Messe Frankfurt partners to co-organise Notes Shanghai

Shanghai, 29th May: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt, announced a strategic partnership between Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd. and Notes Shanghai Exhibition Co Ltd, to co-organise Notes Shanghai, a leading trade fair dedicated to China’s niche fragrance sector.

The partnership will enhance Messe Frankfurt’s global trade fair expertise and prestigious Beautyworld network, and also Notes Shanghai’s in-depth industry knowledge and local connections. Under the partnership, it is targeted to enhance the event’s international influence, foster new business opportunities, and support the rapid growth of China’s fragrance industry.

The event is scheduled to run from 16th to 19th October 2025, at the West Bund International Convention and Exhibition Center in Shanghai. The event will feature over 200 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions, occupying 5,000 m2 of exhibition space, showcasing the unique scent philosophies. It is expected to attract over 16,000 visitors and professional buyers, including perfume and cosmetics retailers, department stores, distributors, agents, e-commerce platforms, social media influencers, and fragrance enthusiasts.

Mr Edward Che, General Manager at Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, commented, “This partnership represents an exciting milestone for us, marking Messe Frankfurt’s first trade fair dedicated to the fragrance and beauty sector in China. By harnessing our comprehensive industry resources and market knowledge through our consumer goods and beauty network, we aim to fulfil the needs of both industry players and consumers. With our global expertise, we aspire to attract more international brands, fostering industry innovation, amplifying the event's worldwide appeal, and provide a premium platform that connects exhibitors with brands and fragrance lovers.”

Hong Kong hosts 121 exhibitions in 2024

Hong Kong, 4th June: The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKCEIA) highlighted the exhibitions and trade show businesses in Hong Kong are facing labour shortage and global tensions.

According to HKECIA, Hong Kong hosted 121 large-scale exhibitions in 2024, including 80 trade or trade-consumer events, which is an increase of 9.6% from 2023. The total number of exhibitors was nearly 52,000, up 13.9%; while visitor numbers grew by 4.5%, to over 1.46 million.

Chairman Stuart Bailey, highlighted, “Despite the progress made, challenges remain. Exhibitor space rentals declined by 6.8% as companies scaled back spending due to global economic uncertainty. While the total number of exhibitions has nearly recovered to pre-Covid levels, exhibitor and visitor participation lags behind 2019 figures by 25.1% and 21.3%, respectively. Nonetheless, there are encouraging signs. Visitor numbers from mainland China rose by 21% year-on-year, even surpassing 2019 levels. This growth was fuelled by the excellent transport infrastructure within the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong’s enduring attractiveness to mainland businesses.”

Messe München partners to launch project cargo platform

Munich/London, 30th May: Messe München’s transport logistic exhibition series, transport logistic, announced a strategic partnership with Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding International (HLPFI), aiming at elevating the visibility and networking potential of the heavy lift, breakbulk and project cargo sector.

The highlight of the partnership is the exhibition area that will debut across international transport logistic trade fairs, including the events in Singapore, Miami, Mumbai, Shanghai, Istanbul, and Nairobi. Under the partnership, HLPFI will support international sales efforts and take the lead in curating a targeted conference programme, bringing top-tier expertise and insights to the event, while transport logistic will deliver their global reach, operational excellence, and an outstanding visitor experience.

Dr. Robert Schönberger, Global Industry Lead transport logistic exhibitions at Messe München, was quoted, “With project cargo, we’re extending our portfolio to address a vital segment of the logistics chain. Together with HLPFI, we are creating a new meeting point that sets a global benchmark for excellence in heavy and project transport.”

Quick takes

UFI elects President for 2026-27

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced Wolfram Diener (President & CEO, Messe Düsseldorf Group) has been elected by the UFI Board of Directors as the UFI President for the 2026-27 term. Diener will join the UFI Presidential Trio as Incoming President in November 2025 and will become President in November 2026 at the 93rd UFI Global Congress in Bahrain. The UFI Presidential Trio for the November 2025 – November 2026 term will be: Panittha Buri (Vice-Chairperson, Bhiraj Buri Group), President; Hugh Jones (CEO, RX), Outgoing President; and Wolfram Diener, Incoming President.

Informa TechTarget’s revenues up 13% in FY2024

TechTarget, Inc., now under Informa, released its full year results for 2024, with reported revenue of US$285 million, which is a year-on-year 13% increase. However, the company widened its GAAP net loss to US$117 million, which reflected the small contribution period of TechTarget, acquisition and integration costs, and non-cash impairments at the point of combination.

ICC Sydney to host 63 exhibitions in 2025

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) announced the venue will welcome more than 618,000 attendees to 63 exhibitions in 2025. The venue hosts exhibitions representative of New South Wales and Australia’s broader economy, reflecting business and community interests. In addition, several creative, innovative and entertaining exhibitions will be added to the venue’s portfolio.

Informa Markets launches F&B conference

Informa Markets, the world’s leading exhibition organiser, will launch FutureFWD – Hospitality, Food & Beverage, in part of its F&B series of event: Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM), on 25th September 2025, at EQ Kuala Lumpur, focusing on the rapid transformation impacting Asia’s food, beverage, and hospitality sectors.

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 2025)

Messe Frankfurt opens JV in Zhuhai

Zhuhai, 28th May: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt GmbH, opened a new joint venture (JV) in Zhuhai. Messe Frankfurt (Zhuhai) Airshow Co Ltd, a JV between Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Zhuhai Airshow Group Co Ltd., will be a strategic expansion set to enhance the global reach of AERO Asia, a leading business platform for the general aviation (GA) industry and low-altitude economy.

According to Messe Frankfurt, the new office in Zhuhai targets to improve logistics and regional partnerships and on-ground support for AERO Asia. AERO Asia is positioned for global industry players expanding their business in the Chinese and Asian markets. The new JV will provide operational support for exhibitors, in terms of venue coordination, onsite services, pre-show promotion, and rapid feedback on domestic markets.

AERO Asia was launched in 2023, showcasing 268 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, 92 aircraft with 32 fly-ins, attracting over 68,000 visitors. AERO Asia 2025 will cover an exhibition area of 40,000 m2, under the theme of “A New Era: Explore More”, focusing on emerging topics, and five key areas will be presented at the exhibition.

Mr Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, was quoted, “Zhuhai is a hotspot for aviation manufacturing and trade, and is well connected as part of South China’s Greater Bay Area. Establishing a JV office in the city is a crucial step for Messe Frankfurt to strengthen local ties in the GA industry and low-altitude economy; ahead of the upcoming show, and for many years to come. This new JV demonstrates our Group’s commitment to the sector, and together with Zhuhai Airshow Group, will be the launchpad for us to grow the AERO brand in Asia.”

ICCA and IFES announce new partnership

Amsterdam, 28th May: The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) announced a two-year strategic partnership with the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES).

The new partnership will focus on education and professional development, fostering collaboration between ICCA and IFES and highlighting innovation, sustainability, and emerging trends. The two organisations will also exchange select research and educational resources to further enrich their respective communities.

ICCA’s CEO, Dr. Senthil Gopinath, stated, “This partnership with IFES reflects ICCA’s dedication to uniting all facets of the global events industry. Together, we’re not only expanding our reach, we’re also creating new opportunities for learning, innovation, and sustainable growth that will benefit our entire community.”

Messe Düsseldorf posts strong FY2024

Düsseldorf, 23rd May: International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, posted strong financial results for fiscal year 2024, with a recorded sales of €395 million (US$411 million) and a profit after taxes of €78.8 million (US$82 million), which are in line with the usual event cycle.

In the past years, Messe Düsseldorf focused on the emerging markets. The company acquired stake in a new subsidiary in Türkiye and launched its first events in Mexico. The company also established business in Dubai.

In overseas markets, Messe Düsseldorf hosted 54 events outside Germany. In Asia, the company has five subsidiaries, including New Delhi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo, which were united into Messe Düsseldorf for Asia (MDfA). Based in Singapore, MDfA coordinates sales and visitor marketing for both the leading regional trade shows in Asia and the leading global trade shows in Düsseldorf.

Wolfram N. Diener, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, explained, “In the Middle East, we are expanding in the world’s fastest-growing trade show market, which strengthens our position as one of the most successful trade show companies internationally. We’re also doubling down on our commitment in other select growth markets, which further boosts the global appeal and competitiveness of Düsseldorf as a trade show location.”

Messe Frankfurt launches building technology show in Hangzhou

Hong Kong, 27th May: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt Group, will launch its first exhibition in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. International Smart Space Exhibition (ISSE), a dedicated trade fair held as part of the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE), will be organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Hangzhou Expo Group.

The upcoming GDTE will take place at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center, running from 25th to 29th September 2025. It will occupy an exhibition area of 150,000 m2, with the theme of “Digital Trade, Global Access”. ISSE will showcase products and solutions across four focus areas: Intelligent Buildings and Smart Parks, Urban Public Spaces, Smart Commercial Spaces, and Smart Living.

Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt Group, said, “Messe Frankfurt has consistently focused on the development of the Yangtze River Delta, digitalisation and technological innovation in China. In particular, Hangzhou is renowned for its dynamic digital economy, ideal geographic location and strong government support for the MICE industry. GDTE is a world-class exhibition in China dedicated to advancing global digital trade. We anticipate that partnering with Hangzhou Expo Group will deepen our strategic alliances with local stakeholders, enhance our resources and capabilities, and expand our presence in China. Meanwhile, we will continue to explore innovative projects in digital topics and niche fields to meet the rapidly changing market demands driven by digitalisation.”

Quick takes

HKTDC’s International Healthcare Week concludes

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its International Healthcare Week (IHW), including Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH), and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair). ASGH brought more than 80 healthcare leaders and experts from around the world, exploring the future direction of the industry and collaboration opportunities, attracting over 2,900 participants from 42 countries and regions. While Medical Fair featured some 300 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, showcasing MedTech, GeronTech, and green solutions. Some 13,000 buyers from 57 countries and regions attended Medical Fair.

Cvent releases APAC meeting destinations list for 2025

Cvent released its list of the Top 10 Meeting Destinations in Asia-Pacific for 2025, with Singapore led the list, followed by Bangkok and Sydney. Other Top 10 destinations are Tokyo, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Seoul, Shanghai and Beijing.

Brisbane Truck Show draws record breaking attendance

Brisbane Truck Show 2025 posted a record of attendance, with 54,790 patrons. Organised by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), Brisbane Truck Show is a transport industry event in Australia, running at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC).

Alibaba Group and SAP announce strategic partnership

The leading e-commerce company in China, the Alibaba Group, announced a strategic partnership with SAP SE, to jointly accelerate enterprise innovation and digital transformation through advanced cloud and AI technologies. Under the partnership, SAP’s industry-leading enterprise software will be combined with Alibaba Cloud’s secure, scalable cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities.

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 2025)

Transfer of ownership for BSG

Hong Kong, 22nd May: Hong Kong-based Business Strategies Group Ltd. (BSG), founded in 2000 by Paul Woodward, announced to transfer its ownership to the current Managing Director, Mark Cochrane.

Since founding, BSG has completed nearly 900 projects. The company has worked will virtually every international B2B media company with operations in Asia including exhibition organisers, print publishers, online platforms, trade associations, government bodies and venue owners and operators. BSG provides research and analysis on the Asian B2B media sector – including events, online and print. The research and advice is supported by a proprietary database of profiles of nearly 3,000 exhibitions in Asia.

Mark has worked with BSG as Consultant in 2006, taking over as MD in 2010. The transfer of ownership will complete in March 2027, and Paul will remain as Chairman and Senior Advisor to BSG.

Paul commented, “Mark Cochrane and his great team have been running BSG on a day-to-day basis for quite a few years now. As I begin to step back from active consulting work, this is the ideal arrangement for the company, its team and its clients. I couldn’t be happier with the plan and am confident that there’s a bright future for BSG as it starts its next 25 years.”

TCEB joins hands with 16 partners

Thailand, 16th May: The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has launched the “Yok Team Prachum, Rum Rak Mueang Thai Season 2” campaign. Under the theme of “Inviting Office Teams to Go Off-Site Across Thailand”, the marketing initiative is a collaborative effort with 16 leading partner organisations aiming to strengthen the domestic MICE market and making corporate activities contribute to sustainable community development.

According to TCEB, the 2024 campaign generated over 130 million baht (US$3.8 million) in economic impact and attracted 14,971 participants. The 2025 campaign will be benefits for both participants and destination communities under six activity formats and three concepts. The three core concepts are: meetings to promote the community, meetings to promote health, and meetings to promote sustainability.

The primary objectives of the campaign are to promote the organisation of meetings, seminars, corporate events, and incentive travel across Thailand, stimulate income distribution to communities, and drive the sustainable growth of the domestic MICE industry.

TCEB targets the 2025 fiscal year to feature 26 million domestic MICE travellers and 86 billion baht (US$2.5 billion) in revenue.

Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President of TCEB, stated, “TCEB recognises that promoting the strong growth of the domestic MICE market is a crucial foundation for supporting the overall development of the national MICE industry and a vital mechanism for driving the economy. Over the past decades, TCEB has consistently pursued a policy focused on developing the domestic MICE market to distribute opportunities and income to regions and communities nationwide. As of the end of March, the domestic MICE market generated over 12.6 million travellers and a total revenue of over 42 billion baht (US$1.2 billion), representing 15.94% growth compared to the same period last year.”

Baidu’s profit up 42% in Q1

Beijing, 21st May: Baidu, the leading Chinese language Internet search company, has recently reported revenues of US$4.5 billion for the quarter ended 31st March 2025, which is an increase of 3% year-on-year. The company’s net profit in the quarter jumped 42%, reaching US$1.1 billion. Diluted earnings per share in the quarter were RMB 2.70 (US$0.37).

More than 53% of Baidu’s revenues were generated from its online marketing services, amounting to US$2.4 billion, which presents a drop of 6.4% year-on-year. The remaining revenues, categorised as “other” grew 16%, amounting to US$2.1 billion. According to the company, its AI business was still the key growth driver of its revenues.

Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu, was quoted, “Baidu Core revenue grew 7% year over year in the first quarter, driven by the accelerating momentum of AI Cloud, which surged 42% year over year. The strong performance of our AI Cloud business underscores the growing market recognition of our distinctive strength in providing full-stack AI products and solutions with a highly competitive price-performance advantage. We also achieved a pivotal milestone in our robotaxi business, as Apollo Go expanded internationally by entering Dubai and Abu Dhabi, reinforcing our commitment to bringing safe, comfortable, and affordable autonomous ride-hailing services to global markets. We are confident that our AI-first strategy positions us to remain at the forefront and to capture long-term growth opportunities in the AI era.”

413 MICE events held in Macau in Q1

Macau, 16th May: Last week, Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released its MICE statistics for the first quarter of 2025. A total of 413 MICE events were held in Macau in the quarter, increase 77 events compared with the first quarter of 2024. The total number of participants and attendees grew 3.7% year-on-year, reaching 188,000.

Of the 413 events, 387 were meetings and conferences. In the first quarter of 2024, there were 317 meetings and conferences held in Macau. The total number of participants at meetings and conferences posted an increase of 5.2%, amounting at 37,000 participants.

A total of 12 exhibitions were held during the quarter, same with the first quarter of 2024. The number of attendees rose 3.8%, to 150,000. However, the total gross area occupied by these exhibitions dropped 18% year-on-year, covering a total area of 35,500 m2.

Quick takes

GL events acquires Chinese pet veterinary event

GL events announced the acquisition of a 69% stake in East West Small Animals Clinical Veterinary Surgeons Conference (WESAVC), a major event for the pet veterinary industry in Xiamen. Every year, more than 1,000 exhibitors present at the event, occupying an exhibition area of 50,000 m2, and generating sales of €6 million (US$6.8 million).

Singapore leads ICCA rankings in Asia

The International Convention and Congress Association (ICCA) released its 2024 research finds with rankings based on the number of ICCA-recognised meetings have taken place in each destination. Global Top 10 city for the year are Vienna, Lisbon, Singapore, Barcelona, Prague, Paris, Seoul, Bangkok, Rome and Athens. In the Asia-Pacific city, the top 10 city are Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Sydney, Melbourne and Bali.

VNU Asia Pacific launches travel show in Bangkok

VNU Asia Pacific will launch Travel & Tech Asia 2025, the inaugural preeminent event and conference dedicated to travel technology and innovation in the region, in Bangkok. Running from 2nd to 3rd July 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the event targets on buyers from the government sector, association, chamber of commerce and hotel chains in Thailand.

ABEA secures 10 partnerships

The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has secured ten strategic partnerships in two years, including Accommodation Australia – eeger workforce platform, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Austrade, AIPC, Business Events Australia, COSBOA, IAPCO, ICCA, Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), and UFI.

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 2025)

Hyve expands Breakbulk portfolio in Asia

Singapore, 13th May: Hyve Group announced to expand its Breakbulk portfolio in Asia, by launching Breakbulk Asia in Singapore in 2026.

Breakbulk Asia will feature the full industrial supply chain to facilitate business, spark collaboration, and drive innovation in the region. The new event will take place at Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore, running from 18th to 19th November 2026.

Today, Breakbulk portfolio includes events in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Under the GO27 strategy, which is a plan to grow and optimise the business by 2027 through strategic expansion, innovation and scaling proven products globally, the launching of Breakbulk Asia is a key step.

Mark Shashoua, Hyve CEO, said, “Launching Breakbulk Asia is a stride forward in delivering Hyve’s growth ambitions. It reflects our commitment to building world-class platforms that serve critical global industries and our ability to scale them with purpose.”

Alibaba’s profit up 77% in FY24-25

Hangzhou, 15th May: Earlier this week, China’s largest e-commerce company, the Alibaba Group, announced its financial results for the year ended 31st March 2025. Revenues in the financial year were US$137 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 6%. Net income in the year jumped 77% over the previous year, reaching US$17 billion. Diluted earnings per share for the year were RMB 53.59 (US$7.38).

In terms of its B2B business, revenues generated from Alibaba’s B2B business in China under the Taobao and Tmall Group, mainly through its 1688.com platform, were US$3.35 billion, resulting in a year-on-year increase of 19%. The international B2B business under the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, primarily on Alibaba.com, posted a 14% increase in revenues, amounting at US$3.28 billion. The B2B businesses only accounted for just 4.8% of Alibaba’s total revenues.

The Alibaba Group also released its results for the quarter ended 31st March, with revenues of US$33 billion, representing moderate growth of 7% year-on-year. Net profit in the quarter was 12 times the same quarter in 2024, amounting at US$1.7 million.

Eddie Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group, was quoted, “Our results this quarter and for the full fiscal year demonstrate the ongoing effectiveness of our ‘user first, AI-driven’ strategy, with core business growth continuing to accelerate. Driven by strong demand for AI, Cloud Intelligence Group quarterly revenue growth accelerated to 18%, with AI-related product revenue achieving triple-digit growth for the seventh consecutive quarter. Customer management revenue at Taobao and Tmall Group grew 12% this quarter, reflecting the sustained impact of investments in user experience and effective monetization. Looking ahead, we will remain focused on our core businesses and continue to drive AI + Cloud as a new engine for our long-term growth.”

BOL’s profit up 6.3% in Q1

Bangkok, 13th May: Recently, Business Online (BOL), a leading online business information service provider in Thailand, has reported its financial results for the quarter ended 31st March 2025. The company recorded revenues of US$5.4 million for the quarter, flat with the figure recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

BOL’s net profits for the three-month period increased by 6.3%, reaching US$2.0 million. Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of 2025 were Baht 0.08 (US$0.0024).

The company attributed the increase in profit to the increase revenue in information services, in the results of both new and existing customers.

At the same time, BOL also announced the approval of the appointment of Mr. Loh Kok Leong as a director, replacing Mr. Erick Hamburger Barraza, effective from 13th May 2025.