UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced a group of five recipients from all over the world for this year's UFI Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Grant.
An international jury, led by UFI president Corrado Peraboni, selected this group of future industry leaders for their exceptional initiative in driving change and innovation in their different areas within the exhibition industry.
The recipients of the 2018 UFI NGL Grant are:
- Lilian Burgardt, head of Digital Products for Brazil with Informa, Brazil
- Glen Foulstone, senior project manager with GES, UK
- Kelly MacLellan, customer success manager with Feathr, USA
- Miranda Martin, portfolio director, Niche events with Fresh Montgomery, UK
- Maria Tsedeviyn, head of Advertising, Design and Internet Division Marketing, Advertising and PR Department at Expoforum International, Russia
“As I was reviewing the applications for this year's grant, I became a bit concerned about fulfilling my role as jury president: I feared it would be difficult to select just five recipients from the large number of great applications. And indeed, the jury had to make some tough calls,” said UFI president Corrado Peraboni.
“I want to encourage all those who we could not select this year to continue to work on their impressive projects, and to re-apply next year,” added Peraboni.
For this year’s programme, there was a significant rise of over 70 per cent in the number of applications received, when compared to 2017. Applications were handed in from 15 different countries, representing all UFI regional chapters (Asia-Pacific; Europe; Latin America; Middle East; Africa).
The UFI Next Generation Leaders will now engage in research concerning the future of the exhibition industry, working closely with the UFI team. Their first workshop will be organised in conjunction with the UFI European Conference, entitled Future proof exhibitions, which will be held in Verona, Italy in early May 2018.
After several months of research and collaboration, the grantees will present their conclusions at the 85th UFI Global Congress, which will take place in St. Petersburg, Russia, from 31 October-3 November 2018.
The NGL Grant programme concludes with a 6-month C-level mentorship for each recipient, which will provide career support for these future leaders of the industry.
“The NGL Grant, which has now reached its third edition, reflects UFI’s commitment to recognising and supporting the best talents within the exhibition industry,” said UFI MD/CEO, Kai Hattendorf.
“We believe in the importance of rewarding a global group of strong personalities who will be able to drive the needed changes in the industry in the upcoming years. I would like to personally thank all those involved in the programme,” concluded Hattendorf.
About the jury
The 2018 NGL Grant jury was chaired by Mr. Corrado Peraboni, UFI president, and president of Cipa Fiera Milano Publicações e Eventos Ltda. He was joined by Joyce DiMascio, chief executive at EEAA; Kai Hattendorf, MD/CEO at UFI; Eleonora Robuschi, Programmes & Projects coordinator at UFI; and Diana Salman, head of HR & Organisation Development at IFP Expo and former NGL grant winner.
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