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.