GITEX expands to Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam, 24th April: GITEX, the world’s leading tech show brand, announced to expand its portfolio to the Vietnamese market, following the recently signed joint declaration of intent between Vietnam and the UAE to launch talks on establishing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) and elevate existing trade and economic ties to new heights.

The inaugural edition of GITEX VIETNAM will be held in Hanoi, running from 1st to 2nd October 2026, and it will be organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in partnership with the Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC).

GITEX now organises shows in seven countries, including Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, and Vietnam. The Vietnam edition will focus on the nation’s vast potential to global audiences, facilitate digital investment opportunities, inspire new partnerships, and amplify new opportunities for Vietnam’s tech ecosystem to scale globally.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC & CEO of KAOUN International, said, “The inaugural GITEX VIETNAM shall represent a watershed in the digital transition of Vietnam and the rising Southeast Asia emerging economies. GITEX shall spotlight and amplify the accomplishments, forward policies, talents, developing infrastructure, and growing aspirations of a steadfast and ambitious young economy to the rest of the world. This shall unleash a surge of new business collaborative opportunities between government and private sectors across the world. GITEX shall elevate the vibrant and highly motivated regional ecosystems, often understated and unfamiliar to global communities, onto the international tech universe. I think the tech world will be in for a pleasant surprise.”

Netsun’s revenues up 29% in FY2024

Hangzhou, 29th April: Shenzhen-listed Zhejiang Netsun announced its results for the year ended 31st December 2024, with revenues of US$77 million. This represents modest year-on-year growth of 29%. The increase was mainly due to the increase in supply chain business revenue during the year.

However, the company posted a net loss of US$3.1 million in 2024, compared with a net profit of US$2.7 million recorded in 2023. The company attributed the loss to the provision for bad debts of receivables for compensation in the reported period increased compared with the previous year.

In terms of business segments, the supply chain business accounted for 85% of total revenues, amounting to US$65 million, which grew 45% year-on-year. The second largest business segment, Internet services, generated revenues of US$6.8 million and accounted for 8.8% of total revenues.

The Hangzhou-based company also reported its results for the quarter ended 31st March 2025. Netsun’s revenues in the quarter jumped 98%, reaching US$22 million. The company’s net profit in the quarter were US$221,000, which represented a year-on-year decline of 33%.

Made-in-China.com up in revenues and profits in Q1

Nanjing, 30th April: Focus Technology, the operator of Made-in-China.com which is a B2B sourcing platform, has reported revenues of US$61 million in the quarter ended 31st March 2025, which is a year-on-year increase of 15%.

The company’s net profit grew 46%, amounting at US$15 million in the first quarter of 2025. Diluted earnings per share in the three-month period were RMB 0.353 (US$0.049). The company’s management did not provide any comment on its performance in the reported period.

As of 31st March, Made-in-China.com reported 28,118 registered members on its platform and in a new development, in which, over 11,000 members paid for Made-in-China.com’s AI service.

100,000 buyers at HKTDC’s seven mega events

Hong Kong, 30th April: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded seven trade events in late April, covering lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, attracting some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions, with buyer numbers increased across all exhibitions.

The seven events featured some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), while Hong Kong Printing & Packaging Fair, and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong took place at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), running from 27th to 30th April. Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), and Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) ran at the HKCEC, from 28th to 30th April.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, was quoted, “The seven major events held by the HKTDC in late April brought together some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Despite the current challenges in the global economic and trade environment, we actively attracted buyers to our fairs to enhance trade resilience and assist exhibitors in gaining a foothold in new markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN regions. The HKTDC remains committed to promoting cross-sector and international trade cooperation among exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trade hub and showcasing its unique advantage in building connections regionally and globally.”

Quick takes

160 delegates at 2025 UFI MEA Conference

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, concluded its 2025 UFI MEA Conference, hosted from 28th to 30th April in Cairo, Egypt, by the EECA (Egyptian Expo & Convention Authority) at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center. A total of 160 industry leaders and decision-makers from 26 countries attended the conference, making it the largest to date.

Tan Mei Phing appointed as MyCEB’s CEO

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) announced the appointment of Miss Tan Mei Phing as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 21st April 2025. In her new role, she will oversee the strategic direction, financial planning, and operational execution of MyCEB’s initiatives, ensuring its continued growth and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a premier destination for business events.

ICC Sydney appoints new Director of Event Delivery

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) promoted Marc Singerling as Director of Event Delivery, effective 14th April 2025. Recently served as F&B services manager and led the internal operational management group, Singerling will report to ICC Sydney’s General Manager – Operations, Lynell Peck.

New B2B online platform helps inbound business

A new B2B tourism resources platform, TourCon, has been launched, helping inbound travel agents promote and sell programmes for Macau, the Greater Bay Area, and China to international markets. It is a membership-based platform supported and developed by six tourism-related associations, aiming to drive regional cooperation, support digital transformation, and enable more efficient transaction matching. The platform targeted at Macau first and has already worked with the Macao Government Tourism Office on B2B roadshows in Dubai and Jakarta.

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)

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.