Wolfram Diener becomes president of the global trade fair association UFI

Wolfram N. Diener becomes president of the global trade fair association UFI

The election of Wolfram N. Diener as president of the global trade fair association UFI for the 2026/27 term underscores the international significance of Messe Düsseldorf and its strategic role in the global trade fair business. With more than three decades of experience in senior positions within the international trade fair industry, Diener brings with him comprehensive industry knowledge, intercultural experience and a deep understanding of the structural challenges facing the trade fair industry. His election is therefore seen not only as a personal honour, but also as a signal to Germany as a trade fair location.

Global responsibility for the international trade fair industry

As Chairman of the Management Board of Messe Düsseldorf, Wolfram N. Diener will take on a key role within the global trade fair association in the future. He will initially be appointed to the Executive Board as President-elect at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong in November 2025. He will officially take office a year later at the 93rd UFI Global Congress in Bahrain, when he will succeed Hugh Jones. The election by the UFI Board took place in June during European Events Week in Thessaloniki and is seen as an expression of great confidence in Diener's strategic competence and international networking. The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) represents several hundred trade fair companies, organisers and industry players worldwide. In this role, the president has a significant influence on the strategic direction of the global trade fair industry, for example in matters of sustainability, digitalisation, internationalisation and resilience to geopolitical and economic crises. Diener will thus take on a position that goes far beyond representative duties and can provide concrete impetus for the future of the industry.

Strategic issues between transformation and stability

The international trade fair industry is undergoing profound change. Issues such as climate targets, changing mobility flows, new digital formats and changing expectations of exhibitors and visitors are shaping the agenda. Wolfram N. Diener is considered an advocate of an integrated approach that combines physical trade fairs, digital services and international networks. In his previous work within UFI, including as treasurer, he has dealt extensively with long-term financing models, sustainable investments and global cooperation. Against the backdrop of global uncertainty, the role of the trade fair industry as a platform for personal exchange, business development and international cooperation is taking on new significance. Diener sees trade fairs not only as economic events, but also as places of dialogue between business, science and politics. This perspective is likely to shape his presidency and further strengthen the focus on the social relevance of trade fairs.

Impetus for Düsseldorf and Germany as a trade fair location

The election is also seen as a significant success at the local level. The state capital of Düsseldorf sees it as confirmation of the location's international appeal. Mayor Dr Stephan Keller points to Düsseldorf's enhanced visibility as a global hub for business, innovation and international networks. With its numerous world-leading trade fairs, Messe Düsseldorf is one of the most important trade fair companies worldwide and now also benefits from its managing director's presidency of the global trade fair association. The election also means an upgrade for Germany as a trade fair location and the exhibition venues. In times of increasing international competition for leading trade fairs, investments and event formats, the decision sends a clear signal about the competence and relevance of German trade fair companies in a global context.

International experience as the basis for global association work

Wolfram N. Diener brings extensive international experience to the table, particularly from Asia, where he held leading positions for many years. This perspective is considered an important factor in his election, as the trade fair industry is increasingly characterised by global shifts. Growth regions, new markets and changing trade flows require a deep understanding of regional differences and international interrelationships. UFI CEO Chris Skeith and acting president Hugh Jones expressly welcome the election. Both emphasise Diener's strategic vision, his ability to build bridges between different markets and cultures, and his long-term commitment to the industry. His presidency is seen as the beginning of a phase in which the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry can further sharpen its role as the global voice of the exhibition industry.

A signal for the future of the exhibition industry

The election of Wolfram N. Diener as President of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) is accompanied by the expectation that the international exhibition industry will emerge stronger from a phase of upheaval. The coming years will be characterised by the task of combining economic efficiency, ecological responsibility and social relevance. Diener's term of office is likely to provide decisive impetus – both for the association itself and for the global orientation of the industry.