SIGGRAPH Asia 2018: the largest in its history

Tokyo, 13th December: SIGGRAPH Asia 2018, the “ACM SIGGRAPH Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Technologies in Asia,” posted new record numbers at the Tokyo International Forum in Japan. Close to 10,000 participants from 60 countries and regions attended SIGGRAPH. Visitors included computer graphics professionals, researchers, consumer enthusiasts and various trade visitors. According to the organiser, this 11th edition of the conference was the largest event in its history.

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HKTDC opens three fairs in January

Hong Kong, 2nd January: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will open three concurrent shows later this month at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). These events are expected to feature nearly 3,000 exhibitors. Running from 7th to 10th January, the three shows are: Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and Hong Kong International Stationery Fair.

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Providence acquires CloserStill for US$431m

London, 20th December: Global asset management firm, Providence Equity Partners, announced that the company has signed an agreement to acquire CloserStill Media, a U.K.-based trade show and event organiser, for £340 million (US$431 million). Providence has experience owning exhibition businesses. Previously, Providence held stakes in Clarion Events and George Little Management in the U.S.

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HKTDC to open 7 trade fairs early next year

Hong Kong, 13th December: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will organise seven international trade fairs early next year, including Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, Hong Kong International Licensing Show, Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter, Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, and Hong Kong International Jewellery Show.

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Reed announces new JV with Shanghai Forever Exhibition

Shanghai, 7th December: This week, Reed Exhibitions, a RELX Group company, announced a new joint venture with Shanghai Forever Exhibition. Although announced as new joint venture, this appears to be a Reed acquisition. Detailed terms of the deal were not published.

The new joint venture (JV), Reed Exhibitions Hengjin, will manage the Automotive Manufacturing Technology & Material Show (AMTS), a leading trade exhibition serving the automotive engineering sector in China. AMTS is co-located with Assembly & Handling Technology Exhibition (AHTE). The two shows occupied a gross exhibition area of about 100,000 m2 at the 2018 edition, attracting more than 77,000 professional trade visitors, according to Shanghai Forever.

HKTDC concludes SmartBiz Expo and Franchising Show

Hong Kong, 7th December: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its SmartBiz Expo and Hong Kong International Franchising Show running from 5th to 7th December at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). One of the main themes of the event was “Industry 4.0,” presenting the latest industry developments, technology applications and local case studies for the benefit of small- to medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

The SmartBiz Expo, now in second edition, showcased more than 520 exhibitors from about 40 countries and regions, offering business solutions and innovative business services. The fourth Franchising Show featured over 130 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, showcasing franchising opportunities in various industries across four key zones.

CPhI & P-MEC India opens at new location

New Delhi, 12th December: Earlier this week, UBM India, a UBM plc company, opened its CPhI & P-MEC India. This was the first time that the event was held at India Expo Mart – Greater Noida. It showcased more than 1,600 exhibitors from 42 countries.

Now in its 12th edition, CPhI & P-MEC India, positioned as South Asia’s largest pharma event, was held from 12th to 14th December. Prior moving to the new location, the event was previously held in Mumbai. This year’s show was held during the India Pharma Week (IPW), a weeklong series of pharma-related activities and events.

CloserStill Media to launch vet show in Singapore

Singapore, 4th December: CloserStill Media, organiser of the London Vet Show, will launch the Singapore Vet next year running from 11th to 12th October 2019 at Suntec City Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Singapore Vet will be launched in partnership with the Singapore Vet Association, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). The two-day conference-led exhibition will serve veterinary professionals in the Asia Pacific region. According to the organisers, world-class expert veterinary leaders will share their expertise through conference sessions and provide practical clinics.

Pico Thailand’s revenues up 47% in FY2018

Bangkok, 7th December: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, announced its full-year financial results for the year ended 31st October 2018. The company reported total revenues of US$61 million, which is a large increase of 47% year-on-year.

The company’s net profit jumped 61% compared with last year, reaching US$2.2 million in the financial year. Earnings per share for the year were Baht 0.337 (US$0.0101).

Alibaba Group to take controlling stake in Alibaba Pictures

Beijing, 10th December: China’s leading e-commerce company, Alibaba Group, announced the company will increase its stake in Alibaba Pictures from 49% to 50.92%, for HK$1.25 billion (US$160 million) giving the Group a controlling stake.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alibaba Pictures will issue one billion new shares to Alibaba Group at HK$1.25 per share. After the transaction, Alibaba Group will have majority control over Alibaba Pictures. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among others requirements, approval of the transaction by the independent shareholders of Alibaba Pictures as well as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.