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.