UFI Launches Customized Certification Program for Global Exhibitions Professionals

April 22, 2021

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibitions Industry, has launched a new UFI-accredited designation for trade show professionals. Available to members and non-members, the UFI Certified Professional (UCP) is a self-paced, customizable certification program that includes UFI’s existing educational offerings as well as modules offered by a network of global educational partners. Additional benefits for participants include networking, specialization and career development.

So far, three educational partners have been chosen for the program: MBB-Consulting Group (UK), Virtual Events Institute (USA) and Rego (UK). 

“Our members have been requesting an UFI endorsement of our education, so they can signal to employers and peers that they have obtained outstanding industry training,” explained Kai Hattendorf, CEO and managing director of UFI. “Therefore, we are very pleased to introduce the UCP designation, a new, flexible approach in our industry serving different educational needs around the world.”

The new UCP designation marks the next step in UFI’s educational offerings evolution. In 2017, UFI and the Venue Management Association began offering the UFI-VMA Venue Management School in Asia, and last year launched the UFI-Exhibition Management School, which has already conducted classes for Asia and the Middle East and Africa region.  

Both foundation programs will form the core of the UCP designation, which is available to industry professionals who complete ten credits’ worth of training across various topics. 

UCP participants must complete either the UFI-VMA Venue Management School or the UFI-Exhibition Management School program, as well as achieve the remaining credits from specialization modules. These can be selected from educational offerings provided both by UFI and its education partners, who will deliver UCP-approved training around the world.

Participants are free to choose from an array of module topics, creating a tailored experience that meets their own areas of interest and professional goals.

“Through its training program, the Virtual Events Institute is supporting event change-makers around the world to deliver exceptional virtual and hybrid experiences,” said Sophie Ahmed, CEO of Virtual Events Institute. “We will provide UFI members with the knowledge and skills to create new experiences, capitalize on new revenue streams, grow their brand and break into new markets.” 

The new certification program comes as the exhibition industry faces sizable challenges and changes in the years to come, making the need to attract diverse and widely skilled talent even more urgent, according to Matthias Tesi Baur, founder of MBB-Consulting Group.

“Ongoing education and training play a vital role, ensuring young, skilled people join our industry and stay,” Baur said. “The UFI Certified Professional program is a great way to increase the attractiveness of our industry and to make us collectively stronger.” 

George Stylianou, CEO of Rego, expressed excitement in helping to further the global trade show industry by providing quality, cutting-edge professional education.

“Becoming an UFI education partner has presented us with a fantastic opportunity to share The Rego Approach, a unique body of learning, developed over the last 25 years, to empower our people to consistently deliver stellar results,” Stylianou said. “We very much look forward to working closely with UFI to further develop professionals across the exhibitions industry.”

To learn more about the UCP program, go here.

  

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact