The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) successfully concluded the second day of its participation at the 92nd UFI Global Congress, marking a day dedicated to intensive learning, high-level networking, and cultural exchange, aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ position in the global exhibition and export promotion landscape.
The day commenced with an emphasis on well-being and community, as Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo and Department Manager Rowena Mendoza joined a Tai Chi session at the UFI Sports Club, fostering a calm and focused environment for the day ahead.
The CITEM delegation actively engaged in the plenary session, “Building Community in the Age of Global Transformation,” which explored critical industry drivers such as artificial intelligence, collective intelligence, and human connection, and their influence on the future of events. Subsequent discussions provided crucial insights into future-ready exhibition formats, Asian leadership perspectives, and innovative approaches inspired by fitness tourism and community building.
Throughout the afternoon, delegates broadened their expertise by attending assigned specialized workshops covering key strategic areas, including sustainability, digital innovation, marketing, HR, partnerships, and operations. This concerted approach ensured comprehensive knowledge acquisition across the team. Crucially, CITEM delegates leveraged networking sessions to forge stronger collaborations with global organizers, service providers, and industry leaders, exploring concrete future opportunities for Philippine trade.
The second day culminated with the Congress Dinner held at M+, Asia’s leading museum of contemporary visual culture. The evening provided a unique opportunity for delegates to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant creative scene and panoramic harbor views, highlighted by a special performance honoring the 85th birth anniversary of martial arts icon Bruce Lee.
CITEM remains committed to harnessing the new perspectives and connections gained at the UFI Global Congress to contribute meaningfully to global industry conversations, ultimately serving to elevate the Philippines’ standing in the international exhibition and export promotion arena.
