Quick takes

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HKTDC to open DesignInspire

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will organise its DesignInspire at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), from 5th to 7th December. Under the theme of “Design for a Better Tomorrow”, this year’s event will bring together local and international design luminaries to create a unique experiential journey for both industry professionals and the public.

3+ million visitor arrivals for October 2024 in Macau

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) has released its latest information for visitor arrivals in October 2024. The number of visitor arrivals increase by 14% year-on-year, reaching 3,135,358, which represents a recovery to more than 97% of the level in October 2019. In addition, same-day visitors grew 23%, while overnight visitors was up by 3.1%. The average length of stay of visitors shortened by 0.1 days, down to 1.1 days.

IEG releases interim management report

Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has recently released its interim management report as of 30th September 2024. Revenues were €179.4 million, an increase of 20% year-on-year. Profit was more than double of the previous year’s figure, reaching €21 million.

OSH India 2024 opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets’ OSH India 2024, a leading occupational safety and health expo and conference in India, opened its door from 21st to 23rd November, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. International safety experts, industry leaders were able to exchange insights, foster innovation, and tackle pressing issues in the industry. Over 250 brands showcased more than 1,000 products of the latest innovations in workplace safety and health.

Informa posts 11% growth in revenues for first 10 months

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London, 19th November: Earlier this week, Informa PLC, the London-listed B2B media group, released its latest trading update with an 11% growth of underlying revenue in the first 10 months of 2024.

Informa’s B2B Markets business also recorded an 11% increase year-on-year. In terms of business, Informa Markets’ revenues rose 13.5%, Informa Connect was up 4.9% and Informa Tech 11%.

Management also updated its 2024 full year forecast to revenues of over £3.5 billion (US$4.5 billion), and adjusted operating profit of over £975 million (US$1.26 billion).

According to the company, it will focus on maximising its platform by aligning its businesses more closely in Operations, Brands, Technology, Marketing and Data Analysis. Therefore, the three Live B2B Events businesses (Informa Markets, Informa Connect, Informa Festivals) will be operated as one, alongside Informa TechTarget and the Academic Markets division.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, said, “Informa continues to deliver a strong performance in 2024, with forward bookings providing momentum into 2025. This year sees us complete our four-year GAP2 programme, where our performance has demonstrated the structural growth in our chosen markets, our geographic strength in the US and IMEA in particular, and the power of our market-leading specialist B2B Brands and proprietary first party data.”

Alibaba’s profit jumps 63%

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Hangzhou, 15th November: Last week, the Alibaba Group, one of China’s leading e-commerce companies, released its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2024. The company recorded total revenues of US$34 billion, up 5% year-on-year. Alibaba posted an increase of 63% in its net profit, reaching US$6.2 billion.

Revenues from Alibaba’s B2B business in China under its Taobao and Tmall Group, primarily generated through 1688.com, were US$853 million, representing an increase of 18% year-on-year. Revenues from its international B2B business under its Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, primarily operating through Alibaba.com, increased by 9%, amounting to US$863 million.

The group also released its financial results for the six months ended 30th September, generating revenues of US$68 billion, an increase of 5% year-on-year. Net profit in the six-month period grew by 13%, amounting at US$9.6 billion. Diluted earnings per share in the first half of the financial year were RMB 28 (US$3.99).

In terms of B2B business, revenues from Alibaba’s China B2B business rose 17% year-on-year, reaching US$1.70 billion. While revenues from its international B2B business were US$1.66 billion, up 11% from the same period in the previous year.

Eddie Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group, was quoted, “This quarter we continued to invest in the user experience and strengthen product offerings to serve our consumers. We entered into long-term collaborations with industry peers to broaden payment and logistics services on Taobao and Tmall platforms, which we expect will accelerate our overall growth. Growth in our Cloud business accelerated from prior quarters, with revenues from public cloud products growing in double digits and AI-related product revenue delivering triple-digit growth. We are more confident in our core businesses than ever and will continue to invest in supporting long-term growth. Our other businesses continued to improve their operating efficiency, with most of them continuing to increase their profitability or reduce losses.”

Separately, Alibaba has established Alibaba E-commerce Business Group, integrating of Taobao and Tmall Group, Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, the 1688 Marketplace, Idle Fish and others, covering domestics and international supply chains. The company has also appointed Mr. Fan Jiang as Chief Executive Officer of the new business group.

300 MICE events held in Macau in Q3

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Macau, 15th November: Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) has recently announced its MICE statistics for the quarter ended 30th September 2023. Macau held a total of 300 events in the quarter which is 43 events more than the third quarter in 2023. However, the total number of participants dropped slightly by 4.8% year-on-year, with a total of 520,900 participants and attendees.

Of the total 300 events, 276 were meetings and conferences, 44 events more than the same quarter of last year. Total number of participants at meetings and conferences increased by 20%, reaching 59,300 participants. A total of 14 exhibitions were held in the quarter, which was six exhibitions less than the previous year. The number of attendees decreased by 7.5%, amounting to 455,800 attendees. The total gross area occupied by these exhibitions was 96,200 m2.

DSEC also released its MICE statistics for the first nine months of 2024.  A total of 1,011 MICE events were held in Macau during the nine-month period. That is 232 events more than the same period in 2023. However, the total number of participants and attendees was down by 18% year-on-year, with just more than 1 million participants and attendees.

Quick takes

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Messe Düsseldorf China launches Organic Festa Asia in 2025

Messe Düsseldorf China will launch the inaugural Organic Festa Asia, running from 3rd to 5th September 2025, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). The new event will cover the entire organic value chain, aiming to reflect the scale of the organic industry in Asia and China. It will also deliver high-quality organic products to better meet consumer needs.

CIIE deals rise to US$80 billion

The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) concluded on 10th November in Shanghai, attracting more than 430,000 professional visitors. A total of 3,496 companies from 129 countries and regions showcased their latest products, technologies and visions for the future. According to media release, tentative deals increased by 2% over the previous edition, reaching US$80 billion.

Diversified acquires Midwest Solar Expo

Diversified Communications announced the acquisition of Midwest Solar Expo (MWSE), to expand its Clean Energy portfolio. After the acquisition, MWSE will join Diversified Communications’ Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA), a U.S.-based conferences and trade shows focused on solar, energy storage, EV charging infrastructure and manufacturing. No financial details of the transaction have been disclosed.

UFI names first “UFI Medal of Honour” recipients

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, launched a new scheme, “UFI Medal of Honour”, awarding individuals for their unique services to the global exhibition industry at large and UFI community in particular. The first “UFI Medals of Honour”, UFI leadership selected: Sandy Angus (UFI President 2001 – 2003), Mary Larkin (UFI President 2020 – 2021), and Kai Hattendorf(UFI CEO since 2015).

BICC refurbishes facilities

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Bali, 5th November: The Bali International Convention Centre (BICC), managed by The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, has announced the completion of extensive renovations, offering state-of-the-art technology and cultural heritage.

The newly refurbished Mangupura Hall will have modern wall panels, cutting-edge LDE installations on both sides of the existing stage, and a sleek, upgraded stage design. A grand new carpet is also changed, bringing a fresh, sophisticated atmosphere ideal for the clients, including high-profile conferences, exhibitions, and social events. Nusantara Hall and Jakarta Hall have also upgraded by replacing a new carpet and lighting system installation. Others parts of the venue have also undergone various upgrades.

General Manager of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali and Bali International Convention Centre Sander Looijen, said, “Our Bali International Convention Centre (BICC), with over 33 years of experience, continues to lead the industry with pride. Our strength lies in the expertise of our associates, many of whom have been with us for years, ensuring the highest level of service and professionalism. We are committed to preserving Bali’s rich culture, enhancing the guest experience through stories like the famous Ramayana, which adds a unique cultural touch to our events.”

TCEB promotes Thailand at Exhibition Industry Summit 2024

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Thailand, 12th November: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has invited key exhibition industry leaders from Europe and Asia to attend the Exhibition Industry Summit 2024, showing them the country’s potential for hosting trade fairs.

During the summit, the Thai government shared its policy to promote the exhibition industry and its open business culture. Under the theme of “See Tomorrow Now”, the summit focused on future business opportunities in Thailand.

Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, TCEB president, stated, “This is really important to their future decisions on venue selection for big events. We also received valuable recommendations on areas of development to propel the exhibition industry forwards while effectively addressing the changing needs in the global market.”

It is expected to draw some 60 new international exhibitions to Thailand throughout the next three years (2025-2027), generating about 7.4 billion baht (US$218 million) and featuring 426,000 visitors from international and local.

BOL posts decrease in revenues and profit in Q3

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Bangkok, 12th November: Business Online (BOL), a leading online information service provider in Thailand, has reported its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2024. Revenues in the quarter were US$6.01 million, representing a year-on-year decrease of 15%.

The company’s net profit also dropped 15% from the same quarter of 2023, down to US$2.6 million. The company attributed the decrease in revenues to the information services in the form of customized report, recognition from projects.

For the nine months ended 30th September, BOL reported revenues in the period decreased by 10% year-on-year, amounting at US$17.6 million. Its net profit in the nine-month period was US$7.1 million, representing a decrease of 8.5% from the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share in the first nine months of 2024 were Baht 0.28 (US$0.0086).

Constellar launches process technology event

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Singapore, 12th November: Singapore-based Constellar will launch the first dedicated process technology event in the Southeast Asia, Process Innovation Asia Pacific – Power by ACHEMA (PIA) will be organised with international partner DECHEMA Ausstellungs-GmbH (DECHEMA Exhibitions).

The new event will be held from 19th to 21st November 2024, at Singapore EXPO. It will be a pivotal role in driving transformation, catalysing innovation and promoting sustainable growth for a greener future across the region’s (petro-)chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food processing industries.

The theme of the new show is “Inspiring Sustainable Growth”, focusing on three key content pillars: Industrial growth & sustainability development in Asia; Digital advancement & innovations; and Sustainable & green practices.

The conference programme will have over 50 sessions, presented by over 40 industry experts and practitioners.

Quick takes

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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.”