campaign highlights exhibition industry contributions
A global LinkedIn campaign supported by UFI encouraged industry professionals to share personal stories recognising mentors and colleagues who cotributed to their careers in the exhibition sector. The initiative aimed to increase awareness of the people and relationships that support the industry’s development.
Global Exhibitions Day 2026 also coincided with the UFI European Conference held in İzmir, Türkiye, which attracted more than 400 participants. A dedicated GED 2026 video was produced during the conference to mark the occasion and support the global campaign.
Several major exhibition organisers, including Clarion Events, Comexposium, Emerald, Informa, Messe Frankfurt and RX, collaborated on a joint media release highlighting the opportunities exhibitions create for people, sustainability initiatives and business performance.
Industry associations from multiple markets also participated in the campaign, encouraging members and stakeholders to engage with the initiative and promote awareness of the exhibition industry’s economic and social contribution.
Panittha Buri, President of UFI, said: “Seeing Global Exhibitions Day celebrated worldwide is a reminder that our industry is in the business of making connections happen. People, ideas, opportunities & businesses crossing borders – it’s networking on a global scale, with measurable results.”
UFI also confirmed that the next edition of Global Exhibitions Day will take place on Wednesday, 2 June 2027.
