About the industry
Get in touch
Development and transformation services and advice for the Business Events Industry
About the industry
The global business events industry is a dynamic powerhouse driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth worldwide.
Encompassing conferences, trade shows, exhibitions, and corporate meetings, it connects industries, fosters knowledge exchange, and creates opportunities for partnerships across borders.
Valued at billions annually, this sector drives social and economic development, enables businesses to showcase cutting-edge and fuels tourism.
In an increasingly digital age, face-to-face gatherings are rapidly gaining in importance ever more.
With a focus on sustainability, the industry is poised to evolve.
About htf - Expert. Adviser. Speaker.
Global Industry Expert
Kai Hattendorf, founder of htf, brings decades of experience to the table.
With a unique track record of successful transformation and development projects in the business events industry and others, his expertise spans strategic planning, operational optimization, technology integration, and sustainable practices.
An outspoken advocate for the sector, he is a sought-after expert and speaker globally on strategic and operational issues related to the development of the business events industry.
Industry Leadership
Kai has led UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, as CEO for a decade, driving purpose-led growth and innovation during his tenure.
Kai has served as President of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), the umbrella organisation for the whole events industry, for years. He has also worked for numerous years in international leadership positions at Messe Frankfurt.
htf leverages this deep understanding to deliver tailored solutions for clients, helping them navigate industry trends and achieve ambitious goals.
Follow Business Events Industry Developments
For Business Event Industry news, insights, and analysis, make sure to follow Kai Hattendorf on LinkedIn
Some recent appearances:

07:43:06

YouTube

International MICE Summit Riyadh 2024

The Power of the MICE Industry

CNBC

Events industry will make a comeback once pandemic passes, UFI CEO says

Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, discusses event cancellations amid the coronavirus pandemic.

41:19

Spotify

#82 Kai Hattendorf: The Evolution of the Exhibition Industry

Skift Meetings Podcast · Episode

19:24

YouTube

Towards Net Zero Carbon Event (Chapter 1) | Event Sustainability Conclave

Exhibition Showcase Magazine proudly presents the Event Sustainability Conclave, a premier platform dedicated to promoting sustainability within the exhibition industry. This landmark event features engaging sessions led by distinguished speakers worldwide.

PCMA

How UFI’s Kai Hattendorf Helped Launch the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge

Nearly 200 events industry organizations in 2021 committed to a plan to reduce the carbon emissions created by the industry — a coalition that’s doubled in size since then. PCMA Visionary Award honoree Kai Hattendorf helped connect the dots in record time.

htf's UFI legacy
The htf Moebius.
The Moebius strip is the symbol of infinite connection, the continuous flow of input and output, from challenges to solutions.
It exemplifies the continuity of change:
Continuity – Ideas, thoughts, and concepts are all connected. They create an…
Exchange – there are open conversations between the stakeholders. Thoughts and ideas shift the dynamic of the dialogue to…
Synergies – where complementary insights lead to concepts, different inputs lead to new understanding and…
Openness – when the interaction leads to implementation - learning from the past, and adapting the present into a sucessful future, fostering the…
Evolution of success – as events are ever more than meetings. They transform into a dynamic process of generating new ideas, ringing in the next cycle of…
Continuity!
Get in touch
info(AT)htfconsults.com
Imprint
This website is operated by:

htf, Adventveien 8D, 0281 Oslo, Norway. 
info(AT)htfconsults.com
Organisation number: 834 926 792

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, we make no guarantees regarding its reliability or suitability for specific purposes.

If you believe any content on this website is incorrect or infringes on your rights, please contact us directly.
© 2025 by htf. All rights reserved. Reproduction or distribution of any content from this website without prior written consent is prohibited.
Made with Gamma