The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) today announces that IFES World Summit 2026 will move from Dubai to take place in Munich, Germany, from 16–19 June 2026, following careful consideration of the current geopolitical context and consultation with key industry stakeholders and local authorities.
The decision reflects IFES’s commitment to bringing its international community together in a setting that offers stability, accessibility and confidence, while maintaining the value of meeting in person. The Dubai edition of the World Summit will now be rescheduled to June 2028.
“Our priority is to ensure that members can come together in 2026 in a safe and secure environment, while preserving the value of meeting in person and making the most of our global gathering,” said Jörg Zeissig, President of IFES.
Held under the theme “Navigating Change, Shaping What’s Next,” the 2026 edition will focus on dialogue, strategic exchange and active member engagement. As one of Europe’s leading international business and exhibition destinations, Munich offers strong infrastructure, global accessibility and a trusted environment for major events. It provides an ideal setting for IFES members to exchange insight, strengthen partnerships and explore how the industry can respond to shifting market conditions, technological acceleration and changing workforce expectations.
“In times of change, it becomes even more important for our community to stay connected and aligned,” said Jörg Zeissig. “The decision to adapt our 2026 gathering reflects our responsibility to our members and our commitment to creating a meaningful platform for exchange. Munich offers us the opportunity to come together in a focused and constructive way to listen, to share and to shape what comes next, together.”
The updated format is intended not simply as a relocation, but as a purposeful evolution that prioritises quality interaction, shared direction-setting and meaningful collaboration across the exhibition and events value chain.
“This decision reflects our commitment to balancing care, continuity and community,” said Gregor Bischkopf, Executive Director of IFES. “We remain dedicated to creating a meaningful opportunity for the IFES network to connect, collaborate and move forward together in person in 2026.”
Jörg Zeissig added: “We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our partners and members in the Middle East, and we deeply regret that we are not able to welcome our global community together in Dubai this year as originally planned. We extend our respect to all those affected by the current situation and thank our members for their understanding, flexibility and continued support.”
The World Summit remains a key pillar of the IFES calendar and will continue in future editions as part of the organisation’s long-term vision. Further details regarding the World Summit Munich venue, accommodation, programme and participation will be shared in due course. More information here https://www.ifesnet.com/events-all/ws26-munich
