UFI opens Next Generation Leadership Grant programme for 2019

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has launched its 2019 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Grant and is inviting talented industry professionals from around the world to apply.

Now in its fourth year, the UFI NGL Grant promotes next generation leadership in the exhibition industry, rewarding professionals who demonstrate clear initiative in driving change and innovation in their area of activity.

The 2019 NGL Grant is open to anyone who works full time in the exhibition industry and has done so for no more than 10 years. The programme is spread over a period of 18 months, allowing the grant winners to continue to fulfil their daily work obligations.

“The NGL Grant reflects UFI’s commitment to recognising and supporting the best talent in the exhibition industry and I encourage everyone to take a good look within their own teams and encourage young professionals to step forward and apply,” says Kai Hattendorf, UFI Managing Director and CEO.

Previous Grant recipients have since seen their careers progressing fast. “The NGL Grant was a fantastic opportunity for me to see the exhibition industry from a variety of perspectives. It broadened my views on the industry as a whole and allowed me to extract valuable knowledge from a diverse range of industry professionals. It truly was a fantastic experience,” said Glen Foulstone, Senior Project Manager at Global Experience Specialists (GES) and one of the 2018 NGL Grant winners.

UFI will award grants to up to five future leaders who have shown exceptional initiative in driving change and innovation in their area of the exhibition industry.

Together, the winners will investigate the future of exhibitions, working closely with the team at UFI headquarters in Paris. They will present their findings in a special session at the 86th UFI Global Congress in Bangkok (Thailand).

After the Congress, the grant winners enter into executive level mentoring where they can learn, brainstorm, test ideas and discuss work-related challenges and opportunities.

The grant covers the travel and accommodation needed to attend the UFI European Conference in Birmingham (UK) on 15-17 May and the UFI Global Congress on 6-9 November 2019.

Applications are open until 1 March 2019. More information here