UFI launched its Next Generation Leadership Grant (NGL Grant), which has a deadline of April 30 for applications.

The program promotes next-generation leadership in the exhibition industry, rewarding professionals who show clear initiative in driving change and innovation in their area of activity.

Supported by funding from Reed Exhibitions, this new grant reflects UFI’s commitment to recognizing the best talents of the exhibition industry by involving them in the planning and realization of the largest annual events for the global exhibition industry.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ proudly congratulates Jacqueline Russo, vice president of Kuehne + Nagel, Inc., as this year’s recipient of the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award.

This award recognizes a woman who has led the way in the advancement of women in the exhibitions and events industry, exhibited outstanding leadership, and made significant contributions to the industry and her community.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has opened the call for nominations for its annual awards program to recognize exceptional professionals in the exhibitions and events industry. Industry professionals who meet the outlined criteria may be nominated for any of the awards listed below, and recipients will be honored at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held 6-8 December in Anaheim, Calif.

The Consumer Technology Association, formerly the Consumer Electronics Association, announced the return of its CES Unveiled event series to France for a fourth consecutive CES Unveiled Paris and a debut event, CES Unveiled Prague.

These two events, uniting innovative technology companies, top members of the press, industry analysts, buyers and key consumer technology influencers, will serve as a prelude to the innovation that will be showcased at CES® 2017. 

Owned and produced by the CTA, CES is the global stage for innovation and will run Jan. 5-8.

The National Restaurant Association announced that US Foods will collocate its traveling road show Food Fanatics LIVE March 15 during the 2016 New England Food Show.

“The National Restaurant Association is pleased to share the BCEC with US Foods during NEFS 2016,” said Mary Pat Heftman, executive vice president, Convention at National Restaurant Association.

The American Society of Association Executives is introducing a hybrid membership model, which will provide associations and Association Management Companies (AMC) the option of joining or renewing through an organizational purchasing model.

For one flat annual fee determined by staff size, every employee in any size association or AMC office can opt to join ASAE and reap all available member benefits.  

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s Global Barometer Survey, which takes the pulse of the trade show industry worldwide, indicated that North America and Europe, with the exception of Russia, are predicting positive revenue results in 2016.

On the other hand, in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, the situations remain generally positive, but with a certain level of uncertainty.

The CHA Mega Conference and Trade Show, the annual show for the Craft & Hobby Association that was held Jan. 7-12 at the Anaheim Convention Center, celebrated its 75th year, and the attendees were ready to create, connect and learn in this $30 billion world-wide industry.

“There is such a passion for this industry, and our attendees reflect this passion,” said Maureen Walsh, vice president of marketing for the Craft & Hobby Association.

The Association for Women in Events (AWE), launched last March, is officially opening its doors and accepting applications for membership starting Jan. 20.

AWE’s mission is clear: to be an inclusive community dedicated to the professional advancement of women in all facets of the events industry.

“When presented with the AWE mission statement, I knew right away that I wanted to become a Charter Member of the Leadership Society,” said Stephen Peeler, vice president, Development of ASAE Foundation.