UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – has officially announced that its 94th UFI Global Congress will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 3rd to 6th November 2027. The announcement was made on July 8, 2025, from Paris, confirming Guadalajara as the host city following unanimous approval by the UFI Board of Directors during the UFI European Events Week 2025 held in Thessaloniki, Greece.
The Congress will be hosted in partnership with the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau, and is set to be staged at Expo Guadalajara, Latin America’s largest exhibition venue. This prestigious event marks a significant return to the Americas, following previous editions in Las Vegas (2023) and Bogotá (2014). The choice of Guadalajara reflects its dynamic positioning as a rising international destination with a strong commitment to the global exhibitions and business events industry.
The UFI Global Congress is considered the most significant annual gathering for the global exhibition industry. It serves as a premier platform for leaders, stakeholders, and professionals to network, collaborate, and collectively shape the future of the industry. Held in a different region each year, the Congress reflects UFI’s global outreach. After Cologne (2024), the Congress is set to travel to Hong Kong in 2025, Bahrain in 2026, and now, Guadalajara in 2027.
Commenting on the selection, Hugh Jones, UFI President and CEO of RX, said, “Each year, the UFI Global Congress brings together the people and perspectives that shape the future of our industry – and Guadalajara promises to be a vibrant and welcoming stage for this essential global conversation in 2027.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, Gustavo Staufert Buclon, CEO of the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau, stated, “Guadalajara couldn’t be more proud to be appointed as host of the UFI Global Congress 2027. Our commitment to the global meetings industry is strong and unwavering. We are members of leading international bodies such as BestCities Global Alliance, IAPCO, Destinations International, and IGLTA. After hosting AFIDA and IFES, we’re honoured to welcome UFI.”
With this announcement, Guadalajara strengthens its standing as a global MICE destination, poised to welcome the world’s exhibition leaders for an impactful Congress in 2027.
