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.

CCID’s profits up 26%

Beijing, 28th March: CCID Consulting, a research and information service provider in China, recently announced its financial results for 2024. Revenues were US$41 million, up 8.5% year-on-year. The company’s net profit grew 26%, amounting to US$11 million. Earnings per share in the year were RMB 0.1109 (US$0.015).

More than 56% of CCID’s revenues were generated from its decision-making consulting services, amounting to US$23 million. This segment increased by 5.5% year-on-year. Its second largest business segment was its science and technology innovation platform services, generating revenues of US$13 million which accounts for 31% of the company’s total revenues. This segment posted an increase of 9.1% year-on-year. The remaining revenues were generated from its data platform services (US$5.3 million), which rose 22% over the previous year.

The company has implemented its Business 3.0 strategy, promoting the innovative integrated services of “Research + Consulting + Implementation” and digital empowerment services, exploring the business layout under the 15th Five-Year Plan, and enhancing its brand influence. In the coming year, the company will continue to develop and solidify its Business 3.0 strategy, focusing on the two major customer groups, exploring new growth in both the government and enterprise sectors, and continuing to enhance its technological attributes.

Quick takes

VNU AP launches Travel & Tech Asia 2025

VNU Asia Pacific (VNU AP) announced the launch of Travel & Tech Asia 2025, taking place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), from 2nd to 3rd July 2025. The event, the region’s premier travel technology and innovation conference, will provide a platform for key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to explore the future of travel, hospitality, and tourism through the lens of digital transformation. The event will feature six core conference themes, highlighting the most important trends and innovations transforming the travel industry.

15,000 buyers at HKTDC’s twin lighting fairs

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its Smart Lighting Expo and Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition), welcoming about 15,000 buyers from 108 countries and regions. Running from 6th to 9th April 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the twin fairs featured some 1,000 exhibitors, presenting innovative and eco-friendly lighting solutions to enhance smart living and promote sustainability, under the theme of “Go Smart, Live Green”.

VisionChina2025 (Shanghai) attracts 72,000+ visitors

Organised by the Machine Vision Industry Union of ZGC (CMVU) and hosted by Messe München Shanghai Co., Ltd. VisionChina (Shanghai) 2025 concluded at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), from 26th to 28th March 2025, bringing together high-quality enterprises and professionals in machine vision. Nearly 300 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions showcased at the event, attracting a total of 72,417 visitors.

TechTarget and Demandbase announce partnership

Informa TechTarget, a global growth accelerator and leading provider of intent data & insights to the B2B technology sector, announced a strategic partnership with Demandbase, a leading account-based GTM platform for B2B enterprises, helping mutual customers drive better business outcomes and ROI from account-based marketing (ABM) initiatives. The partnership will strengthen AMB and sales intelligence enabling both sales and marketing to focus their efforts on accounts with real buying intent and members of the buying group.

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)

Messe Frankfurt cooperates with Notes Shanghai

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

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

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

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.