Quick takes

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COEX appoints as new CEO

COEX, exhibition organiser and venue in Korea, announced the appointment of Cho Sang-hyun as its new CEO for a three-year team from March 2025 to March 2028. Cho, formerly director of Korea International Trade Association’s (KITA) International Trade and Commerce Research Institute, joined KITA in 1990, has built extensive expertise in international trade and commerce, serving key leadership roles.

Gaurav Sood appointed as new CEO of Messe Stuttgart India

Messe Stuttgart India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Messe Stuttgart in Delhi, appointed Gaurav Sood as its new CEO. He will succeed Aditya Gupta who had been temporarily managing Messe Stuttgart India since June 2024. Sood has 25 years of experience in the MICE industry in India, with the last 5 years as General Manager of Hyve India.

MEA ceases operations after 50 years

Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) announced to cease its operations on 27th March 2025. In addition, the annual MEA National Conference, scheduled to held in June 2025 in Sydney, will also be cancelled. The decision of cease the operation was due to MEA has been unable to secure the necessary cash sponsorship to maintain its activities.

Indonesia’s event sector losses US$27m

Indonesia’s event industry recorded 638 events to cancel or postpone, following government-imposed budget cut. A survey estimated the event cancellations and postponements to loss about US$27 million, with affecting key business cities the most.

5,000+ buyers at inaugural Connect Marketplace Hong Kong

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Hong Kong, 24th March: Organised by Informa Markets Asia, the inaugural Connect Marketplace Hong Kong concluded with more than 5,000 buyers attending its networking events and conferences, and over 1,500 pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings were also facilitated during the event.

A key highlight was the signing ceremony for the Better Stands Program by the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA), aiming to establish a new benchmark for environmentally-responsible practices within the industry.

Margaret Ma Connolly, president and CEO of Informa Markets Asia, was quoted, “Following its launch in Europe in 2022, we brought this programme to Asia a year later. We are piloting this idea across all our shows, where our booths are entirely reusable. HKECIA is our first partner, and we intend to get all industry associations to sign up and help promote this initiative. This is just the beginning. Our goal for next year is to roll it out in many more countries.”

CEIR: U.S. B2B exhibition industry continues to rebound

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U.S., 24th March: The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its latest index tracking the U.S. B2B exhibition industry in the fourth quarter of 2024, showing the industry continue to rebound with a strong improvement in the quarter.

The CEIR Total Index combines to track four metrics: net square feet (NSF) sold, number of exhibitors, number of attendees, and real revenues. The Q4 CEIR Total Index dropped 4.4% in the quarter, compared to the same period in 2019. Among the four metrics, number of exhibitors has recovered the most, with 0.1% below the Q4 2019 figure, followed by real revenues at 1.1% behind Q4 2019. NSF was 3.0% below Q4 2019, and number of attendees was the slowest to recover, with 12.9% behind.

Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics, commented, “Recent results confirm the continued recovery in trade show activity through the end of last year. This year our baseline outlook remains positive, though we expect economic and policy uncertainty and weaker sentiment among international participants will weigh on business decisions and the ongoing recovery in trade show activity.”

dmg events launches HVACR World in Dubai

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Dubai, 26th March: dmg events will host HVACR World in Dubai, running from 24th to 27th November 2025, at Dubai World Trade Centre, serving the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).

The event aims to serve as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of HVAR, focusing on high-growth sectors, including construction, logistics, healthcare, and food & beverage. It will also feature discussions on smart cities, green buildings, and sustainability, supporting the region’s shift to next-generation air systems.

HVACR World will co-locate with Big 5 Global, a leading construction event in the region.

Matt Denton, President of dmg events, said, “With a $9 trillion construction project pipeline in the MEASA region, the demand for advanced, energy-efficient climate control solutions reaches an all-time high. HVACR World serves as a premier platform connecting global industry leaders with these rapidly expanding markets, driving innovation and sustainability in HVACR technologies. AHRI’s endorsement further strengthens the event’s role as a key industry forum.”

Quick takes

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Registration open for 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will organise its 92nd Global Congress in Hong Kong, running from 19th to 22nd November 2025. The event will be hosted by the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). The registration has been opened at www.uficongress.org

RX Global’s IGTM appoints Fiona Ashton as Event Manager

RX Global (formerly Reed Exhibitions) announced to appoint Fiona Ashton as Event Manager of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), an event serving the global golf tourism industry. Fiona has over 13 years of experience at RX Global and she will oversee the operational planning and execution of IGTM in the new role. IGTM’s former Event Director, David Griffiths, will continue to play an integral role within the IGTM team as Head of Sales across the Hosted Travel Portfolio of events, working with Sales Manager Callum Forbes.

HKTDC’s FILMART & EntertainmentPulse attract 7,600+ industry players

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse, drawing more than 7,600 industry players from 42 countries and regions. During the four-day event, over 760 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions promoted cross-regional, cross-media and cross-industry.

VIV Asia 2025 features 1,500 exhibitors

VIV Asia 2025, organised by VNU Asia Pacific, featuring 1,5000 exhibitors across 63 countries and regions, showcasing the feed-to-food industry in Asia. Running from 12th to 14th March 2025, at IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok, the event featured an electrifying showcase of innovation, expertise, and global collaboration, drawing top industry leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers from around the world. The next VIV Asia will be scheduled from 10th to 12th March 2027.

ICCA and AIME announce new partnership

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Australia, 14th March: The International Congress and Conference Association (ICCA) announced a new industry partnership with the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), bringing business opportunities to ICCA members in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and other global regions.

Under the partnership, AIME will serve as a partner in advocacy for international business events industry for destination enhancement. AIME and ICCA will be able to expand opportunity, growth and development for members of business events community.

Talk2 Media & Events (managed AIME) Director Matt Pearce, said, “The AIME team has worked closely with Senthil, Waikin Wong (ICCA Asia Pacific Regional Director) and the whole ICCA team for several years and we are pleased to formalise this with an industry partnership. We look forward to driving business events growth and prosperity in APAC with ongoing personal and professional development opportunities through AIME and ICCA in the coming years as AIME cements its position as the leading business events exhibition and learning platform.”

Yashobhoomi to release bidding process for final phase of expansion

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India, 12th March: Located in Dwarka, New Delhi, Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre – IICC) will release the bidding process for the second and final phase of its development.

The first phase was inaugurated on 17th September 2023. The second phase will add 180,000 m2 of indoor exhibiting area. After completion of the second phase, Yashobhoomi will have a capacity of 300,000 m2. The government of India will also announce the bidding process to develop the commercial land adjacent to Yashobhoomi later.

Phil Chung, CEO of KINEXIN Convention Management, venue operating partner of Yashobhoomi, was quoted, “We are aiming to get one of the world’s largest semiconductor tradeshows to Yashobhoomi, which is expected to take place later this year.”

Messe Düsseldorf China unveils strategic vision

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Beijing, 7th March: Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (MDS), subsidiary of a world leading exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, unveiled its strategic vision for 2025 under the theme “Embark Together, Achieve Beyond”, to foster collaborative innovation and drive industry excellence across China and beyond.

Established in 2009, MDS has introduced industry leading trade fairs to China and provided Chinese and international customers with superior exhibition services. Today, MDS hosts 13 leading trade fairs and conferences in China, covering industries of printing, packaging, wire & tube, plastics, medical devices, rehabilitation, retail, safety & health, wine & spirits, and caravanning.

According to Messe Düsseldorf, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 13% of all exhibitors at its flagship events in Germany. In terms of net exhibition space, China was third globally and the first in non-European countries. Messe Düsseldorf in China is also its largest subsidiary.

Ms. Evian Gu, General Manager of MDS, stated, “Over the years, we have consistently upheld an innovative spirit, working hand-in-hand with every partner here to overcome challenges and achieve one industry milestone after another. Moving forward, we look forward to continuing this journey alongside our partners, building on trust as our foundation and collaboration as our bond, to write even more chapters together!”

In the coming years, Messe Düsseldorf China will continue to collaborate with partners to promote the high-quality development of the exhibition industry.

DCA expands to Indonesia and Malysia

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Hong Kong, 17th March: Informa Markets’ Data Center Asia (DCA) announced to expand portfolio in Asia in 2025, by launching two exhibitions in Malaysia and Indonesia, following the launch of DCA Hong Kong (DCA-HK).

The DCA exhibitions will present the entire data center value chain, highlighting ground-breaking advancements in hardware, digital infrastructure, AI, cloud solutions and cybersecurity. According to Informa Markets, each edition will provide localised insights tailored to its respective market, while remaining seamlessly connected to the broader DCA network.

The inaugural DCA-HK will take place from 15th to 17th July 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), which is the flagship event of the series. It will connect the data center industries of Northeast and Southeast Asia and also serve as a strategic gateway for global companies entering the Asian market.

DCA Indonesia (DCA-ID) will target as a focused, localised event designed to address the specific opportunities and challenges of Indonesia’s digital transformation. It will be held from 17th to 18th September 2025, at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo). DCA Malaysia (DCA-MY) is scheduled to run from 18th to 20th November 2025, at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, serving as a key hub for Southeast Asia’s data center landscape.

Quick takes

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New Zealand adds NZ$3m funding for business events

The New Zealand government announced to add an additional NZ$3 million (US$1.7 million) in funding to attract international conferences and incentive business. The funding will be available to organisations to bid for hosting international conferences in New Zealand and will also support efforts to attract high-value incentive business.

Connect Marketplace to be held in Hong Kong

The new Connect Marketplace Hong Kong, aims to accelerate business within the Asian business events industry, is scheduled to run from 19th to 21st March 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). The programme will include targeted networking events, informative conferences, and strategic incentives designed to foster tangible business outcomes.

Easyfairs buys Digital Accountancy Show

Easyfairs announced the acquisition of Digital Accountancy Show, a leading technology conference for accountants, bookkeepers and finance professionals. Launched in 2020, Digital Accountancy Show aims to drive change and support the evolution of the accounting profession. No financial details were disclosed. The next edition of Digital Accountancy Show will be held from 1st to 2nd April 2025, at London Evolution in Battersea, expecting over 150 exhibitors and more than 5,000 visitors.

Freeman buys Tag Digital

Freeman acquired Tag Digital, a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in innovative solutions for event organisers in EMEA, APAC and North America. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. After the acquisition, Tag will combine with mdg, a Freeman company. mdg’s digital marketing capabilities will be better serve show organisers and associations, and also positioning it for growth in new markets.

Pico Thailand’s profit up 139%

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Bangkok, 7th March: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, announced its results for the quarter ended 31st January 2025. Revenues during the quarter were US$8.8 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.2%.

The company’s net profit jumped 139% year-on-year, reaching US$239,000 for the quarter. Earnings per share in the quarter were Baht 0.037 (US$0.0011).

The management attributed the increase in revenues to E-Sport project with Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), in the result of an increase income from Event marketing. The company also recorded increases in income from Learning center & Museum business, and Knowledge Communication.

Experia launches aviation expo in Singapore

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Singapore, 11th March: Organised by Experia Events, the inaugural edition of Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx) concluded at Singapore’s Changi Exhibition Centre, welcoming over 2,000 attendees from 56 countries and regions. Of those, 53% were foreign attendance.

Running from 4th to 6th March 2025, BAAFEx featured four elements: Exhibition, Expert Panels & Keynote Speakers, Aircraft Displays, and Networking Opportunities. During the three-day event, a total of 12 conference sessions were held, bringing 46 speakers to share their expertise, knowledge and insights.

Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, said, “The consensus among exhibitors, sponsors and trade visitors is that the inaugural show exceeded their expectations. Exhibitors were impressed by the number of quality business meetings they had, resulting in sales opportunities… The enormous momentum created from BAAFEx 2025 means we anticipate that the next show in 2027 will be even bigger.”

The next edition of BAAFEx will be held in 2027.

82,000+ buyers attend HKTDC’s jewellery shows

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Hong Kong, 9th March: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has recently concluded its twin jewellery shows, attracting over 82,000 buyers from 141 countries and regions, under a “two shows, two venues” format.

The 41st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running from 4th to 8th March; while the 11th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show took place from 2nd to 6th March, at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). Some 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions showcased at the two shows. According to the HKTDC, about 32,000 buyers attended the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, and 51,000 buyers visited the Jewellery Show.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, was quoted, “As a leading global trading hub for the jewellery industry, the twin jewellery shows brought together international buyers and organised more than 30 industry seminars and activities to foster innovation and collaboration within the sector. The shows also actively promote local design and nurture the next generation of industry talents through jewellery design competitions, underscoring their impact on the global jewellery landscape and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a world-class convention and exhibition centre.”

Quick takes

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Informa Markets launches WHX Tech

International exhibition organiser, Informa Markets, announced to launch WHX Tech, a groundbreaking digital health, technology, and innovation exhibition. This will unify Informa Markets’ global healthcare events under the World Health Expo (WHX) brand. WHX Tech will run from 8th to 10th September 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, targeting at the world’s leading hub for digital healthcare innovation. It is expected to feature over 300 exhibitors and audience of C-level decision-makers.

IFAT to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026

dmg events and Messe München will co-organise a new IFAT brand in Saudi Arabia, a trade fair for environmental technologies focusing on water, sewage, waste and raw materials management. The new show will be co-located with dmg events’ Global Water Expo (GWE), running from 26th to 28th January 2026, ay Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

5,000+ suppliers at 2025 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows

The Spring 2025 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows is scheduled from 11th to 30th April 2025, at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). There will be three phases covering nine major sourcing categories, including gaming, consumer electronics, electronic components, mobile electronics, smart home, security & home appliances, home & kitchen, lifestyle, sports & outdoor, and baby & children’s products. About 5,000 Asian suppliers will occupy 9,000 booths, showcasing more than 340,000 in-demand products, and it is expected to attract over 100,000 professional buyers worldwide.

Entertainment Expo returns with 9 key events

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2025 will take place from 16th March to 27th April. This year’s expo will feature nine events: Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), EntertainmentPulse, Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA), Asian Film Awards (AFA), Digital Entertainment Summit, Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta, and Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music).

Informa Markets’ revenues up 14% in FY2024

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London, 6th March: Informa PLC released its preliminary full year results for the year ended 31st December 2024, reporting revenues of £3.6 billion (US$4.5 billion), which represents underlying growth of 12%. Adjusted operating profits for the year were £995 million (US$1.2 billion), representing underlying growth of 23%.

In 2024, Informa’s events business, Informa Markets, reported revenues of £1.7 billion (US$2.2 billion), representing underlying growth of 14%. Adjusted operating profits were £520 million (US$653 million), with underlying growth of 24% compared with the previous year.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa PLC, said, “On every measure, the Informa Group delivered an outstanding result in 2024, from revenue growth to higher dividend returns, alongside further International and Portfolio expansion. This is a performance we aim to repeat in 2025. Our growth ambitions through the 2025-2028 One Informa period are underpinned by structural growth in B2B Events and Specialist Knowledge, market-leading Brands and a geographic mix weighted to fast-growing economies. Further scale and opportunity in the increasingly important GCC Growth Gateway is delivered through today’s proposed strategic partnership in the UAE.”

In 2025, Informa targets double-digit growth in Group Revenue and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share. The company expects its B2B Events Division to have an underlying revenue growth of over 7% in 2025.

UFI appoints new Programme Manager Content & Communities

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Paris, 27th February: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the appointment of Alex Hsu as its new Programme Manager Content & Communities.

Alex, from Taiwan and now based in Paris, brings his experience in trade show coordination and marketing. He has worked with Messe Frankfurt in both Taiwan and France. It is expected his expertise to extend beyond exhibitions with a background in graphic design, and bringing both his creative and strategic sides to UFI’s programmes and initiatives. In the new role, he will work within UFI’s Marketing & Communications team on strategic initiatives. He will also be responsible for UFI’s 100-Year Celebration campaign.

Adeline Vancauwelaert, COO of UFI, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Alex to UFI. With his industry knowledge and creative mindset, he is a fantastic addition to our Marketing & Communications team. We look forward to the work he’ll do to further strengthen our reach within the global exhibition industry.”