IFES Global Village at EuroShop 2026: Our Biggest and Most Connected Yet
The IFES Global Village at EuroShop 2026 has wrapped after a record-breaking week of engagement, innovation, and global networking. Held from 22–26 February in Hall 1, Stand C64 at Messe Düsseldorf, this year’s Village was our largest ever, with 30 IFES members exhibiting and 7000-8000 visitors passing through to connect, explore, and share insights. Our members gathered some 3500 valuable leads over the duration of the event.
From the moment the doors opened, the energy was tangible. Delegates from across the world, including exhibition organisers, service partners, industry leaders, and next-generation professionals, gathered at the Global Village to engage with IFES members representing diverse markets and specialties. Our vibrant hub provided a uniquely global perspective on the exhibitions and events ecosystem, showcasing world-class capabilities and the collective strength of our federation.
The week featured a packed programme of activities designed to spark connections and inspire action:
- Global Connect Hour welcomed visitors to meet IFES Ambassador Programme leaders, with open and energetic exchanges that resulted in new collaborations and strengthened friendships across the community.
- Sustainability Power Hour created a thought-provoking platform on which to meet the Sustainability Committee members, learn more about current initiatives and priorities and exchange ideas on how to further embed sustainability across our industry.
- ITT (Inspire, Transform, Thrive) Hour brought together thought leaders and emerging professionals, creating a dynamic forum for discussions around the future of talent within IFES.
- The Block Party, presented by Willwork Global Event Services, provided the perfect social close to the first half of the week, with music, refreshments, a live saxophonist, and a DJ keeping around 300 attendees dancing and connecting well into the evening.
- The daily ITT Tours ensured that participants received an overview of the entire supply chain in just 60 minutes
Throughout EuroShop, the Global Village became a magnet for foot traffic and conversation. Visitors stopped by to discover member solutions, attend IFES-curated activities, and connect with peers from across continents. The atmosphere was vibrant yet purposeful. As always, the IFES Global Village created a space where business was done, ideas were sparked, and global relationships were strengthened.
From new business leads and fresh alliances to inspired discussions on future-focused topics, this year’s IFES Global Village reaffirmed its role as the central international meeting point at EuroShop, where connections are made, collaborations begin, and the global exhibitions community comes together.
We thank every member, visitor, sponsor and partner who joined us in Düsseldorf and helped make this the most successful Global Village yet.
Until next time – onward together.
Join IFES from 22–26 February 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany, as we return to EuroShop with the IFES Global Village collective exhibition space at 1C64. Building on the success of previous editions, IFES will once again host the Global Village, a vibrant space for connection, innovation, and international collaboration within the Expo & Event Marketing Dimension in Hall 1.
In 2023, EuroShop drew over 81,000 visitors and more than 1,800 exhibitors from around the world. The IFES Global Village was a standout feature, offering a dynamic environment for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development—and 2026 promises even more.
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The IFES Global Village: A Hub of Global Engagement
As a longstanding anchor in the Expo & Event Marketing Dimension, the IFES Global Village will continue to reflect the energy, creativity and diversity of the global exhibition industry. Visitors can expect meaningful face-to-face engagement with co-exhibiting IFES members and partners, as well as a welcoming space designed for collaboration and conversation.
This unique pavilion offers a central meeting point for those looking to explore international partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, and discover forward-looking trends shaping our industry.
Shaping a Responsible Future
Sustainability remains a key theme at EuroShop 2026—and IFES is proud to support responsible exhibition practices. Whether through showcasing member initiatives, reducing environmental impact through local sourcing, or facilitating peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, IFES continues to contribute to the industry’s sustainable evolution.
(Details on specific sustainability activations will be announced closer to the event.)
Fostering Talent and Innovation
As always, IFES is committed to supporting the next generation of exhibition professionals. The IFES Talent Team (ITT) will again offer a platform for young talent to gain international exposure, build networks, and contribute fresh ideas to the industry conversation.
(Additional features such as awards or themed booths will be confirmed as EuroShop 2026 approaches.)
Meet 30 IFES members at the IFES Global Village to engage, form new partnerships and generate business
