The announcement of Bangkok as the event’s location came after strong support from both the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA).
“The exhibition industry across Asia-Pacific is successfully recovering after the COVID-enforced break,” said UFI’s CEO Kai Hattendorf.
“Our UFI global data shows that the region, including Thailand, is on a similar trajectory as other parts of the world.
“Those markets who reopened first are already reaching their pre-pandemic revenues again – a strong testament to the value of face-to-face market places and meeting places.
“UFI and TCEB have a long-standing partnership, and UFI is delighted to return to Bangkok in 2026 – this time with our Asia-Pacific Conference.
Together, UFI and TCEB will make sure that event industry leaders from the region and beyond will find their time well spent – and leave with new insights, make and renew contacts, explore business opportunities, and experience Thailand’s friendship, hospitality and professionalism.”
TCEB’s president, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, said his organisation was a long-time supporter of the global exhibitions association.
“UFI’s decision to bring its Asia Pacific conference to Thailand will help spotlight Thailand’s many advantages as an exhibition hub,” he said.
“Additionally, it will offer opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to showcase their capabilities and expand their network globally. The value of hosting an event as important as the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference is undoubtable. Thailand and the region will benefit from the ideas, insights, and friendships inspired by it.”
Thailand’s exhibition industry is a major force in its overall business events mix, with 204,397 international visitors travelled to Thailand for exhibitions, making up 46 per cent of the country’s business events visitors. The exhibitions sector accounts for half of the revenue generated from business events in Thailand.
“This will be a tremendous opportunity for our industry colleagues from Thailand as well as those from around the world to reconnect and share best practices within the UFI community,” said Thai Exhibition Association president, Panittha Buri.
