Messe Düsseldorf China posts rapid growth in 2024

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China, 27th January: International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, posted a rapid growth momentum in China in 2024.

During the year, Messe Düsseldorf China organised 11 leading exhibitions in China, drawing 9,800 exhibitors and over 500,000 professional visitors, occupying an exhibition area of 710,000 m2.

Ms. Evian Gu, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., was quoted, “The past year was a period marked by both challenges and opportunities. Building on our established business strengths, we proactively ventured into new markets and business sectors. As we look forward to the new year, we are dedicated to further fortifying and solidifying our market leadership. I am confident that we possess the requisite capabilities to consistently sustain and propel this positive trajectory of growth.”

In 2025, the company will host nine shows in China, including the biennial ProWine Hong Kong. In addition, the inaugural Organic Festa Asia will take place from 3rd to 5th September 2025, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), featuring the entire organic value chain.

TCEB unveils MICE plans in 2025

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Thailand, 3rd February: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has recently unveiled plans to drive Thai MICE industry in 2025, to reach 34 million pax domestic and overseas MICE travellers, generating 200 billion baht (US$6.0 billion) in revenue for the year.

TCEB highlighted five strategies focusing on digital and future industries:

1)    Promoting MICE through high-value industries and flagship events, attracting mega events and focusing on new potential markets.

2)    Developing venues, organising marketing activities.

3)    Using innovation-driven development, raising capacities with Thailand MICE One Stop Service, resulting in reduced unnecessary procedures, and expanding MICE Lane Service to new areas.

4)    Developing system and workflow with digital transformation and Streamline Office Operations.

5)    Elevating MICE knowledge and sustainable operation in accordance with the principle of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and designing environment-friendly MICE venues.

In addition, TCEB also introduced 3s schemes: “Stay Longer”, “Spend More” and “See You Again”. It targeted on BRICS as a promising new market as well.

Mr. Pasu Loharjun, Chairman of the Board, TCEB, stated, “The MICE industry has received high priority from the government, as it is not just part of tourism but a key asset to drive the national economy, a platform for international cooperation and foreign investment and a tool to strengthen the branding of Thailand on an international scale. MICE industry is a long-term asset that creates value for the Thai economy.”

According to TCEB, in 2024, Thailand attracted a total of 25,350,288 local and overseas MICE travellers, generating 148 billion baht (US$4.4 billion) of income and contributing over 309 billion baht (US$9.2 billion), or 1.67% gross domestic product (GDP).

GL events posts 15% growth in revenues in 2024

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Lyon, 23rd January: GL events released its preliminary results for the year ended 31st December 2024, with revenue growth of 15%, amounting at €1.64 billion (US$1.7 billion).

In terms of business sectors, more than 62% of revenues were generated from GL events Live, at €1.02 billion (US$1.1 billion), up 24% year-on-year. The company attributed the increase to the volume and the quality of the services provided for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The second largest sector was GL events Venues, generating revenues of €443 million (US$461 million), representing year-on-year growth of 13%, driven by strong contributions from France and Brazil.

The remaining revenues, €168 million (US$175 million), were generated by GL events Exhibitions, decreasing 20% from the previous year due to a less favourable biennial effect and economic difficulties in the fashion and construction sectors.

Olivier Ginon, Chairman-CEO of GL events Group, commented, “GL events’ positive momentum remained on track throughout 2024, as we once again exceeded all expectations with a new record of €1.635 billion in annual revenue and strong growth of 15%. By leveraging the combined strengths of our Live, Venues and Exhibitions divisions, our strong local roots and our international reach, we successfully met the year's major challenges while at the same time preparing for the future. We can take pride in this remarkable performance which reflects the strength of our market positions and the relevance of our strategy.”

Pico Far East up 57% in profit in FY2024

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Hong Kong, 24th January: Hong Kong-listed Pico Far East Holdings reported its annual results for the year ended 31st October 2024. The company posted revenues of US$814 million, up 19% year-on-year. Pico’s net profit jumped 57% during the financial year, reaching US$46 million. Diluted earnings per share for the year were HK$0.2874 (US$0.037).

About 86% of Pico’s revenues (US$700 million) were generated from its exhibition, event & brand activation business, representing year-on-year growth of 23%. Other revenue streams were generated from museum & themed environments business (US$54 million), visual branding activation business (US$38 million), and meeting architecture activation business (US$22 million). The meeting architecture activation segment grew 28% over the previous year, while the museum & themed environments segment increased by 6.3%, however the visual branding activation segment dropped 23.5% year-on-year.

In terms of geographical region, the Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) generated about 40% of total revenues, amounting at US$329 million. The second largest market is the Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam), generated revenues of US$171 million, or 21% of total revenues.

Quick takes

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GED 2025 theme announced

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the tenth edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) will be held on Wednesday, 4th June 2025. The theme of GED 2025 was “Exhibitions unleash potential”, with four key messages being introduced.

Messe München brings IFAT to Saudi Arabia

Messe München will expand in the Middle East by hosting its leading trade fair for environmental technologies, IFAT, in Saudi Arabia for the first time in 2026. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) in Saudi Arabia to jointly organise the trade fair.

UFI welcomes new Research Coordinator

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has appointed Benjamin Duclos as its new Research Coordinator. He will work alongside Research Manager, Christian Druart to support UFI’s market research initiatives, and contribute to data-driven research projects.

Nineteen Group appoints new President in Americas

Nineteen Group, exhibitions and media business in the U.K., announced Mary Larkin to join the group as President of Nineteen Group Americas. She has over 25 years of experience in the event and media business. She has been the US lead for Diversified Exhibitions and worked across various sectors and geographies.