İzmir is preparing to host an international event of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) once again after 52 years. Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and İZFAŞ, the UFI European Conference will take place at Fuar İzmir from June 3–5, 2026. Approximately 350 delegates are expected to attend the conference, which will bring together exhibition organizers, venue operators, service providers, and industry professionals from across Europe.
Next-Generation Applications
İzmir previously hosted UFI congresses in 1966 and 1974. The city, where the foundations of modern exhibition organizing in Türkiye were laid with the 1923 İzmir Economic Congress, gained an important place in the international exhibition network when the İzmir International Fair was accepted as a UFI member in 1947. Following a break of more than half a century, the UFI European Conference will once again bring İzmir’s deep-rooted exhibition heritage and strong position to the forefront of the European exhibition industry.
Throughout the conference, key topics shaping the future of the sector—including sustainability, digital transformation, data management, visitor experience, next-generation exhibition models, and new business networking formats—will be discussed. Innovative applications such as AI-powered matchmaking systems, smart visitor analytics, and data-driven event management will also be evaluated. The event aims to create new networking and collaboration opportunities for industry representatives.
“We Will Welcome Key Industry Representatives to Our City”
İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu emphasized the significance of hosting the UFI European Conference in İzmir for the city’s exhibition identity:
“İzmir is one of the most established exhibition centers in Türkiye and Europe. Hosting a UFI event again after 52 years demonstrates our city’s extensive exhibition expertise and its ability to organize international events. Thanks to the experience of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and İZFAŞ, the infrastructure of Fuar İzmir, and İzmir’s strong commercial culture, we will welcome leading representatives of the industry to our city.”
Cumalıoğlu also noted that the conference would contribute to İzmir’s international visibility:
“Throughout history, İzmir has been an important center of trade and exhibitions. Through the UFI European Conference, we aim to enhance our city’s international visibility, pave the way for new collaborations, and further strengthen İzmir’s position within the global exhibition network. Cultural and technical tours organized as part of the conference will also introduce participants to İzmir’s historical, cultural, and touristic assets.”
Showcasing İzmir’s Historical, Cultural, and Touristic Assets
As part of the conference program, participants will be offered technical and cultural tours to various locations, including the Ancient City of Ephesus, Kemeraltı Bazaar, and the city center. Throughout the event, delegates will be introduced to İzmir’s rich historical, cultural, and touristic heritage. The conference is expected not only to foster new partnerships within the exhibition industry but also to further strengthen İzmir’s international profile as a leading exhibition city.