Dear fellow IFES Members,
Dear Friends,
As I reflect on the extraordinary days we shared at the IFES World Summit 2026 in Munich, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude, inspiration, and optimism for our future.
What an exceptional event it was. Beyond the outstanding program, thought-provoking discussions, and memorable moments (and lots of Lederhosen), the Summit once again demonstrated the unique strength of our community: people coming together with a shared purpose to create opportunities, strengthen bonding, solve challenges, and inspire one another.
One of my biggest takeaways from this incredible week is that what seems impossible today can often be solved tomorrow, if we get our heads and minds together. Not necessarily with unlimited budgets, perfect plans, the latest technology, or even the best ideas from the outset. More often, solutions emerge when the right people connect at the right time around a shared purpose. Our industry has always thrived on creativity, collaboration, and resilience, and Munich reminded us that these qualities remain our greatest assets.
I am also deeply humbled and grateful for the trust you have placed in me through my re-election as President of IFES. Serving this outstanding organisation is both an honour and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Thank you for your confidence, your support, and your continued commitment to making IFES the leading and most relevant global network for our industry.
While the Summit may be over, the momentum certainly continues.
As we look ahead, I would like to draw your attention to one of our key priorities: Driving Global Connection.
A vital part of this effort is the remarkable work of our IFES Ambassadors. Their dedication continues to strengthen our presence in markets where we have not been strong enough, building bridges between IFES and professionals across the globe. Thanks to their commitment, we are making meaningful inroads into regions that have traditionally been underrepresented within our network, including Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Their work is helping us expand our reach, deepen our understanding of local markets, and ensure that IFES remains a truly global organisation.
At the same time, we want to better understand our role and relevance within the broader exhibition and events ecosystem. To support this objective, IFES, in collaboration with JWC, will soon be reaching out to you to collect key industry data and figures. The insights gathered will help us demonstrate the true value our community creates and strengthen our collective voice within the global marketplace. I encourage every member to participate and contribute to this important initiative.
Finally, while our Ambassadors play a critical role in driving growth and engagement, the strength of IFES ultimately comes from the involvement of its members. Whether through committees, working groups, task forces, or special initiatives, your commitment is what enables us to continuously increase the value we provide to the community.
If you would like to become more involved, please do not hesitate to reach out to the IFES Team or me. We would be delighted to explore how your expertise, ideas, and enthusiasm can contribute to shaping the future of IFES.
Thank you once again for your trust, your energy, and your dedication to our industry. Together, we will continue building meaningful connections, creating opportunities, and driving our global community forward.
Warm regards,
Joerg Zeissig
President, IFES
