UFI: limited impact of the current situation in the Middle East

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Paris, 8th July: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has recently released its latest edition of the flagship Global Exhibition Barometer report, showing limited impact of the current situation in the Middle East.

Due to the current situation in the Middle East, only 14% of companies worldwide, and 10% outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated a strong negative effect on business. 27% of the surveyed companies stated to expect revenue growth above 5% annually, while 38% anticipate stable revenues.

AI is becoming increasingly widespread, Global AI adoption in the exhibition industry is also steadily increasing, with 91% of companies now reporting the use of AI, a 4% increase from the previous report.

Chris Skeith OBE, Managing Director and CEO at UFI, commented, “Our barometer indicates that there is no real evidence of a significant knock-on effect from the current Middle East disruption outside the GCC, and positive trends remain around the world, despite concerns about the state of national economies in some locations. Within the GCC, there is an understandable impact from the conflict, but the situation has positively evolved since our survey, and we are confident that the industry will bounce back quickly.”

This 37th edition of the bi-annual industry report was concluded in June 2026, which was based on data from 466 companies in 59 countries and regions. It also includes outlooks and analyses for 20 focus countries and regions: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and the USA, as well as five additional aggregated regional zones.

Deutsche Messe organises 81 events in 2025

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Hannover, Germany, 2nd July: International exhibition organiser, Deutsche Messe AG, concluded its 2025 financial year, with revenue of €305 million (US$358 million) and a net profit of €18 million (US$21 million).

In 2025, the company organised a total of 81 trade fairs and exhibitions in Germany and abroad, featuring some 26,000 exhibiting companies and attracting about 3.4 million visitors from more than 150 countries. Of the 81 events, 48 were held abroad, including several new additions.

Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG, said, “The 2025 financial year demonstrates that our international portfolio, strong event brands, and clear strategic direction have positioned us well for the future. Especially in economically challenging times, our trade fairs continue to prove their value for companies around the world. At the same time, we are making important strategic decisions to secure the long-term future of our business by expanding our international operations, launching new event formats, and further developing our exhibition grounds in Hanover.”

In the coming, the company will launch 10 new international events to develop its international portfolio and strengthen global demand for its industry-leading exhibitions.

Comexposium’s new strategic leadership appointments

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Worldwide, 8th July: International exhibition organiser, Comexposium, announced new leadership roles in Vietnam, the Middle East and Europe, to support the growth for the company’s international portfolio of event brands.

In Vietnam, Comexposium has appointed Khiem Vu as Managing Director, Vietnam, as part of its APAC’s strategic expansion into the Vietnamese market. He has more than 10 years of experience in the exhibition industry focusing on exhibitions, international trade, business development, and market expansion. He will report directly to Elaine Chia, CEO, Comexposium APAC.

The company announced the appointment of Jawad El Hajri as Managing Director, KSA & Middle East. In the new role, Jawad will lead the company’s activities and business development initiatives across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, supporting the development of the company’s brands and identifying new growth opportunities.

In Europe, the company announced the appointment of Nicolai Mouritzen as Managing Director of Insight Events Demark, effective August 2026. He will lead the company’s development strategy and support the growth ambitions across the region.

Jawad and Nicolai will both report directly to Driss Tazi, Managing Director, EMEA, US & Group Transformation.

Pablo Nakhlé Cerruti, CEO, Comexposium, was quoted, “The strength of Comexposium’s model lies in the combination of globally recognised brands and strong local leadership. Across our established and high-potential markets, we are building a network of experienced Managing Directors with the vision, expertise and knowledge required to drive long-term development, strengthen industry relationships and identify new growth opportunities. By combining empowered local leadership with the international reach of our brand portfolio, we are creating the conditions to accelerate our growth while remaining closely connected to the realities and needs of each market we serve.”

Quick takes

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2,800+ exhibitors at CBME China 2026

Informa Markets’ CBME China 2026 will open from 15th to 17th July, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai, targeting as the world largest maternity, baby & children expo. More than 2,800 exhibitors will showcase over 4,200 brands, occupying an exhibition area of 270,000 m2.

Hyve acquires LegalTechTalk

Hyve announced the acquisition of LegalTechTalk, Europe’s leading event for legal technology and transformation, with US expansion on the horizon. Under the acquisition, LegalTechTalk, founded in 2024, will bring together senior decision-makers from across the legal ecosystem to shape the future of the industry. The upcoming editions will run from 16th to 17th June 2027 in London and from 13th to 15th December 2027 in Miami. No financial details were released for the transaction.

RX announces leadership transition in France

International exhibition company, RX Global, announced Michel Filzi, President of RX France, will retire next year, after 27 years with the company. At the same time, the company has also appointed Filippo Rean, currently Managing Director of the RX France Hub, as President of RX France, effective 14th September. After taking the role of President of RX France, Rean will report to Hugh Jones, RX CEO. Rean, joined RX in 2010, led MIPIM and held senior leadership positions across several of the company’s brands.