UFI Names 2025 Next Generation Leadership Grant Winners
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced the five winners of its 2025 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) grant. Selected from a strong pool of applicants, the recipients were chosen by an international jury chaired by Hugh Jones, President, UFI.
The NGL grant, now in its ninth edition, supports young professionals with less than ten years of experience in the exhibition industry. The initiative promotes innovation by helping participants indulge in new and unconventional event formats.
This year’s winners include Anida D’Costa, Senior Conference Producer, Informa Markets (UAE); Diana Maria Salman, Senior Sales Manager, FEXPOCRUZ (Bolivia); Ilaria Basile, Event Operations Manager, Clarion Events (UK); Sarah Jung, Sales Manager, Messe München (Germany); and Taher Hakami, Riyadh Business Events Manager, SCEGA (Saudi Arabia).
The in-person workshop in June during the UFI European Events Week in Thessaloniki, Greece, will mark the beginning of the attendees’ journey. It will be further followed by months of online collaboration to further develop their projects.
The program will come to an end with a group presentation at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong SAR.
According to Jones, “The UFI Next Generation Leadership grant continues to shine a spotlight on bold ideas and the emerging talent shaping the future of our industry.” He further added, “I extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s recipients. Your drive, creativity, and dedication to pushing boundaries are truly inspiring and reflect the dynamic, ever-evolving spirit of the exhibition industry.”
Image Source: UFI