IAEE announces 2025 China Council

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China, 8th January: Last week, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) announced its 2025 China Council. IAEE established a representative office in Shanghai as a People’s Republic of China (PRC) approved Foreign Nongovernment Organization (NGO).

The China Council will assist IAEE establishing working partnerships with key exhibition organisations in China, aiming to sharing vital information, promotion the global exhibition industry and enhancing effective communications.

IAEE has appointed Jessica Jia as Director of Operations for the IAEE China Office. She has been at IAEE for nine years and a background in international business. Other members of the 2025 IAEE China Council are: Chairperson Daben Mao (Executive Deputy General Manager, Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center), Immediate Past Co-Chairperson Athena Gong (Managing Director, Informa Markets China), Chairperson Elect Xueli (Shirly) Song (Chairwoman, General Manage. Chongqing Yuelai Investment Group Co., ‎Ltd/Chongqing International Expo Center Co., ‎Ltd.‎), Vice Chairperson Louis Zheng (Partner, Expotec), Council Member Vincent U (President, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR), Council member Allen Bai (GM of International Business Development, Hangzhou International Convention & Exhibition Group Co, Ltd), Council Member Doris Liu (Vice President, Hangzhou International Expo Center), Council Member Yan Zhou, Ph.D., CEM (Associate Professor, Beijing Union University), and Ex-Officio Council Member Chuck Grouzard (2025 IAEE Chairperson, Executive Vice President, Business Development, GES).

IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM., said, “IAEE is honored to contribute to the ongoing growth and global recognition of China’s exhibitions and events industry. Jessica’s profound knowledge of international business practices and her keen insight into the unique dynamics of the Chinese exhibition market position her as a key resource in fostering meaningful connections and advancing industry excellence.”

Hyve up 17% organically

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London, 8th January: London-based Hyve Group Limited posted an organic growth of 17% and total proforma revenue of US$316 million in 2024.

During the year, the company completed two acquisitions in the sectors of healthcare and marketing. More than 190,000 of one-on-one meetings were secured with 96% completion, which is 27% more than the meetings of last year.

In 2025, the company will enter the second year of its three-year growth and optimisation plan. The company targets to grow both organically and via targeted M&A programme.

Mark Shashoua, CEO, was quoted, “It has now been eighteen months since Hyve became a private business and in that time, we have accelerated our growth plans. With a proven strategy in place, we have continued to deliver game-changing impact for our customers. Our strong financial performance has been driven by our team’s relentless focus on innovation – adding a Fall edition into our Shoptalk portfolio, scaling existing events through our expanded meeting programmes and securing two major acquisitions, taking us into new and exciting growth sectors.”

Easyfairs announces solid growth for FY2023-2024

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Brussels, 14th January: Earlier this week, international exhibition organiser, Easyfairs, released its results for the financial year 2023-2024.

Revenues for the financial year were €229 million (US$237 million), presents a year-on-year increase of 21%. While EBITDA for the year grew 47%, reaching €52 million (US$54 million).

According to press release, the company’s growth will be greater than ever in 2025 with the new investment from Cobepa and Inflexion. Growth will be driven by new events and product launches as well as acquisitions.

Easyfairs’ Group CEO Anne Lafère, commented, “The more the world goes digital, the more value people place on the ability to meet face to face. At the same time, people expect a personalised experience in all they do and visiting an event is no exception. That’s why, for example, we’re applying artificial intelligence such as matchmaking algorithms to facilitate purposeful connections and to personalise visitors’ agendas according to their preferences and objectives.”

80,000+ buyers at HKTDC’s first three trade fairs in 2025

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Hong Kong, 9th January: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its first three trade fairs in 2025, attracting over 80,000 buyers from 119 countries and regions.

The 51st Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, and 16th Hong Kong Baby Products Fair were organised by the HKTDC, while 23rd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair was jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. Running from 6th to 9th January 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the trade fairs featured more than 2,500 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, stated, “This year’s trio of fairs were very international, bringing together more than 2,500 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions to showcase innovative ideas from all around the globe, and kickstarting HKTDC’s 2025 calendar of events. We have actively promoted the events through more than 50 HKTDC offices around the world, and online and offline channels to attract international buyers and exhibitors to participate in the fairs and stay overnight in Hong Kong, to promote MICE tourism and Hong Kong’s economic development.”

Quick takes

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Xi’an to host Routes Asia 2026

Routes Asia, an air service development event dedicated to advancing air service development across Asia Pacific, will be hosted in Xi’an, China in 2026. The 2026 edition will be hosted by China West Airport Group.

Hyve launches Shoptalk Luxe in Abu Dhabi

Hyve announced partnership with Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to launch Shoptalk Luxe in Abu Dhabi. Shoptalk Luxe, a luxury-focussed retail event in the Shoptalk series, will be held in January 2026, at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. It is aimed to be the world’s most senior gathering of decision-makers shaping the luxury and premium retail sectors.

820 institutions at HKTDC’s Education & Careers Expo

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will organise its 34th Education & Careers Expo at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running from 16th to 19th January 2025. Divided into “Education” and “Careers” sectors, the expo will feature over 820 institutions from 22 countries and regions and offer more than 4,000 job opportunities.