Bate-papo Corner: Is Today’s Sales Model for Trade Shows Fit for the Future?
Bate-Papo
2026-06-04 | 04:10 PM - 04:30 PM
Exhibitor expectations are changing fast. Today’s corporate customers want more than stand space and standard packages - yet many event sales models still rely on transactional selling and underdeveloped commercial partnerships.
At the same time, exhibitors are facing rising participation costs, tighter scrutiny on ROI, and more choice than ever, with an increasing number of competing events and brands launching their own proprietary experiences.
In this interactive discussion, we’ll explore whether the traditional trade show sales model is still fit for purpose - and what organisers need to do to build deeper, more strategic, and commercially sustainable customer relationships in the years ahead.
About Bate-Papo Corner
Running alongside the lunch & networking breaks, Bate-Papo (bah-tchee-PA-poo) is an informal space for dynamic, small-group conversations. Inspired by the Portuguese term for “chat,” it empowers attendees to shape the dialogue and learn from each other in an open, participatory setting.
Located in the heart of the coffee and networking area, it’s the perfect spot for candid exchanges and sharing insights. All sessions recordings will be converted to "UFI Bate-Papo Unplugged" podcasts and shared to Spotify. Hear the conversations from the UFI Congress in Hong Kong here.
