The global association of the exhibition industry, UFI is making their last call for applicants to their Next Generation Leadership Grant (UFI NGL) programme. This year’s programme is now accepting applications until 28 March 2022.
The UFI NGL Grant promotes young leadership in the exhibition industry, rewarding professionals who show clear initiatives in driving change and innovation in their area of activity.
UFI launched the programme back in 2016 and is looking for a group of five outstanding industry professionals to take part in this talent accelerator programme.
Applicants are invited from across the globe and those successful will be tasked with a multi-month group project that culminates with a presentation to the industry during the UFI Global Congress. That takes place this year in Oman 14-17 November.
For all previous editions of the NGL programme, it has been up to the cohort themselves to decide upon the projects unifying theme related to the future of the exhibition industry. Along the way, they are coached and guided by the UFI team and industry mentors.
You can check out information and the results of previous years’ work here:
Post-pandemic, one of the most critical topics within our industry is talent. Therefore, for 2022, UFI is opening up its NGL programme for applicants with a defined mission for the group. It will be asking the 2022 NGL grantees to develop a new talent narrative for businesses in our industry.
Part of the NGL mission brief for 2022 from UFI runs:
Most event companies have been forced to let employees go during the pandemic. In addition, colleagues have left our industry to take on positions in seemingly more stable industries and sectors. Job security, salaries, and seemingly less stressful positions are the top reasons HR departments are hearing as feedback.
Yet our sector has always been able to attract bright, motivated, and uniquely talented people – and this will not change. But we will be well advised to re-think how we position our businesses, and to write a new narrative focused on why a career in business events stands out. For example: For a generation that is driven by the search for purpose, looking for meaning in their work, wanting to be involved – we can offer them what no other sector can: Being there where the future is taking shape, and being a member of the community that makes it happen.
For more information about the UFI NGL click here or contact: nglgrant@ufi.org
