ICCA and AIME announce new partnership

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

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

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.

DCA expands to Indonesia and Malysia

Hong Kong, 17th March: Informa Markets’ Data Center Asia (DCA) announced to expand portfolio in Asia in 2025, by launching two exhibitions in Malaysia and Indonesia, following the launch of DCA Hong Kong (DCA-HK).

The DCA exhibitions will present the entire data center value chain, highlighting ground-breaking advancements in hardware, digital infrastructure, AI, cloud solutions and cybersecurity. According to Informa Markets, each edition will provide localised insights tailored to its respective market, while remaining seamlessly connected to the broader DCA network.

The inaugural DCA-HK will take place from 15th to 17th July 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), which is the flagship event of the series. It will connect the data center industries of Northeast and Southeast Asia and also serve as a strategic gateway for global companies entering the Asian market.

DCA Indonesia (DCA-ID) will target as a focused, localised event designed to address the specific opportunities and challenges of Indonesia’s digital transformation. It will be held from 17th to 18th September 2025, at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo). DCA Malaysia (DCA-MY) is scheduled to run from 18th to 20th November 2025, at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, serving as a key hub for Southeast Asia’s data center landscape.

Quick takes

New Zealand adds NZ$3m funding for business events

The New Zealand government announced to add an additional NZ$3 million (US$1.7 million) in funding to attract international conferences and incentive business. The funding will be available to organisations to bid for hosting international conferences in New Zealand and will also support efforts to attract high-value incentive business.

Connect Marketplace to be held in Hong Kong

The new Connect Marketplace Hong Kong, aims to accelerate business within the Asian business events industry, is scheduled to run from 19th to 21st March 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). The programme will include targeted networking events, informative conferences, and strategic incentives designed to foster tangible business outcomes.

Easyfairs buys Digital Accountancy Show

Easyfairs announced the acquisition of Digital Accountancy Show, a leading technology conference for accountants, bookkeepers and finance professionals. Launched in 2020, Digital Accountancy Show aims to drive change and support the evolution of the accounting profession. No financial details were disclosed. The next edition of Digital Accountancy Show will be held from 1st to 2nd April 2025, at London Evolution in Battersea, expecting over 150 exhibitors and more than 5,000 visitors.

Freeman buys Tag Digital

Freeman acquired Tag Digital, a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in innovative solutions for event organisers in EMEA, APAC and North America. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. After the acquisition, Tag will combine with mdg, a Freeman company. mdg’s digital marketing capabilities will be better serve show organisers and associations, and also positioning it for growth in new markets.

Share price movement in B2B media companies involved in Asia

Figure 1: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement over past 12 months)

Figure 2: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement since January 2025)

Pico Thailand’s profit up 139%

Bangkok, 7th March: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, announced its results for the quarter ended 31st January 2025. Revenues during the quarter were US$8.8 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.2%.

The company’s net profit jumped 139% year-on-year, reaching US$239,000 for the quarter. Earnings per share in the quarter were Baht 0.037 (US$0.0011).

The management attributed the increase in revenues to E-Sport project with Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), in the result of an increase income from Event marketing. The company also recorded increases in income from Learning center & Museum business, and Knowledge Communication.

Experia launches aviation expo in Singapore

Singapore, 11th March: Organised by Experia Events, the inaugural edition of Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx) concluded at Singapore’s Changi Exhibition Centre, welcoming over 2,000 attendees from 56 countries and regions. Of those, 53% were foreign attendance.

Running from 4th to 6th March 2025, BAAFEx featured four elements: Exhibition, Expert Panels & Keynote Speakers, Aircraft Displays, and Networking Opportunities. During the three-day event, a total of 12 conference sessions were held, bringing 46 speakers to share their expertise, knowledge and insights.

Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, said, “The consensus among exhibitors, sponsors and trade visitors is that the inaugural show exceeded their expectations. Exhibitors were impressed by the number of quality business meetings they had, resulting in sales opportunities… The enormous momentum created from BAAFEx 2025 means we anticipate that the next show in 2027 will be even bigger.”

The next edition of BAAFEx will be held in 2027.

82,000+ buyers attend HKTDC’s jewellery shows

Hong Kong, 9th March: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has recently concluded its twin jewellery shows, attracting over 82,000 buyers from 141 countries and regions, under a “two shows, two venues” format.

The 41st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running from 4th to 8th March; while the 11th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show took place from 2nd to 6th March, at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). Some 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions showcased at the two shows. According to the HKTDC, about 32,000 buyers attended the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, and 51,000 buyers visited the Jewellery Show.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, was quoted, “As a leading global trading hub for the jewellery industry, the twin jewellery shows brought together international buyers and organised more than 30 industry seminars and activities to foster innovation and collaboration within the sector. The shows also actively promote local design and nurture the next generation of industry talents through jewellery design competitions, underscoring their impact on the global jewellery landscape and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a world-class convention and exhibition centre.”

Quick takes

Informa Markets launches WHX Tech

International exhibition organiser, Informa Markets, announced to launch WHX Tech, a groundbreaking digital health, technology, and innovation exhibition. This will unify Informa Markets’ global healthcare events under the World Health Expo (WHX) brand. WHX Tech will run from 8th to 10th September 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, targeting at the world’s leading hub for digital healthcare innovation. It is expected to feature over 300 exhibitors and audience of C-level decision-makers.

IFAT to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026

dmg events and Messe München will co-organise a new IFAT brand in Saudi Arabia, a trade fair for environmental technologies focusing on water, sewage, waste and raw materials management. The new show will be co-located with dmg events’ Global Water Expo (GWE), running from 26th to 28th January 2026, ay Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

5,000+ suppliers at 2025 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows

The Spring 2025 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows is scheduled from 11th to 30th April 2025, at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). There will be three phases covering nine major sourcing categories, including gaming, consumer electronics, electronic components, mobile electronics, smart home, security & home appliances, home & kitchen, lifestyle, sports & outdoor, and baby & children’s products. About 5,000 Asian suppliers will occupy 9,000 booths, showcasing more than 340,000 in-demand products, and it is expected to attract over 100,000 professional buyers worldwide.

Entertainment Expo returns with 9 key events

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2025 will take place from 16th March to 27th April. This year’s expo will feature nine events: Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), EntertainmentPulse, Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA), Asian Film Awards (AFA), Digital Entertainment Summit, Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta, and Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music).

Share price movement in B2B media companies involved in Asia

Figure 1: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement over past 12 months)

Figure 2: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement since January 2025)

Informa Markets’ revenues up 14% in FY2024

London, 6th March: Informa PLC released its preliminary full year results for the year ended 31st December 2024, reporting revenues of £3.6 billion (US$4.5 billion), which represents underlying growth of 12%. Adjusted operating profits for the year were £995 million (US$1.2 billion), representing underlying growth of 23%.

In 2024, Informa’s events business, Informa Markets, reported revenues of £1.7 billion (US$2.2 billion), representing underlying growth of 14%. Adjusted operating profits were £520 million (US$653 million), with underlying growth of 24% compared with the previous year.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa PLC, said, “On every measure, the Informa Group delivered an outstanding result in 2024, from revenue growth to higher dividend returns, alongside further International and Portfolio expansion. This is a performance we aim to repeat in 2025. Our growth ambitions through the 2025-2028 One Informa period are underpinned by structural growth in B2B Events and Specialist Knowledge, market-leading Brands and a geographic mix weighted to fast-growing economies. Further scale and opportunity in the increasingly important GCC Growth Gateway is delivered through today’s proposed strategic partnership in the UAE.”

In 2025, Informa targets double-digit growth in Group Revenue and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share. The company expects its B2B Events Division to have an underlying revenue growth of over 7% in 2025.

UFI appoints new Programme Manager Content & Communities

Paris, 27th February: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the appointment of Alex Hsu as its new Programme Manager Content & Communities.

Alex, from Taiwan and now based in Paris, brings his experience in trade show coordination and marketing. He has worked with Messe Frankfurt in both Taiwan and France. It is expected his expertise to extend beyond exhibitions with a background in graphic design, and bringing both his creative and strategic sides to UFI’s programmes and initiatives. In the new role, he will work within UFI’s Marketing & Communications team on strategic initiatives. He will also be responsible for UFI’s 100-Year Celebration campaign.

Adeline Vancauwelaert, COO of UFI, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Alex to UFI. With his industry knowledge and creative mindset, he is a fantastic addition to our Marketing & Communications team. We look forward to the work he’ll do to further strengthen our reach within the global exhibition industry.”

IAPCO elects new President

Switzerland, 26th February: During its Annual Conference and General Assembly, the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) appointed Sissi Lignou as its President.

Sissi has served on IAPCO Council for 6 years. Officially elected on 23rd February 2025, Sissi, President and CEO of AEFA Congress in Athens, Greece, has a two-year term as President. She will lead the association, overseeing its strategic direction, ensuring compliance with regulations, advocating for the global meetings industry, and driving IAPCO’s continued growth.

Sissi was quoted, “It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I step into the role of President of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers. I am profoundly grateful for the trust placed in me by our vibrant and powerful community… Undoubtedly, our mission and vision to raise the standards of professionalism and achieve excellence could not be accomplished without the incredible dedication of our volunteers, Council Members, Ambassadors, Members of Committees and Task Forces, all of them being passionate professionals who are driven by heart and soul. I take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to them. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our partners and members for their trust, partnership and support.”

Quick takes

Informa and DWTC form JV in Dubai

International B2B media, Inform Group, and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced to form a joint venture, Informa International, which will be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2025. The new JV, headquartered in Dubai, will operate out of the Middle East, South Asia and Africa. Merging DWTC’s exhibitions and Informa’s UAE-based portfolio, Informa International will manage over 40 business events.

Messe Frankfurt’s manufacturing exhibitions concludes in Guangzhou

Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt concluded its concurrent manufacturing exhibitions, Guangzhou Industrial Technology and Asiamold Select – Guangzhou, and the co-located automation fair, SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou, on 27th February 2025. Occupying an exhibition area of 31,500 m2, the combined event featured 555 international and domestic exhibitors, attracting 39,127 professional visitors, including nearly 1,000 international visitors from 82 overseas countries and regions. Guangzhou Industrial Technology and Asiamold Select – Guangzhou will return to the China Import and Expo Fair Complex, running from 4th to 6th March 2026. While the next Asiamold Select will be held in Shenzhen, from 26th to 28th August 2025, with Formnext Asia Shenzhen.

Informa’s ACREX India 2025 concludes

Organised by ISHRAE, with Informa Markets in India, ACREX India concluded last month, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bengaluru. The event featured the latest technology advancements and HVAC supply chain innovations, showcasing more than 500 exhibitors from over 40 countries and over 30,000 attendees.

HKTDC opens jewellery shows

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened its jewellery shows, the 11th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and 41st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, featuring some 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions, showcasing products of raw materials, finished jewellery pieces, designer brands and gold jewellery, mounting components, product packaging and identification instruments and technology.

Share price movement in B2B media companies involved in Asia

Figure 1: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement over past 12 months)

Figure 2: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement since January 2025)

gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show launches in Bangkok

Bangkok, 20th February: Koelnmesse’s gamescom asia, a B2B and B2C platform for the games industry in the Southeast Asia, and Thailand Game Show, a leading B2C gaming showcase in the region, announced to combine forces to create Southeast Asia’s ultimate gaming stage.

gamescom asia was launched in 2021 in Singapore as a key event in the gaming industry, while Thailand Game Show was launched in 2006. The new show, gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show, will be held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, running from 16th to 19th October 2025. It is also targets to be a powerful global business and consumer platform and an electrifying fan-focused gaming experience.

Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and VP of Asia Pacific at Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, said, “This partnership is a game-changer for the region’s games industry. gamescom asia’s success has been built on a solid foundation in Singapore, where it has flourished since its inception in 2021, positioning Southeast Asia as a hub for gaming innovation. By joining forces with Thailand Game Show, we are unlocking unprecedented opportunities to connect global video game players with one of the world’s most vibrant and passionate gaming communities. With its rich culture and expanding gaming ecosystem, Bangkok is the ideal stage for this exciting next chapter.”

Alibaba’s profit jumps 333% in December quarter 2024

Hangzhou, 20th February: Last week, the Alibaba Group, the largest e-commerce company in China, released its results for the quarter ended 31st December 2024. The company posted total revenues of US$38 billion in the quarter, up 8% year-on-year.

The net income jumped 333% year-on-year, reaching US$6.4 billion. The company attributed the increase to increase in income from operations, mark-to-market changes from its equity investment.

Revenues from Alibaba’s B2B business in China under the Taobao and Tmall Group, primarily generated through 1688.com, were US$901 million, a year-on-year increase of 24%. Meanwhile, the B2B business under the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, primarily operating through Alibaba.com, generated revenues of US$850 million, an 18% increase over the previous year. B2B revenues accounted for only 4.6% of the group’s total revenues in the quarter.

Alibaba also announced its results for the nine months ended 31st December. Revenues in the nine-month period were US$104 billion, an increase of 5.6% year-on-year. Net income grew 62% in the period, amounting at US$16 billion. Diluted earnings per share in the first nine months of the financial year were RMB 6.04 (US$0.83).

Eddie Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group, was quoted, “This quarter’s results demonstrated substantial progress in our ‘user first, AI-driven’ strategies and the reaccelerated growth of our core businesses… Looking ahead, revenue growth at Cloud Intelligence Group driven by AI will continue to accelerate. We will continue to execute against our strategic priorities in e-commerce and cloud computing, including further investment to drive long-term growth.”

Made-in-China.com’s revenue’s up 9% in FY 2024

Nanjing, 26th February: Earlier this week, Shenzhen-listed Focus Technology, owner and operator of Made-in-China.com, reported its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2023. Revenues in the year were US$228 million. That represents an increase of 9.3% year-on-year.

The Nanjing-based company’s net income in 2024 grew 19% over the figure of 2023, reaching RMB 451,186,149.50 US$62 million. Diluted earnings per share for the year were RMB 1.42 (US$0.195). The company claimed the increase in revenues and net income was mainly due to the growth in Made-in-China’s revenues as well as the company’s cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

As of 31st December, Made-in-China.com had a total of 27,415 paid users on its platform, which is a year-on-year increase of 12%.

Baidu acquires JOYY’s YY Live for US$2.1 billion

Beijing, 25th February: Baidu, the leading search engine in China, announced to acquire JOYY Inc’s video-based entertainment live streaming business in mainland China for about US$2.1 billion.

Known as YY Live, the video-based entertainment live streaming business was previously owned by JOYY. Under the agreements between Baidu and JOYY, Baidu paid about US$1.6 billion deposited into escrow accounts in accordance with a share purchase agreement, which subsequently ceased to be in force, has been fully released to Baidu. Baidu plans to invest the released funds in its cloud and AI infrastructure.