Messe Muenchen India acquires PharmaTech Expo

India, 21st October: Messe Muenchen India, an Indian subsidiary of Messe München GmbH, announced to acquire PharmaTech Expo from PharmTechnologyindex.com Pvt Ltd., a division of KNS Group. No financial details of the acquisition were released.

PharmaTech Expo served pharmaceutical manufacturers, technology providers and industry professionals across western and northern India, bringing more than 750 exhibitors and over 30,000 visitors at about 30,000 m2 of exhibition area, presenting pharmaceutical machinery, processing and production equipment, cleanroom technologies, utilities, packaging systems, laboratory solutions and allied services.

After the acquisition, PharmaTech Expo will continue to develop with Messe Muenchen India offering a broader suite of pharmaceutical and laboratory industry platforms through its portfolio.

Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel, CEOs of Messe München Group, said, “The acquisition of PharmaTech Expo fits perfectly into the analytica cluster and further underlines our long-term commitment to the Indian market and to the development of specialised industry platforms. India has established itself as an important pillar of the global pharmaceutical industry, supported by its strong manufacturing capabilities, growing research landscape, high-quality standards and resilient supply chains. By combining the exhibition’s regional expertise with Messe München’s international network and experience in organizing world-leading life science and biochemistry exhibitions, we aim to create sustainable value for exhibitors, visitors and the wider pharmaceutical community.”

The upcoming PharmaTech Expo will take place in Chandigarh, running from 8th to 10th April 2027, and at Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, from 5th to 7th August 2027.

Labelexpo India rebrands as LOUPE India

India, 16th October: International exhibition organiser, Informa Markets has rebranded its Labelexpo India as LOUPE India, reflecting a wider focus on package printing and converting, bringing multiple segments of the packaging industry together under the theme “Stronger Focus. Wider Lens.”

LOUPE India 2026 will be held from 29th October to 1st November 2026, at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. The event will present equipment, materials and production solutions across the value chain, providing a platform for printers, converters, packaging manufacturers, brand owners and technology suppliers.

The rebranded event will cover connected segments of technologies and solutions, including Label printing, Flexible packaging, Folding carton converting, Smart labels and coding, Automation and workflow, and Materials and sustainability, which reflects and the connections between labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons, as converters increasingly serve a wider range of packaging requirements.

ICC Sydney hosts 533 events in FY2025/26

Sydney, 19th October: Managed by Legends Global, International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) released its Annual Performance Review FY2025/26. The venue hosted a total of 533 events, welcoming 1.4 million attendees, and generating A$784 million (US$540 million) in visitor expenditure.

During the year, events hosted at ICC Sydney supported 4,208 jobs and generated 1.3 million hotel room nights across New South Wales (NSW). Among the 533 events hosted at the venue, 17 were international conventions and corporate incentives, 94 were national conventions, 60 were trade and consumer exhibitions, 241 were single day events, and 121 were live events.

ICC Sydney, Chief Executive Officer, Adam Mather-Brown, was quoted, “Events are a powerful platform for driving economic growth, knowledge sharing and connection. Last year, we launched groundbreaking experiences that extend the impact of events beyond the venue walls. We are living through what I call a ‘Digital Woodstock’ moment driven by technology, creativity and digital engagement. In this way, ICC Sydney is both an economic and content creation engine, creating opportunities for audience engagement, brand storytelling and cultural legacies for our community.”

GL events’ revenue up 44% in Q3

Lyon, 14th October: GL events released its financial results for the nine months ended 30th September 2026. It reported revenues of €1.38 billion (US$1.56 billion), representing year-on-year growth of 17%.

In terms of business sectors, GL events Exhibitions, with revenues of €157 million (US$178 million), which dropped 19% year-on-year. GL events Live’s revenues increased by 25% year-on-year, reaching €791 million (US$896 million), while GL events Venues generated revenues of €434.8 million (US$493 million), increased by 24% over the first nine months last year.

According to the company, the decline in GL events Exhibitions was mainly attributable to an unfavourable biennial event cycle and persistent difficulties in the Chinese market. Adjusted for biennial event cycle effects, the revenues of the business increased by 12.8%.

Olivier Ginon, Chairman-CEO of GL events Group, commented, “GL events confirmed its positive momentum in the third quarter and the strength of its business model, bolstered by strong growth in the Live and Venues divisions and a portfolio of major international events. Our successful work on the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, a particularly full events calendar at Stade de France, the quality of our services for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France and the vitality of our international operations provide concrete illustrations of our organisational capabilities and the dedication of our teams. As a result, despite a challenging global environment, we approach the end of the period with determination and confidence and, with a clearer outlook for the full year, are raising our annual guidance today.”

The company also provided an updated guidance for FY2026 with revenue growth more than 10% at constant exchange rates and scope of consolidation.

Quick takes

UFI’s World Map of Exhibition Venues shows 1,565 venues worldwide

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released the 2026 edition of the World Map of Exhibition Venues, showing Asia-Pacific having 41 venues with 100,000 m2 or more of indoor exhibition space, more than any other region. A total of 1,565 venues were identified offering at least 5,000 m2 of gross indoor exhibitions, with a combined 45.2 million m2, which is 35 venues and 900,000 m2 more than in the previous edition.

Western Australia unveils five-year strategy

Western Australia has unveiled a new five-year strategy, aiming at securing more high-value conferences and exhibitions. The Western Australia Business Events Strategy 2026-2030 expects to generate A$361 million (US$252 million) in direct delegate expenditure for the state through to 2023.

HKTDC’s electronics fairs attract 61,000+ buyers

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 46th Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and the 29th electronicAsia, jointly organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia, attracted over 61,000 buyers from 141 countries and regions during the four days. Running from 13th to 16th October 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the two fairs featured more than 3,200 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, presenting electronic components, display technologies, printed circuit boards, electronic manufacturing services, and test & measuring equipment.

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 highlights Quick Big Win measure success

Thailand, 8th October: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) highlighted the success of its Quick Big Win measure for the MICE industry. The measure will allow companies or juristic partnerships to claim a 200% tax deduction on actual eligible expenses for space rental or service fees incurred from participating in domestic fairs, exhibitions, and trade shows.

Seven private-sector associations worked with TCEB to advance the Quick Big Win measure, leading to the tax incentive, including the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Thai Hotels Association (THA), Thailand International Events & Festivals Trade Association (TIEFA), Business of Creative and Event Management Association (EMA), Tourism Council of Thailand, and Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand.

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, said, “This is a positive signal that the MICE industry is being recognized as an important mechanism for driving the country’s economic growth. It also creates positive market and business opportunities for stakeholders across the event industry value chain. In addition, it reflects the strength of Thailand’s MICE ecosystem, where stakeholders from diverse organizations are working together to advance key agendas and strengthen the MICE industry’s contribution to the macroeconomy.”

According to TCEB, Thailand welcomed a total of 26.75 million MICE travellers in the fiscal year 2025, generating THB 148 billion (US$4.41 billion) in revenue. For the fiscal year 2026, TCEB expected the number of MICE travellers to reach 27.2 million, with revenue of THB 150 billion (US$4.46 billion).

786 events hosted at HKCEC in FY2025-2026

Hong Kong, 6th October: The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) hosted a total of 786 events in the financial year 2025-2026 (July 2025 to June 2026), including 25 new conferences and exhibitions, drawing total attendance of over 7.7 million.

Of the 786 events hosted at the HKCEC, 128 were exhibitions, 81 were international and local conference, and the remaining were corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events.

New events hosted in the HKCEC included several landmark events. In addition, some Asia’s flagship events, which have reaffirmed Hong Kong as their long-term host city, confirmed to return to the HKCEC in 2027. In the future, HML will continue to secure prestigious exhibitions and conferences, to provide high-value business and international exchange opportunities for Hong Kong.

Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), commented, “Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantage as a gateway between Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world, HML has exemplified Hong Kong’s role as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Adder’ by strategically aligning our business development focus on four key sectors – Medical, Innovation and Technology, Finance, and Education, and secured some landmark debuts. We are thrilled that these inaugural events were met with resounding success and have already confirmed their return to the HKCEC next year. Looking forward, we will continue to provide a world-class platform that empowers Mainland enterprises to go global while attracting international investment, creating a powerful engine for Hong Kong’s long-term economic growth.”

Malaysia boosts tourism connectivity in 2027

Malaysia, 13th October: Malaysia has allocated 935 million ringgit (US$222 million) for tourism and culture in 2027, to improve international connectivity, upgrade tourism facilities and support events as the Visit Malaysia campaign.

The budget will include the following measures:

·       The International and Charter Flight Matching Grant will support new direct flight routes. The grant will also cover cruise ships, ferries and tour buses bringing international tourist to Malaysia.

·       Tourism facility will be upgraded. The grants will also be available to industry players organising and promoting tourism events.

·       Duty-free purchase limit for visitors will be raised. More products will be exempt from import duty, and QR payment facilities will also be expanded.

Separately, the government and Malaysia Airports Holdings will provide 1.1 billion ringgit (US$261 million) to upgrade roads in port areas and at specific airports, and also short take-off and landing facilities in specific airports.

Quick takes

100+ large-scale events held in Hong Kong

In the first of 2026, Hong Kong hosted more than 100 large-scale business events (with at least 10,000 attendees), driving a 10% increase in business arrivals. According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), about 60 upcoming secured will bring some 130,000 high-yield visitors to Hong Kong. HKTB will continue to offer financial and operational assistance to help planners navigate rising travel costs.

Informa TechTarget names new Editor in Chief

Informa TechTarget announced Fahmida Rashid to assume the role of Editor in Chief of Dark Reading, the esteemed online publication on cybersecurity. Rashid will succeed Kelly Jackson Higgins, to continue Informa TechTarget publication’s mission to provide essential news, insights, and expert analysis to cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

interzum jakarta welcomes 14,000+ visitors

Organised by Koelnmesse, the 2026 editions of interzum jakarta, International Hardware Fair Indonesia (IHF Indonesia), IFMAC WOODMAC and IFFINA+ powered by imm cologne concluded with more than 500 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, occupying an exhibition area of 35,000 m2, and welcoming over 14,000 visitors. The events featured materials and components, woodworking machinery and production technology, hardware and tools, furniture and interior solutions. The next edition will return to Jakarta, running from 22nd to 25th September 2027.

300+ brands at OSH India 2026

Informa Markets in India’s 14th edition of OSH India, a platform for professionals addressing evolving workplace safety requirements across India’s industrial ecosystem, took place at Hall 3, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai, running from 7th to 19th October 2026. More than 300 exhibiting brands were featured at the exhibition, with a gross exhibition area of exceeding 12,000 m2, attracting over 9,000 visitors from more than 13 countries.

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 focuses B2B business

London, 6th October: Informa PLC released its latest company update, announcing plans to separate its Academic business, Taylor & Francis, focusing the company on its core B2B business.

Informa estimated its B2B Live Events to generate revenues over £4.2 billion (US$5.7 billion) across specialist B2B brands in more than 40 market categories and over 30 countries.

The company announced to continue to deliver good growth in 2026, with ongoing strength in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa, said, “Informa is today accelerating the focus on our core B2B business, as we announce plans to separate our Academic Markets business, Taylor & Francis… Today’s announcements mark the latest step in a growth strategy that has seen B2B revenues grow tenfold since 2014, whilst generating more than US$3 billion of value in Business Intelligence and lifting Taylor & Francis revenues fourfold since it joined the Group. With Taylor & Francis approaching US$1 billion in revenue, growing at 4%± and with its Open Research capabilities firmly established, we believe it will now benefit from greater flexibility and freedom through the next phase of its development, as Informa further expands the depth and reach of its B2B portfolio.”

IT&CMA 2026 welcomes 1,000+ MICE leaders

Bangkok, 5th October: Supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2026, concluded with over 1,000 attendees, including 600 exhibitors, 361 buyers and 30 media representatives.

Running from 22nd to 24th September, at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, the exhibitor brought regional offerings to the events through interactive cultural displays, local tastings, and roundtables.

The next edition of IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific will take place from 14th to 16th September 2027, returning to Bangkok.

Informa acquires Clarion Events

London, 6th October: Informa PLC announced to acquire Clarion, a leading international B2B Live Events business with a portfolio across various categories for about £2.24 billion (US$3.04 billion).

Due to the acquisition of Clarion, Informa will further strengthen its position in B2B Live Events.

The Equity Issue is to comprise the issue of new ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each in the capital of the company through:

·       a non-pre-emptive placing of up to approximately £940 million (US$1.28 billion) to eligible institutional investors at the Placing Price of New Ordinary Shares;

·       a retail offer via RetailBook to provide retail investors in the United Kingdom with an opportunity to acquire New Ordinary Shares at the Placing Price; and

·       certain directors and the executive management team of the company will subscribe of the New Ordinary Shares, representing up to £1.6 million in aggregate of New Ordinary Shares, in each case at the Placing Price.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa, was quoted, “The planned separation of Taylor & Francis coincides with further expansion in B2B through the £2.24 billion acquisition of Clarion, the UK-based owner of more than 100 B2B Live Event brands. The combination will underscore Informa as the UK-listed, international leader in B2B Live Events, with annual Group revenues exceeding US$6 billion and underlying revenue growth of 7%±.”

Quick takes

Messe Muenchen India launches India RentX

Messe Muenchen India, part pf the Messe München Group, announced to launch India RentX, a new trade fair dedicated to India’s construction equipment rental ecosystem, in association with the Aerial Platform Association of India. The new show will take place in September 2027, at Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai.

9,000+ visitors at IE expo Chengdu 2026

IE expo Chengdu 2026, trade fair for environmental technologies in the western China, concluded on 18th September, at the Western China International Expo City in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. A total of 207 exhibitors from nine countries and regions showcasing products and solutions for water, solid waste, air and environmental, attracting 9,157 trade visitors.

HKTDC’s 4 major tech fairs to attract some 6,200 exhibitors

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will open its flagship fairs for electronics and lighting in October, expecting some 6,200 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions. The 46th Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and the 29th electronicAsia will take place concurrently at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running from 13th to 16th October, while the 11th Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), from 26th to 29th October, and the 28th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will run from 27th to 30th October, at the HKCEC.

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 expands MICE City network

Thailand, 22nd September: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced six new destinations as MICE Cities, bringing the total number of MICE Cities in Thailand to 16 under the “2026 MICE City: 16 Destinations” initiative.

The six new destinations are: Krabi (an Andaman MICE destination), Chiang Rai (a Creative and Cultural MICE Destination), Nakhon Si Thammarat (a Cultural and Religious MICE hub), Rayong (an industrial MICE hub supporting the Eastern Economic Corridor), Ubon Ratchathani (a southern Isan MICE gateway to the Mekong subregion), and Hua Hin-Cha-am (a MICE destination combining the strengths of the two coastal resort areas and their event venues to support seamless large-scale events and major events).

The 10 existing MICE Cities are: Bangkok (Thailand’s primary MICE hub), Chiang Mai (the MICE hub of northern Thailand and host of MICE City Summit 2027), Khon Kaen (the primary MICE hub of northeastern Thailand), Phuket (a world-class tourism and incentive hub in southern Thailand), Pattaya (Chon Buri) (a key MICE city in the Eastern Economic Corridor), Nakhon Ratchasima (a MICE city driving economic connectivity across northeastern Thailand), Udon Thani (a MICE city connecting Thailand with the Indochina region), Songkhla (a model city for sustainable MICE), Surat Thani (a high-potential MICE destination in southern Thailand), and Phitsanulok (a MICE and tourism hub in the lower northern region).

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, said, “With six new MICE Cities, Thailand is expanding the choices available to event organisers while creating more opportunities for destinations across the country to participate in the MICE economy. Each city has its own Destination DNA, and our role is to help transform these distinctive strengths into meaningful MICE experiences and lasting economic impact.”

United Expo acquires International Café and Beverage Show

Malaysia, 21st September: United Expo, a Malaysia-based exhibition organiser, announced the acquisition of the International Café and Beverage Show (ICBS).

The acquisition strengthens United Expo’s footprint in Malaysia’s jewellery and healthcare exhibition sectors. After the acquisition, United Expo has appointed industry veteran, Alun Jones, to drive ICBS’s strategic development and expansion. Jones will bring his experience in the café and beverage sector, working closely with United Expo’s current team.

The next ICBS will be held in May 2027.

Connie Soh, director of United Expo, was quoted, “ICBS has a strong foundation and a loyal community behind it. We see real potential to grow it further and bring even more value to its stakeholders and the wider trade ecosystem.”

Messe Berlin announces strategic partnership in Singapore

Singapore/Germany, 25th September: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and international exhibition organiser, Messe Berlin, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reinforcing their shared commitment to the continued growth of Messe Berlin’s presence in Singapore and Asia Pacific.

Under the MOU, the two organisations will deepen collaboration in four strategic areas: Business Development; Digitalisation & Sustainability; Talent & Manpower Development; and Experience Development.

In Singapore, Messe Berlin organises ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia, Travel Tech Asia, and Smart Health Asia today. Messe Berlin’s portfolio will expand significantly in 2027 with the launches of InnoTrans Asia, CMS Asia and Smart Pharma Asia, making the total portfolio to seven events across travel and tourism, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, mobility, and environmental solutions.

Dr Mario Tobias, Chief Executive Officer, Messe Berlin, stated, “Singapore has been Messe Berlin’s home in Asia Pacific for almost two decades, providing the world-class environment and standards that international business events demand. What began with ITB Asia has developed into a major pillar of Messe Berlin’s international growth strategy. This strategic partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board reflects our long-term confidence in Singapore as a key regional hub and our shared ambition to create globally recognised business event brands that connect industries, drive innovation, and facilitate international trade across Asia Pacific.”

Quick takes

UFI releases winners of its awards

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the winners of its awards: CES®, organised by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, as the winner of the 2026 UFI Marketing Award; Better Stands, the winner of the 2026 UFI Sustainable Development Award; and Fira Barcelona, the winner of the 2026 UFI Operations & Services Award. The 2026 UFI Award winners will be recognised at the 93rd UFI Global Congress, taking place from 2nd to 5th November 2026 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

4.4m+ visitor arrivals to Macau in August 2026

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released its latest number of visitor arrivals in August 2026, increasing by 6.1% year-on-year, reaching 4,478,073. Same-day visitors rose by 11.7%, at 2,853,011; however, overnight visitors dropped by 2.4%, amounting at 1,625,062. The average length of stay of visitors shortened by 0.1 day, down to 1.0 day.

Messe Düsseldorf strengthens its portfolio in India

Messe Düsseldorf India, the Indian subsidiary of international exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with the Plastics Machinery Manufacturers Association of India (PMMAI) for the further development of PLASTFOCUS, a trade fair for the plastics industry in India. From 2027, PLASTFOCUS will be jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf India and PMMAI, becoming part of the K Alliance, the global plastics and rubber portfolio of Messe Düsseldorf. The upcoming edition of PLASTFOCUS will run from 23rd to 26th June 2027, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), and will be scheduled to be held biennially.

Messe Frankfurt signs MOU in China

International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt GmbH, announced to sing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the China Electricity Council (CEC) to develop events specialising in power and energy, with Messe Frankfurt offering extensive industry resources and deep expertise in the technology towards the global energy transition across its diverse global event portfolio. Under the cooperation, the two organisations will utilise their respective strengths to bring together key government representatives, professional institutions, industry organisations, upstream and downstream enterprises, technology providers, and global buyers.