UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced three veteran industry heavyweights as recipients of its UFI Medals of Honour for 2026.

The UFI leadership announced their selection during the 93rd UFI Global Congress in the Kingdom of Bahrain:

  • Paul Woodward (Chairman, Paul Woodward Advisory)
  • Ray Bloom  (Chairman, IMEX Group)
  • Ravinder Sethi (Executive chairman, R.E.Rogers India Pvt. Ltd.)

UFI president Panittha Buri commented: “Paul Woodward has devoted decades of his career to the exhibition industry and to UFI. He has been a trusted leader, a respected voice and an important contributor to the development of our global industry, both as owner of Business Strategies Group (which he sold last year) and as UFI MD between 2010 and 2015.

“Paul’s contribution to UFI goes well beyond the positions he has held. He has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the association and to the people and organisations that make up our industry. His leadership, knowledge and dedication have left a lasting legacy within UFI and across the wider exhibition community.

“This is a recognition of a lifetime of service – to UFI, to our industry and to the many people Paul has supported, advised and inspired throughout his career.

“Ray Bloom has made an extraordinary contribution to building a more connected global business events community. Throughout his career as an entrepreneur and industry pioneer, he has consistently demonstrated the importance of collaboration and of bringing people together around common goals.

“Through his leadership of IMEX, Ray has created platforms that connect associations, organisers, destinations, venues and industry leaders from around the world. His influence reaches far beyond the success of individual events. He has helped create a culture in which our industry can collaborate, exchange ideas and move forward together.

“Ray is, above all, a community builder. This Medal of Honour recognises his exceptional contribution to connecting our global industry and strengthening the relationships that underpin it.

“Ravinder Sethi has been a long-standing and passionate advocate for UFI, particularly across India and the Asia-Pacific region. His contribution has always extended beyond his own business interests, RE Rogers India Pvt. Ltd, who celebrate their 40th anniversary this year. He has consistently promoted UFI, encouraged participation in the association and helped create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing across our community.

“Ravinder represents what it means to be a true UFI ambassador. His enthusiasm, generosity and commitment to bringing people together have strengthened UFI’s presence and community across the region. This Medal of Honour recognises his outstanding contribution as an Industry Ambassador and Community Champion.”

Introduced in 2024, the Medal of Honour celebrates individuals whose impact goes beyond formal roles, reflecting sustained dedication, influence and contribution over time.

Each year, the UFI president selects individuals in consultation with the UFI Trio, and the medal recipients are announced at the UFI Global Congress.

To learn more about the UFI Medal of Honour, visit www.ufi.org/medal-of-honour.