Indonesia promotes new MICE destinations

Indonesia, 14th October: Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) promotes Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya as the country’s destinations suitable for business events, by conducting a media fam trip by.

In terms of business facilities, Surabaya has two prominent convention centre: Dyandra Convention Center Surabaya and Grand City Convex Surabaya; Bandung offers Plataran Bandung, Intercontinental Bandung Dago Pakar, and Trans Luxury Hotel Bandung; Jakarta’s various business facilities are suitable for large-scale events.

According to MoTCE, Bali has already been established as a world-renowned business events destination, therefore, new destinations will need to be developed. It is suggested to combine two destinations in a single trip for corporate travellers for both business and leisure purposes.

Western Australia to redevelop PCEC

Perth, 16th October: The Western Australian (WA) government announced to allocated AR$16.6 million (US$11.1 million) to fund the Project Definition Phase (PDP) for the proposal, including plans to redevelop the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).

The PDP proposal plans for expanded convention centre capacity to attract large-scale business events. It also envisions integrating the precinct with Elizabeth Quay and delivering a public realm featuring new waterfront facilities, an outdoor theatre, and improved connectivity with the Swan River.

Under the plan, PCEC will retain column-free exhibition space of 16,500 m2, and Riverside Theatre will be upgraded and expanded from 2,500 to 3,500 seats. The venue will be expanded to 24,000 m2, to include a new, four-storey wing with meeting rooms, ballrooms, a 100-seat plenary and a flexible multi-use hall. The redevelop construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025 and to reopen by late 2028.

WTTC: business travel to reach US$1.5 trillion

Worldwide, 8th October: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released a new report showing that business travel to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, reaching US$1.5 trillion.

Business travel is back due to business leaders re-emphasised the importance of face-to-face interaction.

Julia Simpson, WTTC president & CEO, stated, “After a challenging few years, business travel is not only back on track, but it is recovering much faster than expected, highlighting the importance of international travel for businesses around the world. Many business powerhouses such as the US, China and Germany are expected to reach record numbers this year. While virtual meetings played a crucial role during the pandemic, keeping people and businesses connected, today’s report shows that business is better face to face.”

Separately, CWT and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) released a special supplement titled “2040: Baseline, Boom, or Bust”, examines three distinct scenarios that could define the future of business travel.

In the Base Case scenario, business travel is projected to stabilise with a moderate growth rate, reaching just over 1 billion passengers by 2024. Under the Boom scenario, business travel will experience robust growth, with global business travellers exceeding 1.2 billion passengers by 2024. In the Bust scenario, business travel growth slowly, with business travellers of about 800 million by 2024.

Nick Vournakis, executive vice president and chief customer officer at CWT, said, “The future of business travel is at a critical juncture, driven by technological advancements, sustainability mandates, and evolving global dynamics. Our report emphasises the need for businesses to be adaptable and proactive in their travel strategies. Whether navigating a boom in global travel or adapting to a slowdown, businesses that proactively integrate technology, prioritise sustainability, and stay agile will be best positioned to thrive in this shifting landscape.”

Quick takes

Yokohama plans to boost business events and leisure tourism

Japan’s city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama, has developed a business events and tourism strategy for 2023, planning to attract more visitors by highlighting its cultural, natural, and historical assets. Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau has introduced 8 new tours specifically designed to cater to the preferences of convention attendees.

HKTDC’s electronics fairs attract 60,000+ buyers

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has recently concluded its Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia (jointly organised with MMI Asia Pte Ltd). Running from 13th to 16th October, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), some 3,200 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions attracted over 60,000 industry buyers from 136 countries and regions.

350+ exhibitors at Informa’s Fi India, ProPak India 2024

Organised by Informa Markets in India, the co-located Fi India and ProPak India 2024 provided a platform for driving innovation and establishing new trends, offering an annual one-stop sourcing destination for food, beverage and health ingredients, processing and packaging. Over 350 exhibitors showcased products and solutions for the food, health, packaging, and processing sectors, attracting more than 25,000 visitors.

Media 10 sells 100% Optical to CloserStill

Media 10 announced the sale of 100% Optical to CloserStill Media. The financial details for the deal were not disclosed. Launched in 2014, 100% Optical is a leading event in the optical sector in the U.K., drawing over 10,000 visitors and occupying 20,000 m2 at Excel.

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 2024)

248 business events held in Malaysia in 2023

Malaysia, 7th October: The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has released its annual report for 2023.

In 2023, MyCEB reported a total of 248 business events were held in Malaysia, featuring 180,703 international delegates. The events generated an estimated economic impact of RM 2.8 billion (US$653 million).

During the year, a total of 106 convention events were held in Malaysia. In addition, 44 exhibition events took place in 2023. The remaining events were corporate meetings & incentives, and international sporting events.

MyCEB also successfully secured 56 business events bids in 2023, which will bring more than 108,000 delegates, contributing to an estimated economic impact of over RM 700 million. (US$163 million).

Informa plans for growth in 2025-2030

London, 9th October: London-listed Informa PLC released its latest plan for 2025-2030, following the completion of the Ascential plc acquisition.

In 2025, Informa will establish three focused Live B2B Events businesses: Informa Markets to focus on transaction-led B2B events, Informa Connect to focus on content-led B2B events, while Informa Festivals to focus on experience-led events. It is expected to receive revenues of more than £4 billion (US$5 billion), with an underlying revenue growth of over 5% in 2025.

The company also updated its 2024 guidance with revenues of over £3.5 billion (US$4.6 billion), adjusted operating profit of over £970 million (US$1.3 billion) and free cash flow of £740 million (US$970 million).

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, said, “The completion of the Ascential acquisition, creation of Informa Festivals and prospective creation of Informa TechTarget will establish leadership and scale in all our chosen B2B market segments, complementing our strength in Academic markets and creating a platform for growth from 2025 to 2030. Over the last four years, our strategy has been to build further strength and depth in B2B businesses, targeting new growth opportunities as the Live B2B Events market segments and becomes increasingly sophisticated, and B2B Digital Services mature.”

Baidu announces management rotation

Beijing, 8th October: Baidu, the leading Chinese language Internet search provider, announced management rotation.

The current Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Rong Luo, has been appointed as Executive Vice President for in charge of the Baidu Mobile Ecosystem Group (MEG). Meanwhile, the current Senior Vice President and Head of the Baidu MEG, Mr. Junjie, has been appointed as the Interim Chief Financial Officer.

According to Baidu, the management rotation underscores its ongoing commitment to fostering executive leadership development, optimizing organizational structure and supporting its long-term growth objectives.

Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, Baidu's co-founder and CEO, was quoted, “On behalf of the board of directors and senior management, we are delighted to welcome Mr. Rong Luo to his new role as head of the Baidu Mobile Ecosystem Group, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to be instrumental in this position. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Luo for his significant contributions as our Chief Financial Officer over the past few years. In addition, we will have Mr. Junjie He join our management team with his new role as the Company’s Interim CFO, and we believe his extensive experience in management, investment and finance will be invaluable in driving Baidu’s strategic initiatives going forward.”

Quick takes

300+ exhibitors at IE expo Shenzhen 2024

Organised by the Guangdong Association of Environmental Protection Industrym Messe Muenchen Zhongmao Co., Ltd., Messe München, and the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences (CSES), IE expo Shenzhen 2024 took place at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, running from 23rd to 25th September,. A total 317 exhibitors from 9 countries and regions showcased cutting-edge products, equipment, technologies, and materials of environmental technology, covering 26,000 m2 of exhibition space and attracting 16,175 trade visitors.

REFCOLD India 2024 attracts 10,000 visitors

REFCOLD India 2024, a leading refrigeration exhibition in India, was held from 3rd to 5th October, at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata. Over 130 exhibitors displayed innovations in cold chain industries, featuring more than 10,000 visitors to the event.

HKTDC opens 4 tech fairs in October

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will host four technology fairs later this month: Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia, Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo. The four fairs will feature some 6,200 exhibitors from 29 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 2024)

Chris Skeith to be next UFI CEO

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

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

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

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.

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 2024)

Taiwan to open new conference venues

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

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

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

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

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.