FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MUNICH, GERMANY – June 12, 2026 — The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) today announced the highly anticipated IFES World Summit 2026, a premier global gathering for professionals in the exhibition and event industry, set to take place in Munich, Germany, from June 16-19, 2026. Operating under the timely theme "Navigating Change, Shaping What's Next," this summit is poised to address the critical transformations impacting the global industry.
Relocated to Munich following careful consideration of the geopolitical context, IFES underscores its commitment to providing a stable and accessible environment for its international community. This strategic decision reinforces the summit's role as a vital platform for dialogue, strategic exchange, and active member engagement, enabling the industry to adapt to shifting market conditions, technological advancements, and evolving workforce expectations.
The IFES World Summit 2026 will feature two core exhibit sectors designed to foster forward-thinking discussions and practical insights:
- Industry Trends & Future Shaping: This sector will delve into critical discussions on the evolving landscape of the exhibition and event industry. Topics include navigating rapid transformations across business models, the impact of new technologies, talent management, sustainability practices, and global market dynamics. The summit aims to empower participants to proactively respond to shifting conditions and anticipate future challenges and opportunities.
- Innovation, Design & Technology: Focused on the latest advancements and creative approaches, this area will explore digital transformation, the application of artificial intelligence (AI), immersive experience design, creative stand construction, and client engagement strategies. Discussions will also cover sustainable practices in design and technology, fostering smarter and more resilient industry solutions.
The program promises a rich agenda of strategic discussions and practical insights, including keynote sessions from experts such as Helena Klaus, presenting on "A Scalable Outreach Setup in a World of LinkedIn, TikTok & Instagram," and Hannah Cox, sharing "Project Salt Run – A story of what's possible." Panel discussions will feature prominent figures including Jörg Zeissig (President of IFES), Robert Sarcevic (Siemens AG), Simon Damböck (Atelier Damböck), and Harald Kirchschlager (Messe Munich), addressing critical industry topics. The event is designed to emphasize open conversation, extensive networking opportunities, and informal social activities to foster collaboration and relationship-building among delegates.
The IFES World Summit offers significant B2B trade value, serving as a pivotal hub for industry advancement and collaboration. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for delegates to exchange insights, strengthen existing partnerships, and forge new collaborations within a global network. Attendees will gain practical insights into effectively responding to evolving market conditions, technological acceleration, and changing workforce expectations, contributing to a more agile, collaborative, and future-focused industry.
The summit targets a diverse group of exhibition and event professionals globally, including IFES members, exposition designers, providers of tradeshow and event services, and other industry stakeholders. Non-members seeking to integrate with the global network are also welcomed, with special considerations often extended to younger members to encourage new talent within the industry.
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About IFES World Summit
The IFES World Summit, organized by the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES), is a premier global gathering for exhibition and event industry professionals. Building on a rich legacy, it serves as a vital platform for dialogue, strategic exchange, and active member engagement, addressing industry adaptation to market shifts, technological advancements, and evolving workforce expectations. IFES, a worldwide trade association with over 300 member companies from 45+ countries, is dedicated to promoting its members' commercial, professional, and socio-political interests, fostering business and knowledge exchange globally.
Media Contact
Contact Name: Media Relations
Company: IFES World Summit Press Office
Email: [email protected]