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HKTDC closes wine & spirits fair and optical fair

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair and Hong Kong International Optical Fair last week. The wine & spirits fair attracted over 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions, while some 13,000 buyers from 94 countries and regions attended the optical fair.

Taobao and Tmall’s 11.11 Shopping Festival records robust growth

The leading e-commerce company in China, the Alibaba Group, announced its China commerce retail business, Taobao and Tmall Group, achieved robust growth in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) and a record number of active buyers during this year’s 11.11 Shopping Festival. According to Alibaba, a total of 589 brands surpasses RMB 100 million in GMV, of those, 45 brands even surpassed RMB 1 billion in GMV.

Clarion Events acquires Eaton Hall

Clarion Events, privately owned event and exhibition organiser, announced the acquisition of Eaton Hall, a premier event organiser specializing in highly targeted pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings-based events. After the transaction, Eaton Hall will operate under Clarion Connect, Clarion Events’ newly formed division to strengthen its 1-to-1 focused connection businesses.

Informa Markets launches Connect Marketplace in Hong Kong

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Hong Kong, 7th November: The world leading exhibition organiser, Informa Markets, will launch an Asia Pacific edition of its U.S.-based business event series, Connect Marketplace, in Hong Kong next year.

Organised by Informa Markets and co-organised by the Informa Connect division, the new event is scheduled to be held from 19th to 21st March, taking place at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). It will occupy an exhibition area of 11,360 m2 in two halls, about 250 MICE brands are expected ranging from convention bureaus, hotels and resort groups, event companies, event-tech suppliers, and airlines. More than 600 buyers will also be hosted along with 8,000 delegates and trade visitors.

The theme of the new event will be “Your Bleisure, Our Pleasure”, to vie for a share of the business event buyer-supplier market in Asia Pacific.

Margaret Ma Connolly, CEO and president of Informa Markets Asia, said, “Connect Marketplace Hong Kong 2025 is committed to fostering impactful connections and empowering the MICE community in Asia.”

EXPO REAL Asia Pacific to open in Singapore in 2026

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Singapore, 5th November: Messe München announced to expand its EXPO REAL portfolio, the leading property and investment trade fair in Europe, to Asia.

EXPO REAL Asia Pacific will be held in Singapore, running from 15th to 17th June 2026. It targets to bring together the key players from the real estate, infrastructure and investment sectors across the Asia Pacific region, offering opportunities for business development, networking and knowledge exchange.

The new event will feature cities and national pavilions, development agencies, to showcase upcoming urban development plans ready for global investment and public-private partnerships. Exhibitors, including developers, investors, consultants, and technology providers, will present their latest projects and services with complementing the eco-system.

EXPO REAL Asia Pacific will run alongside the World Cities Summit, to further strengthen the exchange between players from the infrastructure and environment sector, including the fields of urban policy and planning, research and innovation, real estate and urban development, to create additional synergies.

Stefan Rummel and Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEOs of Messe München, commented, “With EXPO REAL Asia Pacific, we are expanding our international network and creating a platform for the growing real estate market in the Asia Pacific region in Singapore from 2026. In an environment characterized by new urban development projects and growth, we offer relevant players an ideal opportunity to exchange ideas about markets and projects in the region. Our aim is to tap into an exciting market and promote long-term partnerships.”

Made-in-China.com’s profit up 15% in Q3

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Nanjing, 31st October: Shenzhen-listed Focus Technology, which owns and operates the B2B trading platform, Made-in-China.com, recently released its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2024. Revenues were US$59 million, an 8.5% increase over the third quarter of 2023. Profit in the quarter also grew 15% year-on-year, amounting to US$18 million.

The Nanjing-based company also reported the result for the first nine months of 2024, generating revenues of US$172 million, an increase of 7.8% from the same period of the previous year. The company’s profit increase by 20% year-on-year, reaching US$51 million. The diluted earnings per share in the nine-month period were RMB 1.1297 (US$0.16).

As of 30th September, the company reported that Made-in-China.com had some 26,668 paid members on its English-language platform. The company did not disclose membership numbers on its Chinese-language platform.

Netsun posts loss in Q3

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Hangzhou, 30th October: Shenzhen-listed Zhejiang Netsun, a B2B e-commerce platform, recently reported its financial results for the nine months ended 30th September 2024. The company’s revenues were US$54 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 19% from the same period of 2023.

However, the company posted a net loss of US$2.1 million, comparing with a net profit of US$2.1 million in the first nine months in 2023. The company did not comment on the loss in the reported period.

The company also announced its results for the quarter ended 30th September. Revenues jumped 41% year-on-year, amounting at US$19 million. However, the company recorded a net loss of US$1.7 million, compared with a net profit of US$518,000 in the third quarter of 2023.

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BESydney CEO to step down

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) announced its CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith, will step down in July 2025. Meanwhile, BESydney also held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the financial year 2023-2024, reporting strong results: 69 meetings attracted 51,000 delegates generating an estimated A$216 million (US$144 million).

Beijing to attract more international meetings

Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau aims to attract more international association meetings to the city by intensifying efforts. Earlier this year, the bureau led a delegation of business events industry stakeholders in Beijing to major B2B business event tradeshows to promote the city. In terms of hardware, Beijing offers more than 500 star-rated hotels, which can host large-scale conferences and events.

HKTDC’s lighting fairs draw 60,000 buyers

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has recently concluded it Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), Hong Kong International Outdoor & Tech Light Expo, and Eco Expo Asia, attracting some 60,000 buyers from 150 countries and regions. The survey done during the fairs showed 61% of lighting industry respondents expect overall sales to grow in the next 12-24 months, and 61% of respondent foresee AI as a key growth driver in lighting industry.

New record for exhibitor number at Global Sources Hong Kong Shows

Hong Kong-based Global Sources concluded its October 2024 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), setting a new record for exhibitor number, with nearly 5,000 Asian suppliers, showcasing over 500,000 innovative products across the three phases. More than 120,000 attendees visited the shows, with an increase in professional buyers from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

GLOBUS Events expands in the China exhibition market

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China, 24th October: GLOBUS Events (formerly VNU Exhibitions Asia) announced its expansion strategy, supported by Advent International.

GLOBUS Events has concluded acquisitions of three exhibitions in China, under Advent’s portfolio. The acquired exhibitions were Powder Metallurgy (PM) China, International Exhibition for Advanced Ceramics (IACE) China, and China Pet Expo (CPE).

Founded by Uniris Exhibition Shanghai Co., Ltd, PM China and IACE China based in Shanghai and Shenzhen, serving the powder metallurgy and advanced ceramics industries. CPE, one of the largest pet products exhibitions in the northern China, was established by Beijing Lanneret International Exhibitions in 2014 in Beijing.

GLOBUS Events also announced Jimè Essink, an Operation Partner of Advent and former President & CEO of Informa Markets Asia, as a Board Member of GLOBOS Events.

Other expansions include TCT Asia, a leading 3D printing and additive manufacturing event in the Asia-Pacific region. It was launched in Shanghai in 2015, through a JV partnership with the U.K.-based Rapid News Group. GLOBUS Events is also the co-organiser of DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR, R+T Asia, Salone del Mobile.Milano Shanghai, and VIV Select China.

Edwin Tan, CEO of GLOBUS Events, said, “These acquisitions align with our strategy to grow our portfolio within the industries we presently serve. Together with our shareholder, Advent International, we are committed to expanding and enhancing our crucial role as the organizer of some of the largest in-person trade platforms in Asia, as well as positively contributing to the development of China’s exhibition industry.”

RELX releases trade update

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London, 24th October: RELX Group plc, parent company of RX Global (formerly Reed Exhibitions), reported underlying revenue growth of over 7% for the first nine months of 2024.

The company also reaffirmed its outlook for the full year 2024. It is reported the company see positive momentum across its business and expect strong underlying growth in revenue and adjusted operating profit.

The exhibitions business grew over 13% in the first months of 2024 due to improved growth profile of its event portfolio and a favourable comparison with the early part of the previous year. It is expected a strong underlying revenue growth with an improvement in adjusted operating margin for the year.

Meorient decreases in revenues and profits

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Hangzhou, 30th October: Earlier this week, Meorient, a Chinese exhibition organiser listed in Shenzhen, announced its financial results for the nine months ended 30th September 2024. Revenues in the period were US$61 million, a year-on-year decrease of 9.4%.

The Hangzhou-based company’s net profit dropped 17% year-on-year, down to US$9.7 million. Diluted earnings per share in the first nine months of 2024 were RMB 0.30 (US$0.043).

The company did not comment on the changes of its revenues and profits.

The Shenzhen-listed company also reported its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September. Revenues in the quarter were US$24 million, representing year-on-year growth of 42%. In the third quarter, the company’s net profit jumped 396%, reaching US$3.9 million.

Meorient organises B2B sourcing shows to bring Chinese exhibitors to overseas markets including India, Turkey, U.A.E., Mexico, Poland and Brazil.

DLG Exhibitions’ revenues down 3.3%

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Shanghai, 26th October: DLG Exhibitions & Events (formerly known as Shanghai Lansheng), a Shanghai-listed exhibition organiser and conglomerate, has released its results for the nine months ended 30th September 2024. The company generated revenues of US$133 million, representing a year-on-year decrease of 3.3%.

The company posted a decline of 17% in its net profit, down to US$29 million in the first nine months of 2024. Diluted earnings per share in the nine-month period were RMB 0.28 (US$0.040).

In the reported period, the company hosted and organised a total of 17 exhibitions occupying a scale of over 1.01 million m2. The Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, the venue operated by DLG, held some 65 exhibitions and events, with a total rental area of over 8 million m2.

During the third quarter, the company has transferred 4 shares for every 10 shares to all shareholders from the capital reserve, following the approval of the “2024 Annual Profit Distribution and Capital Reserve Transfer Plan (translated name)”.

DLG also announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September. Revenues in the quarter were US$49 million, dropping 14%. However, the net profit grew 143% in the quarter, amounting at US$17 million.

Quick takes

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Sri Lanka’s largest convention and gaming centre opens

Sri Lanka’s Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams has recently opened, becoming the largest hotel and convention centre in Sri Lanka. It provides 687 luxurious rooms, multiple entertainment venues and state-of-art-convention facilities. Convention facilities include Lumina Ballroom, capable of accommodating over 1,860 guests; Forum, offering a capacity of 1,280 guests; and also Studio, Boardrooms, Cumulus Ballroom, Celestine Ballroom and Podium, accommodating between 200 and 1,200 guests.

UFI introduces new logo and brand identity

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has revealed a new logo and updated branding. According to UFI, the new logo marks the beginning of the association’s centennial, showcasing legacy, reflecting the evolution of the organisation.

ASM Global appoints new CEO at ICC Sydney

ASM Global, management company of International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), announced leadership changes for the venue. Adam Mather-Brown, the current General Manager, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of former CEO, Geoff Donaghy.

General Manager appointment for Nyaal Banyul

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, the new venue operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET), appointed Rick Aylett as the General Manager. He has been served as the Project Director for Nyaal Banyul since 2022.

TCEB executive team appointments

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Thailand, 23rd October: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has announced several new executive appointments:

Nichapa Yoswee and Puripan Bunnag will promote as Senior Vice President. Nichapa Yoswee will supervise domestic marketing initiatives and build partnerships within Thailand, while Puripan Bunnag will supervise international marketing initiatives and establish global partnerships.

Salanroj Sutaschuto has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for organisational management and development, and coordination between government and private sectors, both domestically and internationally.

Jaruwan Suwannasat will be the Chief Information Officer and she will be tasked with driving innovation development.

Parichat Svetasreni has been appointed as Director of the Mega Events and World Festivals Department, Harisuda Boonyawat will be the Director of the MICE Intelligence and Innovation Department, and Nooch Homrossukhon will serve as the Director of Corporate Image and Communications Department.

Messe Berlin to launch Smart Health Asia

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Singapore, 23rd October: International exhibition organiser, Messe Berlin, and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to organise Smart Health Asia in Singapore in 2026.

The event will run from 1st to 2nd July 2026 a d will be organised by Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, Messe Berlin’s Asia Pacific office headquartered in Singapore.

The event will offer a platform for digital healthcare sector in the Asia-Pacific region, targeting from healthcare players and tech innovators to investors and political decision-makers. Exhibitors, from startups to global players, will showcase their innovations.

Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, said, “With Smart Health Asia, we are filling a significant gap in the event landscape by offering a platform that addresses the entire digital health ecosystem. Our goal is to bring the best minds together to shape the future of healthcare in Asia Pacific. Smart Health Asia will be the window to the future of smart health, focusing on the innovations that are driving change across the region.”

GL events’ revenues up 18% in Q3

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Lyon, 16th October: GL events released its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2024. It reported revenue growth of 18%, reaching US$428 million.

In terms of business sectors, more than 65% of GL events’ total revenues were generated from its GL events Live, amounting to US$279 million, up 24% year-on-year. The second largest sector, GL events Venues, generated revenues of US$121 million, which accounts for 28% of total revenues, representing year-on-year decrease of 23%.

The remaining revenues were generated by GL events Exhibitions, which drew 25% year-on-year, down to US$28 million. According to the GL events, the growth in GL events Exhibitions was driven by the strong performances in its local market (France) and international markets (Sao Paulo, Aichi, Budapest and Brussels).

GL events also reported its results for the nine months ended 30th September, with revenues of US$1.34 billion, growing 19% year-on-year. The company also released new targets for FY2024, targeting growth in full-year above 10%.

Olivier Ginon, Chairman-CEO of GL events Group, commented, “GL events maintained its momentum in the third quarter of 2024 with an 18% increase in revenue… we are confident that GL events’ annual revenue will grow more than 10% in 2024 compared to 2023, driven by the performances of the Live and Venues divisions. We are also looking forward with confidence to 2025, a year that will benefit not only from favourable biennial effects but also growth of the Anhembi event venue, the addition of new sites and the signature of contracts for major world events.”

Quick takes

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HKTDC to open optical and wine & spirits fairs in November

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will open two trade fairs in November, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Hong Kong International Optical Fair, co-organised with the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), will take place from 6th to 8th November 2024, showcasing over 700 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions under four trends: technology, lifestyle, functionality and sustainability. Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair will be held from 7th to 9th November, presenting fine wines and spirits for over 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions.

Furniture China 2024’s overseas visitors up 12%

Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets International Exhibition Co., Ltd.’s Furniture China 2024, the 29th China International Furniture Expo, running from 10th to 13th September, concluded at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). Over 3,000 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions featured sectors of furniture manufacturing to home design and material supply. A total of 167,250 visitors attended the expo, of which 28,644 were overseas buyers, up 12% year-on-year.

Macau’s visitor arrivals up 30%

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released its latest number of visitor arrivals for the nine months in 2024, with 25,920,914 visitors, a year-on-year increase of 30%, and recovering to 86% of the number in the same period of 2019 (pre-COVID level). Same day visitors (13,834,674) grew 43%, while overnight visitors (12,086,240) were up 18%. The average length of stay dropped 0.1 day year-on-year, down to 1.2 days; while the figure of overnight visitors remained unchanged at 2.3 days.

Global Sources opens Hong Kong Shows Phase II

Global Sources opened its second phase of the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows, running from 18th to 21st October, at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), in four major trade shows: Mobile Electronics; Smart Home, Security & Home Appliances; Lifestyle; and Home & Kitchen. Some 2,000 exhibitors occupied about 4,000 booths, presenting over 150,000 products.

TCEB opens Mini EEC Fair 2024

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Pattaya, 8th October: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) jointly organised the Mini EEC Fair 2024, running from 8th to 9th October 2024.

The event aims to attract investment in strategic future industries to drive the Thai economy, focusing on “EEC Opportunities: Investment Solutions Towards Sustainable Locals”. It is expected to draw over 2,500 participants from both Thailand and abroad.

Key activities included a keynote outlining the vision and future development of the EEC; and a panel discussion providing new perspectives on financial opportunities for investors in the EEC. Other activities include presentations covering business opportunities in five targeted industries; seminars on investment support in the EEC region; and EEC OOS (One-Stop Service), designed to facilitate decision-making for investors.

Mr. Puripan Bunnag, TCECB Senior Vice President, stated, “The Mini EEC Fair 2024 leverages MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) to enhance Thailand’s potential as an investment hub. This event not only demonstrates MICE’s ability to connect investors and entrepreneurs but also highlights its role in driving new business and investment opportunities in the EEC, particularly in the 12 existing target industries and the 5 new high-potential industries. Especially in the health and medical tourism industries, which are key targets for Thailand’s economic future. Promoting these industries will enhance Thailand’s competitive edge and contribute to sustainable economic growth.”