Informa extends Cannes partnership, to deliver World AI Cannes Festival from 2027

Happy Friday! Snöcap is back with another week of moves, milestones, and leadership shifts across the global events industry.

Spotlight: Informa is doubling down on AI and innovation, extending its partnership with Cannes to deliver the World AI Cannes Festival (WAICF) from 2027. This puts WAICF alongside Informa’s global AI Summit Series and strengthens the connection between AI, creativity, and the Cannes Lions Festival. Read more about it below.

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Informa extends Cannes partnership, to deliver World AI Cannes Festival from 2027

Informa has extended its partnership with the city of Cannes to deliver the World AI Cannes Festival (WAICF) from 2027. WAICF will sit alongside Informa’s The AI Summit Series, with editions across London, New York, Las Vegas, Melbourne and Singapore.

image credits: WAICF 2026

The partnership expands the reach of the event and deepens the relationship between Informa, which owns and operates the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, with Cannes and the Alpes-Maritimes region.

The World AI Cannes Festival returns on Feb. 12, 2026, and the fifth edition expects over 10,000 participants, 320 speakers and 220 exhibitors.

The Mayor of Cannes said: “Cannes is establishing itself as a global platform for businesses in creativity, innovation, and cutting-edge technologies. The decision to partner with Informa on the World AI Cannes Festival aligns with this trajectory. Informa organizes Cannes Lions, an internationally renowned event for the creative industries, whose success and influence demonstrate its expertise. By leveraging this know-how, the World AI Cannes Festival will strengthen its international ambition, establish itself sustainably in our city, and welcome global leaders in AI.”

Stephen Carter, Group CEO at Informa, said: “At Informa, we have fully embraced and embedded AI into our business and our brand portfolio. This includes creating and curating The AI Summit Series in locations including London, New York and Singapore, and we are now thrilled to be deepening our relationship with Cannes to pursue our shared ambition for WAICF.”

IAEE to acquire Exhibitor Group, publisher of EXHIBITOR magazine

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has agreed to acquire Exhibitor Group, publisher of EXHIBITOR magazine and producer of EXHIBITOR LIVE. The acquisition brings together exhibition organizers and exhibitors within one organization.

The acquisition also unites Exhibitor Group’s exhibit and corporate event marketing expertise with IAEE’s exhibition organization operations. The new, combined entity will serve the event lifecycle and value chain.

Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, President and CEO of IAEE, said: “This acquisition reflects our commitment to building a more comprehensive and inclusive exhibitions and events industry. By expanding our universe to include the vital perspectives of exhibit and brand managers, we’re creating a unified space where all voices are heard and represented. This is more than an acquisition – it’s a change that will elevate the entire exhibitions and events industry.”

The acquisition brings changes for stakeholders:

• For IAEE Members: Access to resources, insights and networking opportunities with exhibit and brand managers.
• For Exhibitor Group Community: Continuity of the publication and EXHIBITOR LIVE event, with access to IAEE’s resources, including connections to organizers and suppliers, and professional development tools.

The deal is expected to be closed by April 30, 2026.

UFI launches learning platform for exhibition industry

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has launched a new strategy on learning to support professional development across the organization and the exhibition community.

The strategy introduces UFI Learning, a platform designed to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration and continuous learning. The initiative was developed following research and consultation with UFI members, including feedback from a survey.

“Learning happens every day across our industry. Given UFI’s global position and network – we have an opportunity to support this learning in a more consistent and meaningful way,” said Chris Skeith OBE, CEO and managing director of UFI.

UFI Learning is guided by three strategic priorities:

• Increasing access and flexibility
• Leveraging industry expertise and partnerships
• Curating engaging and relevant learning opportunities

UFI will support learning across its programs, events, communities and resources. The portfolio will be developed over time, with new opportunities introduced progressively based on ongoing dialogue with members and partners.

The organization aims to strengthen professional capability across the exhibition community while reinforcing its role as a platform for knowledge exchange within the industry.

CES producer CTA announces Kinsey Fabrizio as new president and CEO

The Consumer Technology Association(CTA) announced Kinsey Fabrizio will become president and CEO effective May 1, 2026. Gary Shapiro, who has led the organization for more than 35 years, will continue as executive chair, a position he has held since Jan. 1, 2026.

CTA owns and produces CES, the largest annual U.S. trade show that attracts more non-U.S. participants than any other event in the country.

Kinsey joined CTA in 2008 and currently serves as president on the organization’s executive board. She has overseen strategy and growth for the association and CES, managing core business units and operations. In 2025, she testified before Congress on federal framework for artificial intelligence.

“Today marks an important moment for CTA,” said Pat Lavelle, industry executive advisor, CTA executive board. “The Executive Board is proud of the strength and continuity this transition brings, and deeply excited for how it sets CTA up for continued success. With Gary and Kinsey in their new roles, we move forward with confidence, focus, and a shared commitment to our future.”

As senior vice president, Fabrizio oversaw CES conferences and show operations, led expansion of CES products and modernized CTA’s membership infrastructure. She created CTA’s Health Division, launched a healthcare provider program for doctors at CES 2015 and supported development of Guiding Principles on the Privacy and Security of Personal Wellness Data. Fabrizio holds a BA from George Mason University and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

“I am thankful to have spent most of my career at CTA, learning the organization and working alongside its most important resource, our people,” said Kinsey Fabrizio, president, CTA. “Most importantly, I am grateful for the last 18 years I’ve spent learning from Gary, seeing firsthand how he advocates for our industry, our members, and CES. I’m excited to take on this new role and appreciate that he will continue to mentor me.”

IFES to host 2026 World Summit in Dubai

The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) will hold its 2026 World Summit in Dubai under the theme “Beyond Boundaries.”

The event, set for Dubai World Trade Centre, follows the organization’s 2025 gathering in Guadalajara and marks IFES’ expansion into the Gulf region. The summit will feature three days of programming focused on technology, sustainability, design and client engagement for the exhibition and events industry.

The summit is open to both members and non-members. Dubai World Trade Centre hosts more than 500 events annually and serves as the region’s largest event venue.

“Dubai represents everything we want to capture in our ‘Beyond Boundaries’ theme. It’s a meeting point for the world, where ideas, cultures and industries connect. The 2026 World Summit will be a moment for our members to push past the familiar and embrace what’s next, together,” said Jörg Zeissig, IFES presiden.

The program will include workshops, panel discussions and keynote presentations alongside networking opportunities.

Early bird pricing is available until Feb. 14. IFES members aged 35 and under receive a 50% discount.

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