ABEA forms strategic partnership with IAPCO

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Australia, 10th April: The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) announced a strategic partnership with the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to bring benefits members of the two organisations.

Under the partnership, it will strengthen the global meetings and events industry through enhanced knowledge-sharing, increased visibility, and collaborative opportunities.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formed under the partnership which will last for three years. Key activities will include Membership Value-Add, Knowledge-Share Collaboration, and White Papers and Research.

Melissa Brown, CEO of ABEA, said, “We are delighted to partner with the IAPCO. Our collective efforts will provide our members with exceptional value, critical industry knowledge, and the ability to connect on a global scale. There is so much knowledge to be shared. The more efficient we can share experience and knowledge across the globe, the easier it will be for our members to keep up to date with the latest developments.”

Shenyang New World EXPO targets global business

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Shenyang, 7th April: Shenyang New World EXPO lost 40% of government-led events last year. The newly-appointed General Manager, John Chan, has brought a new policy, targeting international business.

According to John Chan, local governments has recognised the importance of the convention and exhibition industry, serving as a catalyst for regional economic development, provides significant social benefits, enhancing a city’s visibility and influence, and promoting cultural exchange and integration.

The venue will shift away from government dependency and toward global business; therefore, the venue is betting big on cross-border partnerships.

John Chan explained, “In recent years, the domestic economy has encountered numerous challenges, particularly due to a continuously sluggish real estate market that has caused funding shortages in related supply chains, reduced investment enthusiasm among businesses, and weakened consumer confidence, all of which have negatively impacted the overall economic environment.”

SEEC Media down in revenues, but up in profits

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Hong Kong, 31st March: Last week, SEEC Media, a Chinese B2B media group, released its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2024. Total revenues in the year were US$3.9 million, a decrease of 21% year-on-year. However, the company narrowed its loss from US$4.8 million in 2023, down to US$3.7 million in 2024.

About 67% of SEEC’s revenues were generated from its advertising services income, amounting to US$2.6 million. This segment dropped 24% year-on-year. The remaining revenues were generated from its Interest income from loan receivables, at US$1.3 million, which posted a decline of 14% from the previous year.

The company attributed the decrease in revenues to the negative impact on global economy caused by the trade war between the U.S. and China, and also the rapid development of the Internet economy in China over the past few years.

CCID’s profits up 26%

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Beijing, 28th March: CCID Consulting, a research and information service provider in China, recently announced its financial results for 2024. Revenues were US$41 million, up 8.5% year-on-year. The company’s net profit grew 26%, amounting to US$11 million. Earnings per share in the year were RMB 0.1109 (US$0.015).

More than 56% of CCID’s revenues were generated from its decision-making consulting services, amounting to US$23 million. This segment increased by 5.5% year-on-year. Its second largest business segment was its science and technology innovation platform services, generating revenues of US$13 million which accounts for 31% of the company’s total revenues. This segment posted an increase of 9.1% year-on-year. The remaining revenues were generated from its data platform services (US$5.3 million), which rose 22% over the previous year.

The company has implemented its Business 3.0 strategy, promoting the innovative integrated services of “Research + Consulting + Implementation” and digital empowerment services, exploring the business layout under the 15th Five-Year Plan, and enhancing its brand influence. In the coming year, the company will continue to develop and solidify its Business 3.0 strategy, focusing on the two major customer groups, exploring new growth in both the government and enterprise sectors, and continuing to enhance its technological attributes.

Quick takes

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VNU AP launches Travel & Tech Asia 2025

VNU Asia Pacific (VNU AP) announced the launch of Travel & Tech Asia 2025, taking place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), from 2nd to 3rd July 2025. The event, the region’s premier travel technology and innovation conference, will provide a platform for key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to explore the future of travel, hospitality, and tourism through the lens of digital transformation. The event will feature six core conference themes, highlighting the most important trends and innovations transforming the travel industry.

15,000 buyers at HKTDC’s twin lighting fairs

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its Smart Lighting Expo and Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition), welcoming about 15,000 buyers from 108 countries and regions. Running from 6th to 9th April 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the twin fairs featured some 1,000 exhibitors, presenting innovative and eco-friendly lighting solutions to enhance smart living and promote sustainability, under the theme of “Go Smart, Live Green”.

VisionChina2025 (Shanghai) attracts 72,000+ visitors

Organised by the Machine Vision Industry Union of ZGC (CMVU) and hosted by Messe München Shanghai Co., Ltd. VisionChina (Shanghai) 2025 concluded at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), from 26th to 28th March 2025, bringing together high-quality enterprises and professionals in machine vision. Nearly 300 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions showcased at the event, attracting a total of 72,417 visitors.

TechTarget and Demandbase announce partnership

Informa TechTarget, a global growth accelerator and leading provider of intent data & insights to the B2B technology sector, announced a strategic partnership with Demandbase, a leading account-based GTM platform for B2B enterprises, helping mutual customers drive better business outcomes and ROI from account-based marketing (ABM) initiatives. The partnership will strengthen AMB and sales intelligence enabling both sales and marketing to focus their efforts on accounts with real buying intent and members of the buying group.

Messe Frankfurt cooperates with Notes Shanghai

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Shanghai, 29th March: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt’s subsidiary Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd announced the cooperation of Notes Shanghai Exhibition Co Ltd, to support the growth of China’s beauty industry.

Notes Shanghai, held biannually, has a strong reputation in China’s niche fragrance sector, and it also has extensive experience in showcasing high-end, independent brands. The show showcases boutique fragrance brands from China and around the globe, featuring perfumes, home fragrance, car perfumes, scented candles, and traditional Chinese incense. The coming edition, the 2025 Spring edition, will cover 4,500 m2 of exhibition space, showcasing over 200 boutique fragrance brands from 19 countries and region, expecting more than 5,000 professional buyers and over 10,000 consumers of perfume and cosmetics retailers, department stores, distributors, agents, e-commerce platforms, social media influencers, and fragrance enthusiasts.

Mr Stephan Kurzawski, Senior Vice President, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, commented, “This move represents a significant step as we explore new opportunities in China’s dynamic beauty sector. In recent years, China’s consumer goods market has undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from a trend follower to a more independent and dynamic market. The rapid rise of the digital age has nurtured younger generations who embrace new perspectives. Amidst industry evolution, it is crucial for us to actively participate in this growth, as identifying and expanding into high-growth sub-sector is a key part of our long-term strategy. We are pleased to explore potential collaboration with Notes Shanghai, and look forward to identifying new opportunities to create greater value for the industry.”

TCEB launches MICE Data Platform

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Thailand, 31st March: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced the launch of “MICE Data Platform”, to drive Thai MICE industry towards enhanced international competitiveness on a sustainable basis. The new platform will feature data instrumental to operating business.

TCEB aims the MICE Data Platform to become a crucial tool for collecting, analysing, and presenting valuable data to entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the MICE industry. It is also part of the three-year (2025-2027) strategic plan with the goal of creating a data ecosystem, promoting data utilisation in the MICE industry, and enhancing data governance.

Key features and services of the MICE Data Platform will include Interactive Dashboard with Smart Data, Data Connection with Travel Link, In-depth Insight Reports, and Open Data and API (Application Programming Interface).

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB, was quoted, “The MICE Data Platform will be a significant tool in transforming Thailand’s MICE industry for sustainable growth and enhancing its competitiveness at the international level.”

HC’s revenues down, but narrows loss in FY2024

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Hong Kong, 30th March: HC Group, an online B2B information services provider in China, reported total revenues of US$1.50 billion for the year ended 31st December 2024. This represents a decrease of 41% year-on-year.

The company attributed the decrease of revenue to the decline in revenue generated by Union Cotton of the company’s smart industries segment. The business reduced the scale of self-operated sales to reduce the risk of price fluctuations and focused on products with comparatively higher gross margin in the result of the inadequate demand of downstream textile enterprises, and changes in government subsidy policies.

However, the company’s net loss widened from US$155 million in 2023, down to US$36 million in 2024. The decrease was mainly due to a recognition of impairment for goodwill and other intangible assets related to the technology-driven new retail business in 2023, which did not recur in 2024.

In terms of business segments, more than 97% of HC’s revenues were generated from its smart industries segment, US$1.46 billion, which represents a year-on-year decrease of 38%. The remaining revenues were generated from its technology-driven new retail segment (US$33 million), which dropped 80% year-on-year.

Sino Splendid narrows loss

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Hong Kong, 31st March: Hong Kong-listed Sino Splendid (formerly China.com) has announced its results for the financial year ended 31st December 2024. The company reported revenues of US$3.8 million in the year, down 29% year-on-year. However, the company narrowed its from US$6.3 million in 2023, down to US$3.1 million.

More than 90% of Sino Splendid’s revenues were generated from its financial magazines and other media services, amounting to US$4.9 million, down 18% year-on-year. While its travel media business dropped 84% year-on-year, down to just over US$300,000.

The decrease in revenues was mainly due to the revenue decrease from Financial Magazine and Other Media Business.

Quick takes

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COEX appoints as new CEO

COEX, exhibition organiser and venue in Korea, announced the appointment of Cho Sang-hyun as its new CEO for a three-year team from March 2025 to March 2028. Cho, formerly director of Korea International Trade Association’s (KITA) International Trade and Commerce Research Institute, joined KITA in 1990, has built extensive expertise in international trade and commerce, serving key leadership roles.

Gaurav Sood appointed as new CEO of Messe Stuttgart India

Messe Stuttgart India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Messe Stuttgart in Delhi, appointed Gaurav Sood as its new CEO. He will succeed Aditya Gupta who had been temporarily managing Messe Stuttgart India since June 2024. Sood has 25 years of experience in the MICE industry in India, with the last 5 years as General Manager of Hyve India.

MEA ceases operations after 50 years

Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) announced to cease its operations on 27th March 2025. In addition, the annual MEA National Conference, scheduled to held in June 2025 in Sydney, will also be cancelled. The decision of cease the operation was due to MEA has been unable to secure the necessary cash sponsorship to maintain its activities.

Indonesia’s event sector losses US$27m

Indonesia’s event industry recorded 638 events to cancel or postpone, following government-imposed budget cut. A survey estimated the event cancellations and postponements to loss about US$27 million, with affecting key business cities the most.

5,000+ buyers at inaugural Connect Marketplace Hong Kong

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Hong Kong, 24th March: Organised by Informa Markets Asia, the inaugural Connect Marketplace Hong Kong concluded with more than 5,000 buyers attending its networking events and conferences, and over 1,500 pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings were also facilitated during the event.

A key highlight was the signing ceremony for the Better Stands Program by the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA), aiming to establish a new benchmark for environmentally-responsible practices within the industry.

Margaret Ma Connolly, president and CEO of Informa Markets Asia, was quoted, “Following its launch in Europe in 2022, we brought this programme to Asia a year later. We are piloting this idea across all our shows, where our booths are entirely reusable. HKECIA is our first partner, and we intend to get all industry associations to sign up and help promote this initiative. This is just the beginning. Our goal for next year is to roll it out in many more countries.”

CEIR: U.S. B2B exhibition industry continues to rebound

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U.S., 24th March: The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its latest index tracking the U.S. B2B exhibition industry in the fourth quarter of 2024, showing the industry continue to rebound with a strong improvement in the quarter.

The CEIR Total Index combines to track four metrics: net square feet (NSF) sold, number of exhibitors, number of attendees, and real revenues. The Q4 CEIR Total Index dropped 4.4% in the quarter, compared to the same period in 2019. Among the four metrics, number of exhibitors has recovered the most, with 0.1% below the Q4 2019 figure, followed by real revenues at 1.1% behind Q4 2019. NSF was 3.0% below Q4 2019, and number of attendees was the slowest to recover, with 12.9% behind.

Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics, commented, “Recent results confirm the continued recovery in trade show activity through the end of last year. This year our baseline outlook remains positive, though we expect economic and policy uncertainty and weaker sentiment among international participants will weigh on business decisions and the ongoing recovery in trade show activity.”

dmg events launches HVACR World in Dubai

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Dubai, 26th March: dmg events will host HVACR World in Dubai, running from 24th to 27th November 2025, at Dubai World Trade Centre, serving the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).

The event aims to serve as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of HVAR, focusing on high-growth sectors, including construction, logistics, healthcare, and food & beverage. It will also feature discussions on smart cities, green buildings, and sustainability, supporting the region’s shift to next-generation air systems.

HVACR World will co-locate with Big 5 Global, a leading construction event in the region.

Matt Denton, President of dmg events, said, “With a $9 trillion construction project pipeline in the MEASA region, the demand for advanced, energy-efficient climate control solutions reaches an all-time high. HVACR World serves as a premier platform connecting global industry leaders with these rapidly expanding markets, driving innovation and sustainability in HVACR technologies. AHRI’s endorsement further strengthens the event’s role as a key industry forum.”

Quick takes

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Registration open for 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will organise its 92nd Global Congress in Hong Kong, running from 19th to 22nd November 2025. The event will be hosted by the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). The registration has been opened at www.uficongress.org

RX Global’s IGTM appoints Fiona Ashton as Event Manager

RX Global (formerly Reed Exhibitions) announced to appoint Fiona Ashton as Event Manager of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), an event serving the global golf tourism industry. Fiona has over 13 years of experience at RX Global and she will oversee the operational planning and execution of IGTM in the new role. IGTM’s former Event Director, David Griffiths, will continue to play an integral role within the IGTM team as Head of Sales across the Hosted Travel Portfolio of events, working with Sales Manager Callum Forbes.

HKTDC’s FILMART & EntertainmentPulse attract 7,600+ industry players

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse, drawing more than 7,600 industry players from 42 countries and regions. During the four-day event, over 760 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions promoted cross-regional, cross-media and cross-industry.

VIV Asia 2025 features 1,500 exhibitors

VIV Asia 2025, organised by VNU Asia Pacific, featuring 1,5000 exhibitors across 63 countries and regions, showcasing the feed-to-food industry in Asia. Running from 12th to 14th March 2025, at IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok, the event featured an electrifying showcase of innovation, expertise, and global collaboration, drawing top industry leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers from around the world. The next VIV Asia will be scheduled from 10th to 12th March 2027.

ICCA and AIME announce new partnership

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Australia, 14th March: The International Congress and Conference Association (ICCA) announced a new industry partnership with the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), bringing business opportunities to ICCA members in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and other global regions.

Under the partnership, AIME will serve as a partner in advocacy for international business events industry for destination enhancement. AIME and ICCA will be able to expand opportunity, growth and development for members of business events community.

Talk2 Media & Events (managed AIME) Director Matt Pearce, said, “The AIME team has worked closely with Senthil, Waikin Wong (ICCA Asia Pacific Regional Director) and the whole ICCA team for several years and we are pleased to formalise this with an industry partnership. We look forward to driving business events growth and prosperity in APAC with ongoing personal and professional development opportunities through AIME and ICCA in the coming years as AIME cements its position as the leading business events exhibition and learning platform.”

Yashobhoomi to release bidding process for final phase of expansion

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India, 12th March: Located in Dwarka, New Delhi, Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre – IICC) will release the bidding process for the second and final phase of its development.

The first phase was inaugurated on 17th September 2023. The second phase will add 180,000 m2 of indoor exhibiting area. After completion of the second phase, Yashobhoomi will have a capacity of 300,000 m2. The government of India will also announce the bidding process to develop the commercial land adjacent to Yashobhoomi later.

Phil Chung, CEO of KINEXIN Convention Management, venue operating partner of Yashobhoomi, was quoted, “We are aiming to get one of the world’s largest semiconductor tradeshows to Yashobhoomi, which is expected to take place later this year.”

Messe Düsseldorf China unveils strategic vision

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Beijing, 7th March: Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (MDS), subsidiary of a world leading exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, unveiled its strategic vision for 2025 under the theme “Embark Together, Achieve Beyond”, to foster collaborative innovation and drive industry excellence across China and beyond.

Established in 2009, MDS has introduced industry leading trade fairs to China and provided Chinese and international customers with superior exhibition services. Today, MDS hosts 13 leading trade fairs and conferences in China, covering industries of printing, packaging, wire & tube, plastics, medical devices, rehabilitation, retail, safety & health, wine & spirits, and caravanning.

According to Messe Düsseldorf, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 13% of all exhibitors at its flagship events in Germany. In terms of net exhibition space, China was third globally and the first in non-European countries. Messe Düsseldorf in China is also its largest subsidiary.

Ms. Evian Gu, General Manager of MDS, stated, “Over the years, we have consistently upheld an innovative spirit, working hand-in-hand with every partner here to overcome challenges and achieve one industry milestone after another. Moving forward, we look forward to continuing this journey alongside our partners, building on trust as our foundation and collaboration as our bond, to write even more chapters together!”

In the coming years, Messe Düsseldorf China will continue to collaborate with partners to promote the high-quality development of the exhibition industry.