ES. UFI places a strong emphasis on industry research and insights. Could you highlight some recent findings or trends that are shaping the future of exhibitions?
Adeline Vancauwelaert. The last UFI Global Barometer results highlight that in most markets around the world, the exhibition industry fully recovered from the pandemic slump in 2023, with revenues reaching a comparable level to 2019, on average. The outlook for 2024 is very positive, with revenues expected to grow by an average of 15%, setting the industry up to record the highest-ever revenue levels in 2024.
Globally, 52% of companies declare that they plan to increase their workforce in the coming six months, and 45% declare that they will keep current staff numbers stable.
ES. What is your leadership style? What according to you are your strong points?
Adeline Vancauwelaert. I have good analytical skills and imagination; I am very attentive to the environment and the team. I have excellent listening skills combined with kindness and natural authority. I am someone you can count on, someone reliable. I get things done. I like helping teammates develop know-how and know how to be part of a team. I am a practical, pragmatic, humane, and unifying woman who promotes collaborative management in multicultural environments.
ES. Sustainability has become a major focus across industries. How is UFI leading efforts to promote sustainability within the exhibition sector?
Adeline Vancauwelaert. UFI represents and serves an industry built on connecting markets and fostering trade for the greater good – an industry built on sustainable development principles. As such, UFI is committed to driving and supporting sustainable development among our global membership and the exhibition industry at large.
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, UFI has integrated sustainable development initiatives in all of our activities – from events to education, to research and advocacy.
Our commitment to providing tangible solutions for sustainable development makes UFI a trusted and viable partner for governments, markets and non-profits.
UFI is also actively supporting the Net Zero Carbon initiative host by The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC). This initiative aims to connect the events industry globally to the rapidly growing movement towards net zero by 2050.
For example, this year’s Global Exhibitions Day (GED) theme is “Exhibitions are catalysts to sustainable futures.”
