Chris Skeith to be next UFI CEO

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Paris, 1st October: Earlier this year, Chief Executive Officer of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Kai Hattendorf, announced to step down and the association has selected Chris Skeith, OBE, to be the next CEO on 1st January 2025.

Skeith is now serving as CEO of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), the association for organisers of events in the U.K. and internationally.

Geoff Dickinson, UFI President, said, “We interviewed several excellent candidates both from within and outside of UFI, and with Chris, we are convinced that we have selected an excellent leader to continue the development and evolution of UFI as our industry’s globally leading trade body. Chris has been active in UFI for many years, chairing the Associations Committee and serving on UFI’s Executive Committee. In his AEO role, he has worked closely with our present management team, Kai and Adeline, on many issues, from Event Management to Advocacy. He is uniquely qualified to take on the role of the UFI CEO with his excellent track record.”

HK Sevens 2025 at Kai Tak

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Hong Kong, 2nd October: Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) announce the new stadium to host Hong Kong Sevens, Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) stadium. HKCR will work closely with KTSP and relevant government departments to ensure the event would run smoothly.

According to media releases, KTSP is scheduled to be ready by March 2025, and Hong Kong Rugby Sevens weekend will be the first major international event to be held at the stadium. The Sevens weekend will be held from 28th to 30th March 2025, and it is expected 150,000 people will attend the event.

The stadium is designed specifically for rugby sevens, featuring more than 20 changing rooms for multiple teams, referees and other personnel involved in Sevens matches, and also with dedicated dinning and rest areas for players. In addition, the stadium is equipped with a soundproof retractable roof, which allows events to be held under any weather conditions, and bowl cooling system to ensure a comfortable viewing experience from every single seat.

John Sharkey, the new sport park’s project director, was quoted, “As Hong Kong’s home venue, we are truly honoured and excited to host this globally prominent sports event at KTSP. For Hong Kong, this sporting occasion not only promotes the development of local rugby but also showcases the city’s capability to host world-class events, enhancing its status as a mega events capital.”

MDA’s medical fairs record outstanding participation

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Singapore, 23rd September: Messe Düsseldorf Asia’s (MDA) MEDICAL FAIR ASIA and MEDICAL MANUFACTURING ASIA, leading trade fairs for the medical healthcare and medical technology sectors in the region, concluded with record attendance from both visitors and exhibitors.

The co-located fairs were held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore, from 11th to 13th September 2024. More than 1,000 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions, and 19 national and group pavilions showcased their medical healthcare solutions at the fairs and attracted a total of 13,725 attendees from 60 countries and regions to attend the exhibitions and the concurrent conferences and seminars, with 40% were from outside Singapore.

Gernot Ringling, Managing Director, MDA, stated, “We are thrilled with this year’s turnout and the international vibrancy on the showfloor. In addition to a significant increase in exhibitor participation compared to 2022, we saw nearly a 34% increase in visitors, including group delegations from major hospitals and distributors from neighbouring countries.”

The next edition of MEDICAL FAIR ASIA and MEDICAL MANUFACTURING ASIA will return to Marina Bay Sands, running from 9th to 11th September 2026.

Quick takes

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25,000+ visitors at Delhi Jewellery & Gem Fair 2024

The Delhi Jewellery & Gem Fair (DJGF) 2024 took place at Pragati Maidan, from 29th September to 1st October 2024, featuring over 650 exhibitors to showcase over 150,000 designs. More than 25,000 trade visitors attended the fair to connect, foster business growth, and explore the latest trends and innovations in the jewellery sector.

DIDAC India 2024 concludes with 21,000+ visitors

India’s only event dedicated to educational resources and technology-based products, Didac India 2024, was held from 18th to 20th September at Yashoobhomi, bringing together global stakeholders, educators, and innovators to drive the future of education and skill development. With over 280 exhibitors and 21,000 visitors, the event showcased over 5,000 cutting-edge educational solutions, imparted transforming the way education and skills.

MMI presents largest-ever analytica Anacon India

Messe München India’s (MMI) analytica Anacon India, India Lab Expo, and Pharma Pro&Pack Expo 2024 opened on 26th September and ran until 28th September, at HITEX Exhibition Center. Over 500 technology suppliers from some 14 countries and regions at the events, making it the largest edition. The co-located events exhibits covered the entire spectrum of laboratory technology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and packaging.

Taiwan to open new conference venues

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Taiwan, 25th September: Taiwan will have two new conference capacity, Messe Taoyuan and Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center (TICEC), in the coming months.

Messe Taoyuan, located near Taiyuan International Airport and Hsinchu Science Park, is scheduled to open on 29th October 2024. The venue will feature 10,168 m2 of exhibition space, a ballroom for up to 5,000 guests, and nine meeting rooms.

In addition, TICEC, scheduled to complete in the fourth quarter of 2025, will have an exhibition capacity for 2,360 booths, an outdoor plaza, and an international conference hall with 2,200 seats.

Philippines launches new MICE initiative

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Philippines, 25th September: The Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) in Philippines launched a new initiative, “MICE Philippines: We take your business to heart”, targeting to position the country as a leading business events destination in Asia.

Under the new initiative, TPB partnered with a marketing agency to spearhead to a campaign to promote business events in the Philippines. In addition to business, the initiative will also bring forth the Filipino brand of hospitality and service.

Informa Markets launches Data Center Asia in Hong Kong

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Hong Kong, 22nd September: International exhibition organiser, Informa Markets Asia, will launch a new event next year. Data Center Asia (DCA), will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) in Hong Kong, running from 15th to 17th July 2025.

DCA, under the umbrella of Data Center World event in the U.S., will serve as the epicenter for data center technology innovations and business transformations in the Asia-Pacific markets. The event, co-located with Build4Asia, The Battery Show Asia and Mobility Tech Asia, will showcase the end-to-end data center value chain, offering unparalleled opportunities for education, networking and sourcing.

Koelnmesse launches new shows at IFMAC Jakarta 2025

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Jakarta, 25th September: International exhibition organiser, Koelnmesse, will add two new events in its furniture and hardware portfolio, interzum jakarta and the International Hardware Fair Indonesia, in collaboration with TRAYA INDONESIA and Wahana Kemalaniaga Makmur (WAKENI).

The two new events will be co-located with IFMAC WOODMAC 2025, which will be held from 24th to 27th September 2025, at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo).

interzum jakarta will feature the latest trends, materials, and technologies in furniture production. International Hardware Fair Indonesia will showcase innovations and products in the hardware sector, catering to the needs of various industries.

Quick takes

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ABEA appoints new Council Chairs and Membership Manager

Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has appointed three new Council Chairs and a new Member Manager. The three Council Chairs include: Tasmanian Council Chair (Alfred Merse, Conference Sales Manager at Federal Group); Northern Territory Chair (Jessie Rayson, General Manager of Fusion Exhibitions); and Venues Chair (Sarah Goldfinch, General Manager at Adelaide Convention Centre). Hayley Beveridge has been appointed as the new Member Manager.

3 million+ visits in Macau for August 2024

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released its latest number of visitor arrivals in August 2024, with a new monthly record of 3,651,731, a year-on-year increase of 13%, and also an increase of 0.8% from the same month in 2019 (pre-COVID level). Same day visitors grew 23%, while overnight visitors was up 2.7%. The average length of stay dropped 0.1 day year-on-year, down to 1.1 days; however, the figure of overnight visitors increased by 0.1 days, to 2.3 days.

45,000 visitors at electronica India 2024

Messe Muenchen India concluded its electronica India, productronica India and SEMICON India 2024, with a total of 830 exhibiting companies from 29 countries and regions, drawing 45,532 trade visitors and facilitating over 2,000 buyers-seller meetings. Running from 11th to 13th September 2024, at India Expo Mart Limited (IEML) in Greater Noida, the event is a leading event in Southeast Asia’s electronics industry.

Pico Thailand returns profit

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Bangkok, 13th September: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, released its financial results for the quarter ended 31st July 2024. Revenues in the quarter were US$12.4 million, which jumped 156% year-on-year. In the same period, the company posted a net profit of US$418,000 compared with a loss of US$225,000 in the same quarter in 2022.

The company attributed the increase in revenues to lots of marketing activities were held in the period.

Appointment of YB V. Sivakumar as a Chairman of MyCEB

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Putrajaya, 13th September: Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has appointed YB V. Sivakumar, former minister of human resources, as its new Chairman, which effective 30th August 2024.

In the new role, Sivakumar will explore new opportunities to drive MyCEB’s progress. His focus includes strengthening Malaysia’s position as a premier destination for international business events, encouraging innovation by integrating the latest technology into event organisation, promoting our nation as a sustainable and eco-friendly destination for global business events, and developing local talent in staging Malaysia’s events scene.

Hong Kong to host world tourism summit

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Hong Kong, 12th September: The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) to host its conference in Hong Kong in 2025. It is expected to attract 400 delegates from more than 40 countries and regions.

This is the first WTCF to bring its Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit to Hong Kong and it will be held in April, featuring keynote speeches, tourism showcases, tourism fairs and exhibitions, to promote co-operation among member cities and the travel trade from member regions.

Nineteen Group sells to private equity fund

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U.K., 19th September: U.K.-based exhibition organiser, Nineteen Group, was acquired by a private equity fund, Growth Partnership Fund, for about £225 million (US$297 million).

The new establish Growth Partnership Fund is led by Kline Hill Partners and co-led by Ares Management, and Phoenix Equity Partners, Nineteen’s original investor. According to media reports, the “continuation” fund will be worth £200 million (US$264 million), helping drive Nineteen’s growth and acquisition strategy.

Quick takes

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170+ delegates at UFI Americas Conference

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, concluded its 2024 UFI Americas Conference, bringing together over 170 exhibition industry leaders and stakeholders. Running from 10th to 12th September, at Cintermex, the conference was hosted by the Monterrey Convention & Visitors Bureau (OVC), featuring dynamic sessions, extensive networking opportunities, and a post-conference tour to showcase the vibrant cultural and landscapes of Monterrey.

PCEC appoints new General Manager

The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) announced the appointment of Kendra Naidoo as its new General Manager. Kendra will oversee the PCEC’s leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Perth’s premier business event venue. Kendra will replace Nigel Keen, who steps down from the position.

U.S. B2B exhibition industry slowdown in Q2

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released its latest index results for the U.S. B2B exhibition industry under four metrics: exhibitors, attendance, net square footage and real revenues. In the second quarter of 2024, the overall index value was 87.7, compared to 100 in 2019, it dropped 2.3% compared to the second quarter of 2023.

GL events reports increase in revenues and profit

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Lyon, 4th September: Last week, GL events released its financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2024. The group reported revenues of €821 million (US$879 million), representing year-on-year growth of 19%. Net profit in the six-month period grew 11%, reaching €45 million (US$48 million).

In terms of business sectors, GL events Live generated revenues of €496 million (US$531 million), up 35% year-on-year. Meanwhile, GL events Venues, recorded revenues of €211 million (US$226 million), year-on-year growth of 18%.

GL events Exhibitions, however, recorded a 21% decrease in revenues, down to €113 million (US$121 million). The company attributed the decrease in revenues of GL events Exhibitions to a particularly strong post-COVID performance in the first half of 2023 and biennial effect (also in the first half of 2023).

Messe Frankfurt to launch new events in Thailand

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Thailand, 6th September: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Limited, will join force with Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Company and GMTX to co-organise events targeting the electronics and automation technologies industries in the ASEAN region.

Intelligent Asia Thailand and Automation Thailand will run from 6th to 8th March 2025, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), showcasing solutions for electronics manufacturing and automation. In addition, SPS Stage Bangkok will be the first SPS brand in the region for the manufacturing sector. It is expected the events will attract about 300 exhibitors.