On 3 June we mark the 11th Global Exhibition Day #GED2026 with three core messages under the main overarching theme of ‘Exhibitions drive opportunities’. These messages highlight the wide-ranging opportunities driven by exhibitions across industries all over the world:
- Exhibitions drive opportunities for People by fostering collective effort, expanding skills, and creating meaningful connections that support careers, communities, and global collaboration.
- Exhibitions drive opportunities for the Planet by accelerating sustainable solutions, showcasing green innovations, and advancing responsible practices that help industries reduce their environmental footprint.
- Exhibitions drive opportunities for Performance by powering business growth, opening new markets, and enabling companies of all sizes to thrive through direct customer engagement and real marketplace connections.
UFI president Panittha Buri commented: “Exhibitions are essential drivers of economic and societal progress. They bring friends together across borders and industries, supporting people through skills development, employment, and international collaboration. They help shape the future by advancing national and global sustainability objectives, and by strengthening business performance through trade, investment, and innovation.
“Global Exhibitions Day 2026 calls on governments and policymakers to recognise and support the exhibition industry as a proven contributor to growth, competitiveness, and long-term impact.”
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by Legends Global, due to the Australian time zone was one of the first off the mark to celebrate Global Exhibitions Day (GED) 2026.
“As one of the Asia Pacific region’s leading exhibition venues, ICC Sydney continues to champion the value of exhibitions as catalysts for connection, creativity and commercial success,” said CEO Adam Mather‑Brown. “Exhibitions are a powerful force for opportunity, they bring people together, spark ideas, open markets and strengthen industries. At ICC Sydney, we see first-hand how exhibitions support jobs, drive innovation and create lasting value for our clients, our community and the broader economy. We are proud to stand with our industry partners in celebrating Global Exhibitions Day and the vital role exhibitions play in shaping a more connected, sustainable and prosperous future.”
Diversified Communications Australia managing director David Longman added: “Exhibitions such as Integrate, Fine Food Australia, Security Exhibition and Conference, Fire Security, exist because industries need places to gather, test ideas and move forward together. What happens on those floors isn’t just commerce; it is community connecting around a shared purpose. Careers are launched, partnerships are forged and whole sectors find their direction. That’s not a small thing. That’s the point.”
RX Global Australia managing director Matt Smith said: “Our industry has a unique ability to influence sustainable change at scale. Through our responsible practices at exhibitions such as Reed Gift Fairs, Life in Style, Online Retailer, Beauty Expo Australia and GPCE Sydney including waste reduction, greener supply chains and collaborative innovation, we have seen that exhibitions can reduce environmental impact while showcasing the solutions that will shape a more sustainable future.”
National Media founder and MD Mark Harvey underlined that exhibitions remain one of the most effective platforms for business growth. “They enable companies of all sizes to meet customers face‑to‑face, test new products, enter new markets and build commercial momentum. The performance outcomes speak for themselves, exhibitions drive real, measurable results.”
On Global Exhibitions Day 2026, ICC Sydney joins with venues, organisers and the wider exhibitions and event sector proudly celebrating the people who bring exhibitions to life, the innovation they inspire and the opportunities they create for industries across the world.
Chris Carter-Chapman, event director – World Travel Market London, added: “Global Exhibitions Day is an important opportunity to recognise the critical role exhibitions play in driving growth and economic and social impact across industries and communities around the world.
“At a time when AI is rapidly reshaping how people access information and conduct business, and when questions around trust online are growing, exhibitions such as World Travel Market London have never been more important. They provide opportunities to meet face-to-face in an environment designed for relationship-building and deal-making that simply cannot be replicated digitally.”
He also estimated that this year’s WTM event will contribute £225m to London and the wider UK economy. Clear evidence of the incredible results that exhibitions can produce by driving opportunities.
