Kai Hattendorf is one of the most prominent thought leaders in the global business events and exhibition industry, building on a decades-long legacy of transformation and innovation across the sector.
In his decade at the helm of Paris-based UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, he spearheaded numerous initiatives and projects to develop the sector, drive public awareness, and grow the association’s reach and relevance.
As Chair of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), a global Council of international and global associations serving the Business Events Industry, Kai drove advocacy work like the “Global Industry Manifesto,” creating a joint narrative for the whole events sector.
Working with industry associations and global organisations like UNFCCC, OECD, and ISO, he set up and supports initiatives like the “Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative”.
Kai’s work in the events industry has been recognized through numerous awards and recognitions around the world. Most recently he was named “Business Events Strategist of the Year” by PCMA.
His previous career also includes transformational leadership positions at Messe Frankfurt and in marketing/strategic communications as well as in strategy and product development in the ITC and Media Industry for the Deutsche Telekom Group, the dpa Group (the German Press Agency), and a fintech start-up.
A journalist by education, Kai has reported internationally, working for broadcasters like WDR and Radio Bremen in Germany, Euronews in France, the BBC in the UK, and the Voice of America in the US. He holds a Master’s degree from the American University, Washington, DC, and studied in Dortmund and Edinburgh.
Kai currently lives in Oslo, Norway.
