Trade fairs are a platform for the transfer of knowledge and innovation, essential to the development of every strong economy. In the first days of June, the European exhibition industry met in Izmir to jointly set new business standards and celebrate Global Exhibitions Day. A strong delegation from Poland was naturally among the more than 350 industry leaders.
On 3–5 June, the modern Fuarizmir congress centre in Turkey became the heart of the European exhibition industry. The UFI European Conference 2026 brought together more than 350 leading industry professionals from across Europe. The event’s programme was packed with talks and panel discussions focusing on the search for new business strategies and – extremely important today – on practical ways of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in the events sector.
This year’s edition of the conference had a special dimension. It coincided with #GED2026 (Global Exhibitions Day) – the worldwide celebration of our industry, which was marked with due ceremony right there in Izmir.
At such an important meeting, one that genuinely sets the direction of development for the entire market, a strong Polish presence had to make itself heard. PCEI member companies taking part in the event included representatives of Grupa MTP and Targi Kielce S.A. The presence of our leaders at key European forums is proof that Poland not only follows global trends, but actively takes part in them
and shapes them.
As an organisation that has upheld the highest standards for years, we see a certain fundamental paradox today. We live in times when a huge part of our business activity has moved online. Modern technologies and algorithms have irreversibly changed the way we work. Yet we continue to believe in the power of face-to-face meetings, conversations on the sidelines and the wealth of opportunities that arise from them.
Digitalisation is an excellent tool, but nothing can replace a face-to-face meeting, a genuine handshake and the trust that, in business, is built only through direct human contact. It is at trade fairs that relationships are born which lead to the largest investments and the most lasting projects.
Photos: UFI