UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has opened applications for the 10th anniversary edition of its Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Programme.
Professionals working in the exhibition industry for less than 10 years have until March 25, 2026, to apply for one of five spots in the 2026 cohort.
The mission for this year’s programme tasks participants with bridging the generational gap, specifically investigating how live events can evolve to meet the digital, sustainable, and purpose-driven expectations of Gen Z and younger millennials.
Supported by industry giants including Clarion, Informa Markets, and RX, the initiative serves as an intensive seven-month incubator for talent to drive global innovation while maintaining their current professional roles.
An international jury, chaired by UFI president Panittha Buri, will select the winners in late April. The chosen leaders will kick off their collaboration at the UFI European Conference in Izmir, Türkiye (June 3 to 5), before presenting their final strategic findings to industry executives at the 93rd UFI Global Congress in Bahrain (November 2 to 5).
