What did exhibition giants have to say about Global Exhibitions Day?
On Wednesday 4 June, the exhibition industry celebrated Global Exhibitions Day. Around the world, companies and industry leaders took the time to acknowledge the progress of the sector. Social media was flooded with posts about what the day means and how far the industry has come over the past few decades.
The 2025 GED theme was “Exhibitions Unleash Potential”.
We picked out a few highlights from leading companies in the exhibition world.
Key quotes by companies celebrating GED
Here are some key quotes by major exhibition companies celebrating GED on social media.
“Exhibitions don’t just build stands. They build businesses, ideas, and lasting relationships.”
– dmg events
“Trade fairs fuel collaboration… empower talent… and drive economic development.”
– Koelnmesse
“They’re powerful economic engines that boost entire regions.”
– Easyfairs
“We’re only just getting started.”
– Olympia London, reflecting on 139 years of legacy and its next chapter
The core messages
- Exhibitions generate regional economic impact
Easyfairs and Koelnmesse pointed out the ability of exhibitions to create jobs and stimulate local economies. - They drive sector-wide innovation and exchange
dmg events pointed to the €250bn in global business sales attributed to exhibitions each year. Multiple organisers referenced the role of face-to-face formats in accelerating business relationships. - They create access points for policy
Easyfairs cited the importance of exhibitions in connecting policymakers and emerging leaders. Koelnmesse positioned trade fairs as platforms for knowledge transfer. - The people behind the shows
A notable portion of the messaging across organisers was internally focused, thanking operations teams, sales, logistics and design staff for enabling delivery at scale.
The 2025 GED theme was “Exhibitions Unleash Potential,” focused on how exhibitions support economic and social development. UFI reported that the campaign reached audiences in over 100 countries and regions, with online activations generating a combined reach of over 800,000 through social media.
The campaign’s four main messages were designed to frame exhibitions as more than industry infrastructure. It highlighted their role in: (1) driving industry progress by fostering collaboration and innovation, (2) lifting up individuals by supporting talent development, (3) fuelling economic growth in host communities, and (4) helping businesses grow their networks and revenue.
Over 150 individual advocates also participated by sharing personalised visuals via Snöball’s global social campaign.
GED 2025 coincided with UFI’s European Events Week in Thessaloniki, Greece, where more than 350 industry professionals gathered. The day was marked by both advocacy and celebration, including a ceremonial cake-cutting at the event’s welcome reception. UFI President and RX CEO Hugh Jones described the day as a “powerful demonstration of the exhibition industry’s unity and impact.”
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