Informa releases latest trading update

London, 1st May: Yesterday, London-listed Informa Group PLC released its latest trading update, reporting a strong growth in the first quarter of 2025 and continuing forward visibility through subscriptions, recurring revenues and forward booked contracts.

The company posted an underlying revenue growth of 7.6% in the quarter, with strong performances across its Live B2B Events portfolio and in Academic Markets.

Informa updated its full year underlying revenue growth guidance of over 5%, which will be amounting at about £4.1 billion (US$5.3 billion) revenue target, with a double digit adjust earnings growth reaffirmed.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa, stated, “The Informa Group continues to deliver strong underlying growth in both Live B2B Events and Academic Markets. Specialist Brands in Specialist Markets, annual/multi-year Subscriptions, forward booked revenues, and leading positions in faster growing geographies, underpin the Informa growth platform.”

New exhibition venue to launch in Philippines

Pasay City, Philippines, 23rd April: SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) announced to develop the Philippines’ largest international exhibition venue under its brand portfolio, SMXCITE, which officially breaks ground in Pasay City. Located right across SM MOA Arena, within the SM Mall of Asia Complex, SMXCITE will be a world-class venue.

SMXCITE is scheduled to complete in early 2027, providing over 18,000 m2 of leasable trade hall space. The venue will feature five expansive exhibition halls, accommodating up to 803 standard 3×3-meter booths; four equipped meeting rooms, for breakout sessions, closed-door discussions, and strategic planning engagements; two dedicated VIP lounges, for top-level executives, dignitaries, and private delegations. It can host over 18,000 guests and engineered to support large-format events for both local and global audiences.

Walid Wafik, Senior Vice President for Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, said, “SMXCITE marks a pivotal step in our continued efforts to build future-ready venues that meet global standards. With this new exhibition center, along with exciting projects on the horizon in Cebu and in Cabanatuan, we’re expanding our reach and reinforcing our commitment to elevate the Philippine MICE experience across the country.”

Messe Berlin opens subsidiary in India

India, 29th April: International exhibition organiser, Messe Berlin, announced a new subsidiary, Messe Berlin India. Messe Berlin India will be headquartered in Delhi NCR region, aiming to expand ITB India and launch new projects for the Indian market.

According to Messe Berlin, the company views India as a regional hub for innovation, collaboration and sustainable business growth within the exhibition industry, therefore the company opens a new subsidiary in India.

Katrina Leung, Managing Director and Vice-president Asia Pacific of Messe Berlin, will lead Messe Berline India as Managing Director.

Dr Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, was quoted, “Messe Berlin’s presence in India reflects our strategic intent to strengthen our international reach by being where the growth is. India is a key market for us – vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunities. With Messe Berlin India, we are laying down long-term foundations to build strong partnerships, support local industries, and elevate our global platforms.”

Meorient posts decreases in revenues and profit in FY2024

Hangzhou, 26th April: Last week, Meorient, a Chinese exhibition organiser listed in Shenzhen, released its results for the year ended 31st December 2024. Revenues dropped 10% year-on-year, down to US$103 million.

The company posted a net profit of US$21 million in the year, declining 18% from the previous year. Diluted earnings per share in 2024 were RMB 0.68 (US$0.093). In 2024, Meorient organised exhibitions in nine countries with a total net area of 300,000 m2, featuring 7,500 exhibitors and 240,000 buyers.

Meorient also announced its results for the quarter ended 31st March 2025, generating revenues of US$2.4 million, a decrease of 77% year-on-year. The company posted a net loss of US$5.1 million, compared with a profit of US$667,000 in the first quarter in 2024. The company’s management attributed the decreases to the adjustment of the time of some of its exhibitions. It is believed that the company’s exhibition business will return to the seasonal cycle of the exhibition industry as the global exhibition market has returned to normal.

DLG Exhibitions’ revenues up 31% in Q1

Shanghai, 29th April: Earlier this week, Shanghai-listed DLG Exhibitions (formerly Shanghai Lansheng) reported its financial results for the quarter ended 31st March 2025. Revenues in the quarter were US$32 million. This represents a year-on-year increase of 31%.

The company claimed the revenues increase to the operating income from exhibition services, event activities increased during the reported period.

However, the company posted a net loss of US$3.4 million, compared with a loss of US$752,000 in the first quarter in 2024.

Quick takes

UFI announces winners of 2025 NGL grant

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced its recipients of 2025 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) grant. This year, five winners were selected by international jury: Anida D’Costa – Senior Conference Producer, Informa Markets (UAE); Diana Maria Salman – Senior Sales Manager, FEXPOCRUZ (Bolivia); Ilaria Basile – Event Operations Manager, Clarion Events (UK); Sarah Jung – Sales Manager, Messe München (Germany); and Taher Hakami – Riyadh Business Events Manager, SCEGA (Saudi Arabia).

RELX updates on trading

London-listed RELX Group plc has recently released its latest trading update of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), reaffirming the outlook for the full year of 2025. The Exhibitions business, accounting for 13% of the company’s 2024 revenues, posted a strong underlying revenue growth, reflecting the improved growth profile of its event portfolio and making good progress on digital initiatives. In 2025, the company expected a strong underlying revenue growth with an improvement in adjusted operating margin for the Exhibitions business.

1.4m+ overnight MICE visitors to Hong Kong in 2024

In 2024, Hong Kong attracted 1.42 million overnight MICE visitors, a 10% increase year-on-year. According to media release, half of MICE events visitors were from overseas, with exhibition segment accounted for over 20%.

755 exhibitors at Macau’s MITE

The 13th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) opened on 25th April 2025. Under the theme of “Explore MITE, Experience the World”, the expo presented six major highlights, bringing 755 tourism-related businesses and governmental entities from 70 countries and regions. MITE was held at Cotai Expo of the Venetian Macao, from 25th to 27th April 2025, occupying an area of 30,000 m2, featuring 1,502 booths.

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)

Global Sources Hong Kong Shows opens Phase II

Hong Kong, 18th April: Global Sources Hong Kong Shows opened its second phase from 18th to 21st April 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). More than 2,000 export-oriented companies showcased some 150,000 innovative products at the shows.

Four major trade shows featured at this phase included: Mobile Electronics, Smart Home, Security & Appliances, Lifestyle, and Home & Kitchen. Under the theme of “Forecasting Future Markets, Leading New Procurement Trends”, the combined trade shows aimed to create a commercial ecosystem, integrating trend insights, product sourcing, and connections with premium suppliers.

Products presented at the shows included: mobile devices, smart wearables, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) technology, smart home solutions, personal healthcare products, and pet supplies. According to organiser, the shows serve as a resource for professional buyers seeking forward-thinking procurement strategies, by showcasing products offering designed to distinguish themselves in a competitive market.

Men’s lifestyle and fashion magazine launches in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, 16th April: GQ, a global men’s lifestyle and fashion magazine, will launch in Hong Kong. The first digital edition will introduce in Summer 2025, while the first print edition will launch in September, under license from Condé Nast.

GQ was founded in New York in 1931, with its event, Men of the Year, considering a significant cultural event in every GQ market, including U.S., U.K., Japan, Korea, Italy, Middle East, Thailand, etc. GQ Hong Kong will be published in traditional Chinese, with a bi-lingual website and social media platforms.

Christiane Mack, chief content operations officer, Condé Nast, said, “We are excited for GQ to launch in Hong Kong in partnership with Rubicon Publishing. With this launch, Hong Kong cements its reputation as an important destination for men’s fashion, and confirms GQ’s global authority continues to expand.”

GL events Exhibitions’ revenues grow 23%

Lyon, 16th April: Last week, GL events released its financial results for the quarter ended 31st March 2025. Revenues at GL events Exhibitions business were €123.3 million (US$133 million), up 23.5% over the figure in the first quarter of 2023.

The company’s management attributed the increase in its exhibitions’ revenue to a positive biennial effect, confirm the sector’s post-COVID rebound. In addition, the CACLP exhibition in China maintained a high level of activity, retaining its position as a world’s leading exhibition for the in vitro diagnostic industry.

Overall, GL events’ group revenues increased by 11.3% in the quarter, reaching € 430 million (US$465 million). GL events Live generated €195.5 million (US$211 million), up 1.6% year-on-year. While GL events Venues posted revenues of €111.2 million (US$120 million), growth of 18.1%.

Olivier Ginon, Chairman-CEO of GL events Group, commented, “GL events has gotten off to an excellent start in 2025, bolstered by strong fundamentals… and by the remarkable commitment of its teams around the world. This double-digit growth confirms our strategic market position as an organiser of major world events and a promoter of sustainable management and operating models for major event venues contributing to the socio-economic development of destinations.”

Quick takes

Visitor arrivals up 11% in Q1 in Macau

According to Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), visitor arrivals to Macau increased by 11.1% year-on-year, reaching 9,862,665 in the first quarter of 2025. Same-day visitors were up by 21.5%, however, overnight visitors dropped by 1.1%.

33,000+ visitors at Hong Kong coffee festival

Organised by Coffee Hong Kong, COFFEE HK x Tokyo Coffee Festival @West K, the inaugural outdoor coffee festival, attracted over 33,000 visitors, to the Great Lawn in Art Park, West Kowloon District. Running from 18th to 21st April 2025, the event featured over 10 Japanese coffee brands and more than 20 brands in Hong Kong. Over 100 international and coffee shops, workshops, market stalls, music, pet activities, and family-friendly events were at the event.

IEG’s new acquisition in Brazil

Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) announced the acquisition of 51% of Fenagra – the International Agroindustry Feed & Food Fair, organised by Editora Stilo. After the acquisition, Fenagra will become part of IEG Brazil’s portfolio. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Informa TechTarget 2025 outlook

Informa TechTarget re-confirmed its revenue range for 2024, expecting to be from US$285 million to US$295 million, with pro-forma revenues expecting to be from US$490 million to US$500 million. In 2025, the company’s focus will be combing strengths of Informa and TechTarget, to position the business for long-term growth.

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)

GES appoints new leadership in India

India, 15th April: GES EMEA has appointed Pranay Chandran as its new Head of Operations and Business Development, to offer local exhibition support to clients in India, with more personalised support with local expertise.

The team delivered its first show in February, Informa’s Delhi Jewellery and Gem Fair in New Delhi, providing GES Show Ready stands, conference areas, and networking lounges.

Following its expansion into France, Germany and Qatar, GES EMEA now provides local exhibition support in India, including sustainable stand options aligned with its ESG commitments.

Lucknow to have new International Convention and Exhibition Centre

Lucknow, 14th April: India’s Lucknow will have a world-class International Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the Avadh Vihar Yojana. It will cover 132,000 m2 of space, which accommodates up to 10,000 people.

The new venue will feature four exhibition halls and a grand auditorium with a seating capacity of 2,500, targeting to be a premier destination for large-scale national and international events.

The new venue will cost ₹10.6 billion (US$124 million), and it is targeted to complete within 18 months.

DLG Exhibitions’ revenues up 16% in FY2024

Shanghai, 12th April: Last week, Shanghai-listed DLG Exhibitions (formerly Shanghai Lansheng) released its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2024. Revenues in the year were US$225 million. This represents a year-on-year increase of 16%.

Net profit in 2024 grew by 11% year-on-year, amounting at US$42 million. Diluted earnings per share for the year were RMB 0.49 (US$0.067).

In 2024, DLG Exhibitions’ business segment of exhibition organisation, exhibition hall operation and exhibition chain service posted improvements. During the year, the company hosted, organised and participated in 59 exhibitions, with a total exhibition scale of 1.24million m2, featuring 17,600 exhibitors and 1.91 million visitors.

The Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, which is operated by DLG Exhibitions, hosted some 100 projects, occupying more than 10 million m2, showcasing 20,000 exhibitors and attracting more than 2.15 million exhibition visitors.

Quick takes

UFI celebrates 100th birthday

On 15th April 2025, UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, marked 100 years since it was founded. In its early days, UFI’s aims was to unite and collaborate international trade fairs to boost the international economy after World War I. Today, UFI, headquarters in Paris, has become the association for the exhibition industry worldwide.

30,000+ export exhibitors at Canton Fair

Canton Fair – The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, opened with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in its history. Running from 15th April to 5th May 2025 in Guangzhou, Canton Fair featured about 31,000 participating companies, including nearly 1,000 import exhibitors. According to media release, more than 200,000 overseas buyers from 215 countries and regions have pre-registered.

Western Sydney Convention Centre expands

The Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC) will increase its event capacity to over 4,000 m2 by integrating services with the Panthers Precinct. The expansion will provide a combined conference destination capable of seating up to 2,800 delegates or accommodating 10,000 in an exhibition format. WSCC is located a 21-minute drive from the Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), which is scheduled to open in 2026.

HKTDC’s electronics fairs attract 88,000 buyers

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), and InnoEX, which co-organised with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR Government. Running from 13th to 16th April 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the two fairs showcased more than 2,800 exhibitors from 29 countries and regions, attracting some 88,000 buyers from 148 countries and regions.

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)

ABEA forms strategic partnership with IAPCO

Australia, 10th April: The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) announced a strategic partnership with the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to bring benefits members of the two organisations.

Under the partnership, it will strengthen the global meetings and events industry through enhanced knowledge-sharing, increased visibility, and collaborative opportunities.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formed under the partnership which will last for three years. Key activities will include Membership Value-Add, Knowledge-Share Collaboration, and White Papers and Research.

Melissa Brown, CEO of ABEA, said, “We are delighted to partner with the IAPCO. Our collective efforts will provide our members with exceptional value, critical industry knowledge, and the ability to connect on a global scale. There is so much knowledge to be shared. The more efficient we can share experience and knowledge across the globe, the easier it will be for our members to keep up to date with the latest developments.”

Shenyang New World EXPO targets global business

Shenyang, 7th April: Shenyang New World EXPO lost 40% of government-led events last year. The newly-appointed General Manager, John Chan, has brought a new policy, targeting international business.

According to John Chan, local governments has recognised the importance of the convention and exhibition industry, serving as a catalyst for regional economic development, provides significant social benefits, enhancing a city’s visibility and influence, and promoting cultural exchange and integration.

The venue will shift away from government dependency and toward global business; therefore, the venue is betting big on cross-border partnerships.

John Chan explained, “In recent years, the domestic economy has encountered numerous challenges, particularly due to a continuously sluggish real estate market that has caused funding shortages in related supply chains, reduced investment enthusiasm among businesses, and weakened consumer confidence, all of which have negatively impacted the overall economic environment.”

SEEC Media down in revenues, but up in profits

Hong Kong, 31st March: Last week, SEEC Media, a Chinese B2B media group, released its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2024. Total revenues in the year were US$3.9 million, a decrease of 21% year-on-year. However, the company narrowed its loss from US$4.8 million in 2023, down to US$3.7 million in 2024.

About 67% of SEEC’s revenues were generated from its advertising services income, amounting to US$2.6 million. This segment dropped 24% year-on-year. The remaining revenues were generated from its Interest income from loan receivables, at US$1.3 million, which posted a decline of 14% from the previous year.

The company attributed the decrease in revenues to the negative impact on global economy caused by the trade war between the U.S. and China, and also the rapid development of the Internet economy in China over the past few years.