92nd UFI Global Congress:
About the Event
The 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong brought together over 600 senior leaders from the exhibition industry. As the most important annual gathering in the sector, the Congress is built on learning, discovery and professional connection.
ExpoPlatform delivered AI-powered speed networking through NetWorks, the official matchmaking programme. The goal was simple and ambitious: make it fast and effortless for delegates to meet new people, spark productive conversations and leave with valuable contacts.
NetWorks has been used at previous UFI events. This year’s edition raised the bar again.
The Challenge
The UFI Global Congress gathers hundreds of executives from around the world each year. Many do not know each other, while others may want to reconnect with industry peers they have not seen in years. Informal networking alone cannot serve a crowd of this size and diversity.
UFI needed a structured but flexible system that would:
- Create fast and meaningful introductions
- Reduce friction and remove unnecessary admin
- Deliver high satisfaction for new and returning delegates
- Scale easily for a global audience
- Fit seamlessly into a busy Congress agenda
Delegates had limited time but high expectations. UFI needed a networking format that could deliver real value at speed.
ExpoPlatform’s Solution
Delegates were offered to take part in up to 10 curated meetings during a short session, ensuring every minute delivered value.
The process was simple by design:
- No advance registration
- Delegates checked in onsite
- Participants brought their own device
- They accessed the email inbox used at registration
- They entered the session and immediately matched with relevant peers
AI tools ensured every meeting had purpose. Delegates enjoyed a fast flow of new contacts without friction or complexity.
Impact at the 92nd UFI Global Congress
NetWorks proved to be one of the most effective engagement formats at the Congress.
Key outcomes:
- Delivered up to 10 personalised meetings per participant
- Required no pre-registration or preparation
- Enabled instant check-in and matching on personal devices
- Achieved a 4.5/5 meeting quality rating
- Generated a steady mix of new connections and renewed relationships
- Supported both first-time and returning delegates
- Delivered high satisfaction across all sessions
Participants valued the energy and speed of the format. They left with new contacts who were relevant to their work and interests.
Make the right connections, faster
“In an event as large as this one – which is over 600 people – people do not know each other that much or maybe they need to reconnect, so we need to be able to deliver that.
NetWorks now has given us the opportunity to do it.
People love it because they just arrive there, it is quick and easy, they have their appointments, they have new connections, they have fun.”
Why NetWorks works
The strength of NetWorks comes from its directness. It removes every barrier between delegates and new contacts. There is no complex signup, no confusing workflow and no wasted time.
- The AI ensures relevance.
- The format ensures momentum.
- The simplicity ensures satisfaction.
NetWorks delivered exactly what delegates needed at an event the size and importance of UFI Global Congress. It activated conversations that would not have happened otherwise.
Key Takeaways
Here are some of the main highlights from this edition of the 92nd UFI Global Congress:
- AI-powered speed networking increased the volume and quality of connections
- Delegates enjoyed fast, meaningful meetings they could start immediately
- No pre-registration meant higher accessibility
- Average rating of 4.5/5 confirmed strong engagement
- Simple mobile-led workflows increased participation
- The format supported UFI’s goal of connecting a diverse global community
The 92nd UFI Global Congress demonstrated the value of structured, intelligent networking inside a global leadership event. NetWorks turned a room of executives into focused, productive interaction.
