Alibaba Group’s revenues up 9% in June Quarter

Hong Kong, 20th August: Last week, Alibaba Group, China’s largest e-commerce company, announced its results for the quarter ended 30th June 2026. The company recorded revenues of US$40 billion, an increase of 9% year-on-year. However, the company’s profit posted a decrease of 75% over the same quarter in 2025, down to US$1.5 billion. Alibaba attributed the decline to the decrease in come from operations, decrease in net gains from disposal of investments, and the decrease in net gain from mark-to-market changes of the equity investment. Diluted earnings per share in the quarter were RMB 0.46 (US$0.07).

The new Alibaba E-commerce Group, including its B2B business, presents its revenues in four segments: China E-commerce, China Quick Commerce, International E-commerce, and Global Wholesale, reflecting the company’s strategic focus on unlocking significant synergies across its domestic and cross-border e-commerce businesses. The Alibaba E-commerce Group generated revenues of US$30 billion, a year-on-year 4% increase. The Global Wholesale segment recorded revenues of US$2.05 billion in the quarter, up 7% from the same quarter last year.

For the whole company, the Alibaba Group reported revenue growth was due to AI monetization and Cloud revenues growth.

Eddie Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group, said, “We delivered a strong quarter, driven by the improving commercialization of our full‑stack AI capabilities. Alibaba Cloud’s external revenue growth accelerated to 45%, with AI-related product revenue delivering triple-digit growth for the twelfth consecutive quarter. We recently launched frontier language, coding, video, audio, image and music models, all delivering top-tier performance. We introduced QwenWork, an AI workforce agent that unleashes enterprise productivity and capabilities. With our full‑stack AI strategy, we have put Alibaba in a superior position to capture the substantial growth of demand for artificial intelligence and AI compute.”

Separately, the Alibaba Group announced the pricing of its HK$80 billion placing of 710,000,000 newly issued ordinary shares of the company (Placement Shares) to non-U.S. persons outside the United States, at a placing price of HK$112.70 per Placement Share, which is expected to close on 26th August 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Meorient posts decrease in revenues and profits

Shanghai, 22nd August: Shenzhen-listed exhibition organiser, Meorient, has recently announced its financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2026. The group’s revenues in the first half of 2026 dropped by 30% year-on-year, down to US$25 million.

The company posted a net loss of US$2.2 million, compared with a net profit of US$2.2 million in the first half of 2025. The company stated the loss was mainly due to the cancellation of the offline exhibition originally scheduled to be held in Dubai, UAE in June 2026.

During the first half of 2026, Meorient held five exhibitions in Japan (Osaka and Tokyo), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City), Indonesia (Jakarta) and Poland (Warsaw). These exhibitions featured more than 1,700 exhibitors from more than 10 provinces and cities in China, occupying a total exhibition area over 70,000 m2, and attracting more than professional buyers.

To improve its performance, the company optimised its product portfolio, providing exhibitors with international exhibition platforms tailored to specific industries, to build a differentiated core competitive advantage. In addition, the company has also secured key exhibition halls and prime time slots in its key markets and established in-depth cooperation with the local leading business organisations.

Made-in-China.com’s revenues up 15%

Nanjing, 26th August: Earlier this week, Shenzhen-listed Focus Technology, owner and operator of the B2B trading platform, Made-in-China.com, announced its financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2026. Revenues were US$155 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 15%.

However, the company’s profit in the six-month period dropped by 12%, down to US$38 million. Diluted earnings per share in the first half of 2026 were RMB 0.6196 (US$0.091).

As of 30th June, the company reported that Made-in-China.com platform had a total of 30,915 paid members, up 8% year-on-year. At the same time, the company’s AI service, “AI Mai”, had about 14,392 paid members. In the first half of 2026, revenues generated from “AI Mai” were US$7.03 million, up 38% year-on-year.

According to the company, the Made-in-China.com platform has steadily improved in the membership scale and operating quality in the reported period. The company also posted a strong performance in its “AI Mai” service.

Quick takes

TCEB’s MEET Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen to be held next month

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will launch MEET Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen next month, taking place from 9th to 10th September 2026, at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre (SZCEC) in Shenzhen. The event will cover an exhibition and meeting space of 7,500 m2, expecting to attract 1,500 participants. With the theme of “Thailand: Meet for More”, TCEB aims to introduce a new dimension of overseas business events marketing focused on the Chinese market.

Baidu to dual-primary listing in Hong Kong and U.S.

Baidu, Inc., a leading AI company, announced the company’s secondary listing status to primary listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Hong Kong Stock Exchange), to become effective on 1st September 2026. The company will become a dual-primary listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong and the NASDAQ Global Select Market in the United States.

3.5m+ visitor arrivals to Macau in July

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) its latest report of visitor arrivals in July 2026. A total of 3,542,218 visitor arrivals to Macau were recorded in July, increased by 2.4% year-on-year. Same-day visitors grew by 6.4%, reaching 2,107,744; however, overnight visitors dropped 2.9%, down to 1,434,474. The average length of stay of visitors shortened by 0.1 day year-on-year, at 1.1 days.

Pet Fair Asia 2026 attracts 130,000+ professionals

The 28th edition of Pet Fair Asia concluded at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), attracting over 130,000 professional visitors, from 102 countries. Running from 19th to 23rd August 2026, the event featured more than 2,600 exhibitors, covering an exhibition space of 320,000 m2. More than 80 themed summits, forums and events were held during the exhibition. In addition, the two public days attracted more than 400,000 pet lovers to the event. The next edition of the event will be held from 18th to 22nd August 2027, returning to SNIEC.

CENTRESTAGE returns in Hong Kong in September

CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s premier annual fashion event, will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running from 2nd to 5th September 2026. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the event will bring some 270 brands from 24 countries and regions. More than 40 spectacular events, including over 30 fashion shows, will also be held during CENTRESTAGE.

Share price movement in B2B media companies involved in Asia

Figure 1: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement over past 12 months)

Figure 2: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement since January 2026)

TCEB launches MEET Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen

Thailand, 13th August: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced the launch of MEET Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen, taking plan on 9th to 10th September 2026, at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre (SZCEC) in Shenzhen. The event will cover an exhibition and meeting space of 7,500 m2, expecting to attract 1,500 participants, with the theme of “Thailand: Meet for More”, aiming to introduce a new dimension of overseas business events marketing focused on the Chinese market.

The event will bring some 100 leading Thai organisations from the public sector, private sector and academia in the largest collaboration of its kind ever organised by TCEB, showcasing business opportunities across various industries to Chinese business participants. During the event, business matching appointments between Thai and Chinese companies will be held, as well as sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to strengthen Thailand-China business cooperation.

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of the TCEB, said, “This is the first time TCEB has received such unprecedented support from leading economic agencies, private sector businesses and academic institutions, with around 100 organisations participating. Importantly, participation extends far beyond the traditional MICE sector to include trade, investment, tourism, technology, digital industries, education, food, healthcare and the creative economy. As a result, MEET Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen will be the largest and most comprehensive overseas market engagement platform ever organised by TCEB for Thai businesses across multiple sectors.”

918 MICE events held in Macau in first half

Macau, 14th August: Last week, Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released its MICE statistics for the first half of 2026. Macau held a total of 918 MICE events in the six-month period, dropped six events compared with the first half of 2025. However, the total number of participants and attendees in the same period increased by 16% year-on-year, reaching 494,300.

Of the 918 events, 854 were meetings and conferences, down by 14 from the first half of 2025. The total number of participants at meetings and conferences grew by 29.9%, amounting at 102,700 participants. A total of 29 exhibitions were held in the first half of 2026, which was two more than the same period last year. The number of attendees was up by 12.5%, reaching 385,400.

DSEC also reported its MICE statistics for the second quarter of 2026. A total of 499 MICE events were held in Macau during the quarter, which remained the same as the second quarter of 2025. While the total number of participants and attendees jumped 37.6% year-on-year, amounting at 313,900.

Baidu’s revenues down 4% in Q2

Beijing, 18th August: Earlier this week, Baidu, the leading Chinese language Internet search provider, announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2026. Revenues for the quarter were US$4.6 billion, down 4% from the second quarter of 2025. The company posted a profit decline of 68% year-on-year, down to US$342 million in the quarter.

Baidu General Business generated revenues of US$3.7 billion in the quarter, decreased by 4% year-on-year. While revenues from iQIYI were US$927 million, representing a decline of 5% from the second quarter of 2025.

Baidu also released its financial results for the six months ended 30th June. Revenues in the first half of the year were US$9.3 billion, dropped by 2.7% year-on-year. Profit in the six-month period decreased by 62%, amounting at US$850 million. Diluted earnings per share in the first half of 2026 were RMB 1.81 (US$0.27).

Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu, was quoted, “With AI-powered Business now firmly established as the core of Baidu, we are strengthening the foundations for our next phase of AI-driven growth. AI Cloud Infra sustained strong momentum this quarter, with GPU Cloud growth accelerating further off an already high base. Our AI Applications portfolio also continued to flourish, with stronger capabilities and increasingly diverse use cases. Apollo Go made steady progress with its global expansion, while further strengthening its safety and operational capabilities and enhancing the rider experience. While our online marketing business remains under pressure, the growing momentum in our core AI-powered Business reaffirms Baidu’s transition from an internet-centric company to an AI-first company, and strengthens our confidence in our long-term growth potential.”

GCCEC generates A$383m in FY26

Gold Coast, 6th August: The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) reported the venue contributed an estimated A$383 million (US$248 million) to the Gold Coast economy in FY2026.

GCCEC continues to attract repeat business, with returning events accounting for more than 60% of its business, spanning a wide range of sectors. The venue hosts large-scale events ranging from concerts and sporting matches to conferences and exhibitions. According to GCCEC, business event visitors spend 57% more than leisure visitors, and also delivering significant benefits for accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions and businesses across the Gold Coast.

In the coming year, the venue welcome year of strong momentum, with a program of new and returning events secured, including several multi-year agreements.

Nick Jeffrey, General Manager of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, stated, “Business events are a powerful driver of high value visitation, bringing people to the Gold Coast with a clear purpose to connect, learn, collaborate and do business. Delegates are not just attending an event; they are experiencing the city. Delegates stay in our hotels, dine in local restaurants, visit attractions and experience the city first-hand, creating opportunities for return visitation, future investment and greater awareness of the Gold Coast as a business events destination.”

Quick takes

Malaysia to welcome 3m+ visitors in FY2026

The Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), owned by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and managed by METCO Sdn Bhd, posted a strong record of international events, industry partnerships and economic contribution. In 2026, the management estimated the venue to welcome more than 3 million visitors.

502,000+ visits at HKTDC’s August fairs

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded five August trade fairs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), attracting a record of over 520,000 public visits. The five trade fairs were: Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delight Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, featured over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions. For the two trade exhibitions, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, drew some 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions.

Messe Frankfurt India concludes printing shows in India

Co-located shows, Print Expo Chennai and Media Expo Chennai, in collaboration with Sign India Expo, have run at the Chennai Trade Centre for three days, attracting 17,532 visitors from across 221 cities and 20 countries. The shows presented the latest development in commercial printing, digital printing, packaging, converting, signage, branding, automation, and finishing technologies, showcasing 185 exhibitors and over 250 brands, with more than 550 product innovations. Organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd, the co-located shows occupied over 11,000 m2 of gross exhibition space.

Share price movement in B2B media companies involved in Asia

Figure 1: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement over past 12 months)

Figure 2: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement since January 2026)

AIME adds two members to leadership team

Australia, 11th August: The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has announced two appointments to its executive team, by adding Monica Kent-Giles as Marketing Director, and Brook Campbell as Buyer Engagement Director.

Kent-Giles has executive experience across APAC, EMEA, and the US, by serving as senior marketing roles at various organisations. Campbell has more than 20 years of experience across hotels, corporate events, convention centres, and tourism bureaux. She will focus on optimising the buyer journey and matching decision-makers with exhibitors.

AIME 2027 is scheduled to run from 15th to 17th February 2027, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

BOL up in revenues and profits in Q2

Bangkok, 11th August: Earlier this week, Business Online (BOL), an online information service provider in Thailand, reported its financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2026. Revenues during the quarter were US$7.03 million, a year-on-year increase of 7.7%. The company’s profits also grew by 7.8%, reaching at US$2.7 million.

BOL also released its results for the six months ended 30th June. Revenues in the first half of the year were US$13 million, up 8.7% year-on-year. Net profits in the six-month period increased by 8.3%, amounting at US$5.0 million. Diluted earnings per share during the first half of 2026 were Baht 0.201 (US$0.0060).

According to the company, the performance growth was due to a broader contribution across multiple business segments, together with the analytics service through the introduction of new features designed to enhance business linkages.

Tourism Australia updates strategic plan

Australia, 5th August: Tourism Australia has released Tourism 2035, a new 10-year strategic plan, aiming at creating future demand and competitiveness for Australia as a destination internationally and supporting the nation’s tourism sector.

The new Tourism 2035 targes to grow total overnight high yield traveller spend to between A$61 billion (US$39.7 billion) and A$69 billion (US$44.9 billion) by 2035.

Ten key global factors influencing future demand for Australia’s tourism offering had been identified at Tourism 2035: 1) High yield competition; 2) The Asian Century continues; 3) Breadth drives choice; 4) The massive potential of major events; 5) The future of flight; 6) The era of volatility; 7) Multiple paths of purchase; 8) Attention fragmentation; 9) Rise in travel for good; 10) Natural desire.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, Robin Mack, said, “This strategy sets an ambitious course to create and convert demand into high-value visitation to Australia by addressing factors influencing traveller choice, through harnessing technology and fostering partnerships and collaboration across the tourism sector. Our vision is for Australia to be the first destination every traveller dreams of, and the one they ultimately choose. The goal is for Australia to double the expenditure generated by high yield travellers to as much as A$69 billion by 2035.”

In 2025, international visitors contributed A$57 billion (US$37.1 billion) in total overnight spend, of which A$33 billion (US$21.5 billion) were generated by Tourism Australia’s strategic targeting of high yield travellers in the marketing.

100+ exhibitions booths at first IBEM

Jakarta, 5th August: The inaugural Indonesia Business Event Mart (IBEM) concluded with the co-located Southeast Asia Business Events Forum (SEABEF), welcoming more than 1,00 delegates from Indonesia and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Running from 28th to 31st July 2026, at Jakarta International Convention Center, IBEM occupied more than 100 exhibition booths, featuring destinations, convention bureaux, hotels, convention and exhibition centres, destination management companies, cruise operators, event technology providers, and other business event suppliers. Conferences, business appointments, networking events, and cultural experiences were held during the events, reaffirming Indonesia’s position as a leading MICE destination in Southeast Asia.

Quick takes

IEG’s profit up 34% in first half

Last week, Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A. (IEG) released its half-yearly financial report ended 30th June 2026. Revenues in the report period were €163 million (US$186 million), a year-on-year increase of 9%. Net profit in the six-month period grew by 34% year-on-year, reaching €23 million (US$26 million). The company attributed the increase in performance mainly to the growth in events in the portfolio. The company has revised its guidance for the 2026 financial year, expecting revenues to be between €293 million (US$335 million) and €298 million (US$340 million).

Informa TechTarget launches new tool

Informa TechTarget launched the B2B AI Authority Index, which is a diagnostic tool designed to help B2B marketers assess and enhance their brand’s ability to influence buyers in AI-mediated purchase journeys. The B2B AI Authority Index is based on six core capabilities, S.I.G.N.A.L.: Strategy, Insight, Governance, Authority, Narrative, and Longevity.

Messe Düsseldorf appoints new CEO & President in North America

International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, has appointed Geoffrey Sauer as CEO & President of Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA), Messe Düsseldorf’s U.S. subsidiary based in Chicago, Illinois. Effective 17th August 2026, Sauer will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of Messe Düsseldorf’s U.S. subsidiary, with priorities to further developing the existing trade fair portfolio while expanding new, sustainable event formats and business models. He has more than 20 years of leadership experience across the international trade fair, media, and technology sectors, including launching new event formats, expanding international exhibitor participation, and building strategic partnerships with industry associations, government organisations, and multinational companies.

Share price movement in B2B media companies involved in Asia

Figure 1: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement over past 12 months)

Figure 2: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement since January 2026)

Informa Markets’ revenues up 10% in first half of 2026

London, 30th July: Last week, London-listed Informa PLC released its financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2026. Revenues in the first half were £2.06 billion (US$2.7 billion), representing an underlying increase of 5.1%. Adjusted operating profit in the six months was £548 million (US$727 million), representing growth of 2.4%.

In terms of division, Informa Markets, generated revenues of £992 million (US$1.3 billion) during the period, an increase of 10.4%. Total Live B2B Events business (Informa Markets, Informa Connect, and Informa Festival) generated revenues of £1.59 billion (US$2.1 billion), with adjusted operating profit of £450 million (US$596 million).

Informa’s remaining revenues were generated from Taylor & Francis and Informa TechTarget, amounting at £309 million (US$409 million) and £165 million (US$219 million) respectively.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa PLC, said, “Informa delivered another period of strong performance and underlying growth. Our market-leading Brands, investment in first party data and depth and breadth in both geographic and customer markets are underpinning consistently strong performances in B2B Live Events and Academic Markets. We continue to have forward momentum and are reaffirming full year guidance and increasing our share buyback commitment.”

Messe Berline launches CIMX with Sourcing China

Beijing, 3rd August: Organised by Messe Berline China, the inaugural business events trade show, China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) will work with Sourcing China, to bring a delegation of qualified corporate decision-makers to the event as hosted buyers.

CIMX, running from 3rd to 5th November 2026, at China National Convention Centre Phase 2 in Beijing, is a new trade show focused on the meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and business travel sectors. Sourcing China, a leading professional procurement organisation in China, focuses on strategic sourcing, procurement innovation and supply chain development. Under the corporation, Sourcing China will recruit and host a curated group of corporate buyers to participate in pre-scheduled one-to-one appointments and networking activities with exhibitors.

Jennifer Gao, Vice Chair of Sourcing China, was quoted, “As more Chinese companies accelerate their global expansion, the procurement of international conferences, business events, and business travel is becoming increasingly complex. By bringing together high-quality destinations, venues, hotels, and MICE suppliers from around the world, CIMX provides corporate procurement managers with a centralised, efficient, and trustworthy ecosystem that significantly improves supplier selection efficiency while reducing procurement costs and communication complexity.”

HKTDC to open 5 August events

Hong Kong, 5th August: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will organise five fairs in August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), showcasing global foods, tea culture, healthy living and smart home innovations under the theme of “Live Well. Stay Well”.

The 36th Food Expo, 10th Beauty & Wellness Expo and 12th Home Delights Expo will run from 13th to 17th August, while the 4th Food Expo PRO and 17th Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be held from 13th to 15th August. More than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries will be showcased at the five fairs, featuring international delicacies, premium teas and innovative tea beverages, health and beauty products, as well as smart home solutions.

The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM) will also run alongside with the five fairs, from 13th to 15th August. Jointly organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA), the HKTDC and 10 scientific research institutions, the conference will provide industry participants with the latest developments in Chinese medicine while fostering the advancement of the sector.

HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam, stated, “Under the theme of ‘Live Well.Stay Well’, the fairs reflect growing market interest in wellness, quality living and holistic wellbeing. As an international food trading hub, Hong Kong provides food companies with an ideal gateway to the Chinese Mainland and global markets. For the first time, the two trade fairs bring together exhibitors from all ASEAN member states, including debut participations from Brunei and Timor-Leste. We are also delighted to welcome exhibitors from Colombia and Greece for the first time.”