UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced the five winners of its fourth UFI Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Grant.
An international jury, chaired by UFI President Craig Newman, selected the future leaders for their initiative and creativity in realising new projects for the exhibition industry.
The exhibition professionals selected for the 2019 UFI NGL Grant are:
- Carolin von Tippelskirch, Protocol and Corporate Events, Deutsche Messe AG (Germany)
- Cinzia Zanin, Studi e Sviluppo, Fondazione Fiera Milano (Italy)
- Fuad Musafir, Business Development Manager Exhibition and Live Events, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (Oman)
- Katie Thompson, Senior Content and Project Manager, The Design Group | Global Exhibitions Informa (USA)
- Laura Docampo, Head of Digital Transformation, Fira de Barcelona (Spain)
UFI President, Craig Newman said the jury had found it extremely challenging to select just five individuals. “So much energy had gone into every application, and I was extremely proud to see just how many motivated, talented and ambitious individuals there are in our industry. I strongly encourage anyone who wasn’t accepted to re-apply next year.”
Applications were received from 18 countries, representing all UFI regional chapters (the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and Middle East/Africa).
As is the case every year, grant winners will investigate the future of exhibitions, and work closely with the team at UFI headquarters in Paris. Their first workshop will take place alongside the upcoming UFI European Conference in Birmingham (UK), 15-17 May 2019.
The grantees will present their findings in a session at the 86th UFI Global Congress in Bangkok (Thailand).
For the second year running, they will continue their grant programme after the Congress with an executive mentoring programme where they can learn, brainstorm, test ideas and discuss work-related challenges and opportunities. Their mentors are C-level professionals from the exhibition industry.
“The NGL Grant programme recognises and supports exceptional talent within the exhibition industry,” said UFI Managing Director and CEO, Kai Hattendorf. “We greatly appreciate their courage and vision, which bring added value to us all. Thanks to the NGL Grant, we enable young professionals to meet with experienced mentors, pushing the boundaries to drive new positive change in the industry. I would like to thank all those involved in the programme.”
The 2019 NGL Grant programme is sponsored by Freeman EMEA.
“At Freeman, we believe that the future success and relevancy of our industry relies on nurturing the talent of tomorrow,” said MD Chris Preston. “We are proud to support the Next Generation Leadership Grant and congratulate the exhibition professionals being recognised in this year’s programme.”
Photo showsthe 2019 NGL Grant winners.
