UFI Announces 2026 Medal of Honour Recipients at Bahrain Congress
UFI has announced the 2026 Medal of Honour recipients. The announcement was made on 3 November 2026 during the 93rd Global Congress in Bahrain and targets leaders across the international exhibition and business events sector.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- UFI named three individuals as 2026 Medal of Honour recipients
- Timing
- Announcement made on 3 November 2026 at the 93rd Global Congress
- Who is affected
- Leaders and professionals in the international exhibition and business events industry
The details
- Announced by
- UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
- Takes effect
- 3 November 2026
- New rule
- UFI has selected Ray Bloom, Ravinder Sethi and Paul Woodward as its 2026 Medal of Honour recipients.
Announcement and Recipients
UFI, the global association for the exhibition sector, revealed its 2026 Medal of Honour winners during the 93rd Global Congress held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The three honourees are Ray Bloom, Chairman of IMEX Group; Ravinder Sethi, Executive Chairman of R.E. Rogers India Pvt. Ltd.; and Paul Woodward, former UFI Managing Director.
- Ray Bloom – recognised for building platforms that connect associations, organisers, destinations and venues.
- Ravinder Sethi – honoured for long‑standing involvement in India and Asia‑Pacific exhibition networks.
- Paul Woodward – celebrated for decades of service to UFI and the wider exhibition community.
Award Programme and Selection
The Medal of Honour was created in 2024 to celebrate individuals with a sustained record of service, leadership and professional influence across the exhibition and business events industry. Each year the UFI President, in consultation with the UFI Trio, selects the recipients, linking the recognition to the association’s international leadership structure.
- Selection focuses on career‑long contributions rather than single projects.
- The award complements UFI’s existing industry awards framework.
Industry Significance
The 2026 awards highlight three complementary forms of leadership: organisational management and consultancy (Woodward), global business‑events networking (Bloom) and regional industry advocacy in India and Asia‑Pacific (Sethi). While the honours do not introduce new regulations, they draw attention to the collaborative networks that underpin international exhibitions and MICE activities.
- Recognition reinforces the importance of cross‑border professional cooperation.
- It showcases pathways for future industry leaders.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing bookings for the 93rd UFI Global Congress remain unchanged; the award ceremony does not affect event schedules.
- Attendees can still expect the same venue, dates and programme as previously published.
- No additional travel documentation is required because of the award announcement.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced for participants as a result of the Medal of Honour announcement.
- Travelers do not need to submit extra paperwork related to the awards.
What you need to do
- No immediate steps are needed; industry professionals may simply note the recognition.
- Those wishing to follow the awardees’ work can monitor UFI communications for future updates.
Who this affects
-
Exhibition industry executives
The Medal of Honour recognises senior leaders who have shaped the global exhibition sector.
-
Business events professionals
The award highlights contributions to international business‑events collaboration and networking.
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Regional exhibition association members in India and Asia‑Pacific
Ravinder Sethi’s recognition reflects regional leadership and industry advocacy.
-
UFI conference attendees
The honours were presented during the Global Congress, directly involving participants.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the 2026 UFI Medal of Honour recipients?
The 2026 Medal of Honour recipients are Ray Bloom, Chairman of IMEX Group; Ravinder Sethi, Executive Chairman of R.E. Rogers India Pvt. Ltd.; and Paul Woodward, former UFI Managing Director. Each was recognised for sustained contributions to the international exhibition and business events industry.
When were the 2026 Medal of Honour winners announced?
UFI announced the 2026 Medal of Honour recipients on 3 November 2026 during its 93rd Global Congress held in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
What is the UFI Medal of Honour?
The UFI Medal of Honour is an award introduced in 2024 to celebrate individuals with a long‑term record of service, leadership and professional influence in the exhibition and business events sector, focusing on career‑wide contributions rather than single projects.
How does UFI select Medal of Honour recipients?
Each year the UFI President, in consultation with the UFI Trio, selects the recipients, linking the decision to the association’s international leadership structure and evaluating sustained industry impact.
Where was the UFI Global Congress held when the 2026 awards were presented?
The 93rd UFI Global Congress, where the 2026 Medal of Honour recipients were announced, took place in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Does the Medal of Honour affect travel plans for the Global Congress?
No, the award announcement does not change the schedule, venue or entry requirements for attendees of the Global Congress, so existing travel arrangements remain valid.
