UFI CHOOSES THAILAND FOR ‘UFI ASIA-PACIFIC CONFERENCE 2026’

22 August 2023: UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry chooses Thailand to host UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2026 in Bangkok.

Mr. Kai Hattendorf, CEO, UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, stated that the exhibition industry across Asia Pacific is successfully recovering after the Covid-enforced break. Our UFI global data shows that the region, including Thailand, is on a similar trajectory as other parts of the world. Those markets who reopened first are already reaching their pre-pandemic revenues again – a strong testament to the value of face-to-face market places and meeting places. 

“UFI and TCEB have a long-standing partnership, and UFI is delighted to return to Bangkok in 2026 – this time with our Asia-Pacific Conference. Together, UFI and TCEB will make sure that event industry leaders from the region and beyond will find their time well spent – and leave with new insights, make and renew contacts, explore business opportunities, and experience Thailand’s friendship, hospitality and professionalism.”

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, said that TCEB and UFI have maintained long-term collaboration. TCEB is delighted that UFI has chosen Thailand as the host country for the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2026. The event will be the second time in Thailand after Chiang Mai was the host in 2016. 

“Thailand is currently ASEAN’s top destination for exhibition. The decision of UFI in choosing Thailand for its Asia-Pacific conference has played a vital role in emphasising and strengthening the readiness and distinction of Thailand as the centre of exhibition. In addition, it offers opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to showcase their potential and expand network in the global market. All of which will boost the numbers of exhibitions, both in Thailand and the region, during global economic slowdown.” 

To commit to organising the conference, TCEB and UFI signed an MOU during the press conference held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok to officially launch Thailand as the host country for the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2026 and to affirm the intention in making the conference a success. 

Ms. Panittha Buri, President of Trade Exhibition Association or TEA, remarked that “It is with our great pleasure to have UFI A/P back again to our home country – the Kingdom of Smiles, since 2016. TEA will be working closely with TCEB to make this event a fulfilling, lively and memorable experience in Bangkok.  We hope that the Thai MICE industry players together with our industry colleagues from around the world will be able to reconnect and benefit from sharing best practices within the UFI community.”

According to the data collected by TCEB, the fiscal year 2022 registered 67,668 overseas exhibition travellers in Thailand, generating 4,423 million baht of revenue, an economic impact of 9,468 million baht, 5,301 jobs and 189 million baht of tax income. 

In the first three quarters of the fiscal year 2023 (October 2022 - June 2023), Thailand has a total number of 440,946 overseas MICE travellers, generating 26,274 million baht of revenue. Of that figure, 204,397 are exhibition visitors, accounting for 46% of the total overseas MICE travellers and generating 13,017 million baht of revenue.