BESydney secures 76 events until 2030

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Sydney, 20th December: Business Events Sydney (BESydney) secured over 30 events in the second half of 2024, with an estimated direct expenditure of A$100 million (US$63.5 million) for Sydney.

According to BESyndey, a total of 76 events have been secured until 2030, expecting to attract 111,000 delegates, and generating A$451 million (US$286 million) in direct expenditure. Of the 76 secured events, 31 events will be held in 2025.

BESydney CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith, said, “Sydney is a city on the threshold of major change as the government plans come to fruition. The Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport, Bradfield City and the surrounding Aerotropolis are a hub of city-changing development and the new infrastructure and investment accompanying them will have significant influence on our industry sectors… And the transformation continues around the city’s famous Harbour, with the new Sydney Fish Markets a masterpiece in design, and the re-development around Darling Harbour and the International Convention Centre Sydney will be a game-changer for delegates to Sydney. We are seeing vibrant neighbourhoods come to life throughout the city through the work of the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. We cannot wait to showcase Sydney shining ever more brightly on the global stage.”

KLCC hosts 1,600 events in 2024

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Kuala Lumpur, 17th December: The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) hosted over 1,600 events in 2024, welcoming 1.1 million delegates, and generated an estimated RM 1 billion (US$224 million) in economic impact for Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.

In 2024, KLCC highlights for the year include: Event diversity; Refurbished spaces and facilities; and Sustainability achievements and community engagements.

John Burke, the Centre’s General Manager, commented, “2024 has been a positive year for us, marked by a busy event calendar and remarkable achievements. This is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our incredible team and the steadfast support of our partners, clients and stakeholders. These milestones reflect the resilience, dynamism and boundless potential of Malaysia’s business events industry.”

2025 will be KLCC’s 20th anniversary, the venue will have various events to celebrate. In the coming year, the venue will prioritise: Environmental stewardship; Corporate social responsibility (CSR); and Gearing up existing ESG efforts and standards.

Alibaba Group announces two transactions

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Hangzhou, 17th December: Recently, Alibaba Group announced two transactions: The company and another minority shareholder agreed to sell 100% of the equity interest in Intime; and the company announced the disposal of the Alibaba Sale Shares in Sun Art.

Intime is one of the leading department store operators in PRC. Alibaba currently holds about 99% of the equity interest in Intime. It is expected Alibaba will get RMB 7.4 billion (US$1.0 billion), and the company will loss RMB 9.3 billion (US$1.3 billion).

Separately, Alibaba Group held Sun Art Shares through wholly-owned subsidiaries, A-RT Retail and Taobao China. According to press release, the Purchaser and Sun Art in relation to: (1) the entering of the SPA; (2) the possible mandatory unconditional cash offers to be made by the Purchaser for the entire issues share capital of Sun Art; and (3) the possible compulsory acquisition and withdrawal of listing of Sun Art.

UFI and SISO extend partnership to 2027

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Paris, 18th December: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has extended partnership with SISO, The Society of Independent Show Organizers, from 2024 to 2027.

The two organisations have partnered since 2009. In the past 15 years, they worked jointly on industry issues under numerous leaderships.

One of the elements focus on the renewed partnership will be a collaboration on content development for the UFI European Events Week 2025 and the SISO Leadership Conference 2025. The associations’ face-to-face meetings provide a platform for their communities meet to discover and discuss topics relevant to the exhibitions industry. It will also bring North American colleagues and industry insights to Europe and, vice versa, international insights to the U.S.

Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO, was quoted, “UFI’s European Events Week will serve as the central ‘one-stop shop’ in Europe for senior exhibition industry professionals in 2025 to connect and network. The new, much wider content framework makes the event much more accessible to leading subject matter experts through one-of-a-kind content offers like the one SISO will bring.”

Quick takes

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Ayana Resort Bali new facilities for meetings and events

Ayana Resort Bali has opened several new facilities for corporate gatherings: the Saka Museum, After Rock, and Tevanna Garden. Saka Museum offers two indoor function areas. A bridge connects the museum to After Rock, a night lounge. Tevanna Garden, a Japanese-inspired garden for teambuilding activities, is adjacent to Saka Museum.

GCCEC appoints new General Manager

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) appointed Nick Jeffery as its new General Manager. He has been with GCCEC for seven years, and as Acting General Manager for five months. In the past five months, he has been instrumental in ensuring continued smooth operations of the business, exceptional service delivery and ongoing client satisfaction.

Thailand surpasses 2024 arrivals targets

Thailand has already surpassed its arrivals targets for 2024, with 35 million visitors. International tourist arrivals generated 1.8 trillion Baht (US$53 billion). For 2025, the tourism authorities have set targets of between 36 and 39 million in international arrivals, generating 1.98 to 2.23 trillion Baht (US$58-66 billion) in tourism revenue.