UFI Awards 2026
The UFI Awards recognise outstanding achievements and best practices in the global exhibition industry. Open to organisers, venue operators, and service providers worldwide, the programme celebrates innovation and excellence across six key categories.
Each year, themes are defined by the UFI Working Groups, reflecting the industry’s most relevant challenges and opportunities.
Participation is free of charge, and winners gain global recognition at the UFI Global Congress.
2026 Awards Timeline
|
3 February |
Open for submissions |
|
1 May |
Submission deadline |
|
May–June |
Jury review and shortlisting |
|
Mid-June |
Finalists announced |
|
June–August |
Online finalist presentations with the jury |
|
Early September |
Winners announced |
|
2–5 November |
Award winners recognised and present their initiatives at the UFI Global Congress 2026 |
Who Can Apply
The UFI Awards are open to all organisations operating within the exhibition industry, including organisers, venues, service providers, and associations.
Applications are open to both UFI members and non-members.
Collaborative entries involving multiple organisations are welcome, including partnerships with organisations outside the exhibition industry.
The UFI Awards are free to enter.
Why Participate
Finalists and winners receive prominent exposure on www.ufi.org and across UFI communication channels, including UFI Info and other international industry publications.
Award winners receive one complimentary registration to attend the UFI Global Congress, where they receive their trophy and present their initiative as part of the Congress programme.
All winners, finalists, and jury-selected best practice entries are featured in UFI’s Best Practices Library within the Knowledge Hub – transforming real-world projects into shared learning for the industry.
Explore Best Practices from the UFI Awards
Our content library features selected entries showcasing innovative ideas and proven solutions that have set industry benchmarks over the years.
General Rules
Organisations and shows may submit entries in multiple award categories, provided each submission relates to a different project. The same entry may not be submitted to more than one category.
Some initiatives may span multiple areas. Applicants are encouraged to submit their entry to the award they feel best fits their entry.
In case of overlap, UFI reserves the right to reassign submissions to the most appropriate award category, in consultation with the relevant Working Groups.
By submitting an entry to the UFI Awards, applicants agree that, if selected as a winner, finalist, or best practice, their submission will be published as part of UFI’s Best Practices Library, accessible to exhibition industry professionals.
UFI recognises that some projects may include confidential or commercially sensitive information. In such exceptional cases, applicants may submit an adapted version of their entry suitable for publication.
Judging Process
All UFI Awards are evaluated by a jury composed of selected members of the relevant UFI Working Group. To ensure independence, any Working Group member whose organisation has submitted an entry in that award category is not eligible to serve on the jury.
Following the submission deadline, entries are reviewed and shortlisted by UFI and the jury.
Shortlisted finalists are invited to present their initiative during an online session with the jury.
Winners are selected by the jury and announced according to the UFI Awards timeline.
