The European Major Exhibition Centres Association (EMECA) has announced a new education initiative, the International Spring University (ISU) 2026, to be held from 20 to 22 May 2026 in Cologne. Organised in collaboration with its member Koelnmesse and the University of Cologne, the not-for-profit programme targets high performers and young talents in the exhibition sector, focusing on how artificial intelligence is transforming the trade fair industry. The curriculum covers AI-driven marketing, sales and customer experience, strategic decision-making, and data security and ethics, with a limited number of places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The initiative builds on broader EU efforts to enhance skills and digital literacy in education and training. In January 2026, European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu proposed an Education Package to modernise schools and support teachers, including a Basic Skills Support Scheme. In November 2025, she outlined a €41 billion boost to the Erasmus programme and a human capital recommendation within the European Semester, urging member states to prioritise STEM education and public-private investment in upskilling. The European Parliament’s CULT Committee also debated AI’s ethical use in education in March 2026, with experts warning against unregulated deployment. EMECA’s ISU aligns with these policy directions by offering practical AI training for the exhibition industry, complementing the EU’s focus on digital skills and lifelong learning.