Informa appoints inD CEO

Dubai, 16th April: The international B2B events, digital services and academic markets group, Informa, announced the appointment of David Lynn as its inaugural Chief Executive of inD, the Dubai-based partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Mr Lynn has extensive international executive experience to bring to inD. Effective from 4th May 2026, Mr Lynn will take new role and focus on effectively combining the DWTC and Informa B2B event brands and business within inD to create a single operating business with a clear growth plan for 2027 to 2029.

inD is targeted to further strengthen its position within the UAM as the leading B2B events group and continue to expand into the wider IMEA region through new launches, brand extension and brand syndication.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa, said, “We are delighted to confirm David’s appointment as inD’s inaugural CEO. The appointment of an experienced international media and content executive underlines inD’s ambition and the significant growth opportunity for high quality B2B brands in the IMEA region and beyond.”

Messe Frankfurt launches smarteX Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 16th April: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt, announced a partnership with C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd (C.I.S Malaysia), to launch smarteX Malaysia, a new specialised exhibition co-locating with ARCHIDEX 2026 (25th International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition), a leading architecture business event in Asia.

The new show will run from 29th July to 1st August 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. Under the theme of “Smart Technology for Life. Work. Space.”, smarteX Malaysia will showcase IoT, automation, sustainability and smart infrastructure solutions, fusing digital innovation tailored for smart building and facility management.

Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of Management, Messe Frankfurt Group, was quoted, “Joining Messe Frankfurt’s portfolio of some 20 Building Technologies events worldwide, the debut of smarteX Malaysia will bring the company’s global expertise to the ASEAN region. With the countries in the region investing heavily in intelligent, future-ready infrastructure, there is a clear and growing demand for practical, adaptable smart space solutions. By pairing our global resources and network of technology providers with C.I.S Malaysia’s local expertise and ARCHIDEX’s community, we are putting international solutions directly in front of the players delivering these projects on the ground, while giving domestic stakeholders a gateway for global expansion.”

RX expands WTM portfolio to India

India, 18th April: RX Global, a global event organiser, will expand its World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio into South Asia, by launching a new B2B travel marketplace in India, WTM Spotlight India, which is designed to connect international travel suppliers with India’s travel and tourism market.

The new show, WTM Spotlight India 2027, is scheduled to be held from 2nd to 4th March 2027, running at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre). The show will bring international destinations, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality brands, travel technology providers and curated India buyers. The show will also include a conference-led approach, featuring leadership discussions, market intelligence sessions and strategic forums.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director of Travel at RX, commented, “WTM Spotlight India represents a strategic evolution of the World Travel Market portfolio. India is no longer just a high-growth market – it is becoming a defining force in global travel. This platform is designed to bring structure, clarity and commercial focus to that growth, enabling the industry to connect with the right partners and unlock long-term opportunity.”

Quick takes

Hong Kong welcomes over 14m visitors in Q1

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Hong Kong welcomed 14.31 million visitors in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 17% year-on-year. During the quarter, Chinese Mainland visitors grew 20%, mainly due to promotional campaigns targeting the Chinese Mainland’s extended Lunar New Year holiday. Meanwhile, long-haul visitor arrivals were up by 19% over the same quarter in 2025. The HKTB also reported 4.35 million visitors were recorded in March 2026, an increase of 14% year-on-year.

Sydney to host 2030 Asia Pacific ophthalmology congress

Business Events Sydney partnered with RANZCO won the 2030 Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress, a large-scale medical meeting in the region. The congress will take place at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) and hosted by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Focusing on clinical advancements aimed at preventing blindness and restoring sight, the congress will feature 5,500 medical professionals, researchers and clinicians, generating A$21 million (US$15 million) in direct expenditure for the visitor economy, supporting jobs across tourism, hospitality and events sectors.

HKTDC electronics fairs attract 88,000+ buyers

Last week, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its InnoEX and Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) (EFSE), welcoming over 88,000 buyers from 155 countries and regions. InnoEX showcased innovation and cutting-edge technology solutions, while EFSE presented three major areas: Smart Home & Solutions, Health Tech & Gadgets, and Pet Intelligence.

Global Sources opens Hong Kong Shows Phase II

Global Sources opened its Phase II of the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows from 18th to 21st April 2026, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). With four major professional trade shows: Mobile Electronics Show, Smart Home, Security & Home Appliances Show, Lifestyle Show, and Home & Kitchen Show, the shows featured over 2,000 quality suppliers occupying some 4,000 booths, presenting about 150,000 new products of mobile devices, smart wearables, AR/VR, smart home solutions, personal healthcare, pet products, etc.

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)

UFI re-elects Associations Committee

Paris, 14th April: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the election results for Chair and Vice-Chair for its Associations Committee, who will begin their three-year mandate at the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026.

Jörn Holtmeier, Managing Director, AUMA (Association of the German Trade Fair Industry), Germany, has been elected as Chair, while Synthia Chan, Council Chairperson, Macau Fair & Trade Association, Macau, will be Vice-Chair.

In addition to the role as Chair, Jörn will also serve on the UFI Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Synthia will also serve on the UFI Board of Directors as the role of Vice-Chair.

UFI President, Panittha Buri, commented, “On behalf of UFI, I congratulate Jörn and Synthia on their re-election, and thank them for their continued dedication. The Associations Committee is a powerful reflection of what UFI is built on: collective strength, shared knowledge, and a genuine commitment to the industry we all serve. With over 75 associations represented, it plays a vital role in ensuring our members’ voices are heard at every level. I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to serve and strengthen our global community.”

BFB Health’s revenues up 9.8%

Hong Kong, 31st March: BFB Health (formerly SEEC Media) has recently released its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2025. Total revenues in the year were US$4.3 million, an increase of 9.8% year-on-year. The company posted a net loss of US$2.6 million, compared with the loss of US$3.7 million in 2024.

About 65% of BFB Health’s revenues were generated from its new E-commerce business, amounting to US$2.8 million. Advertising services income accounted for 14% of total revenues, generating US$612,000, which dropped 76% from the previous year. The remaining revenues (US$887,000), were generated from its Interest income from loan receivables, declining 30% year-on-year.

The company has developed digital media marketing services and MCN business since 2020, to diversify its advertising business revenue. In November 2025, the company completed the acquisition through a general mandate. BFB Group operates a health and wellness brand, “Dyesoo”, at various e-commerce platform and MCN.

TCEB partners for Thailand MICE Week

Thailand, 2nd April: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced the partnership with the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) and the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), to elevating the annual MICE Day into Thailand MICE Week 2026, running from 28th to 30th April 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC).

Under the partnership, TCEB will bring MICE-related events which were previously organised separately. TEA will co-locate its flagship event, Thailand MUCE X-Change (TMX) 2026. Thailand MICE Week will become an open platform for participants to gain comprehensive insights into Thailand’s MICE industry in one place. It is also aimed to be Thailand’s first Net Zero Carbon Event.

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, stated, “The co-location of TCEB’s platform and TEA’s TMX is one of the key highlights, serving as a concrete mechanism to bridge ‘policy platforms’ and ‘business platforms’. Thailand MICE Week 2026 will showcase national policies and strategies, knowledge transfer, innovation, and the promotion of standards and sustainability. Meanwhile, Thailand MICE X-Change 2026 will serve as a business negotiation and trade-matching platform. This combination ensures that the event fully covers the entire MICE ecosystem.”

Under the theme of “MICE in Motion: Driving Thailand Towards the Future”, Thailand MICE Week 2026 will feature 12 dedicated activity zones, showcasing new development in Thailand’s MICE industry, expecting to attract 2,000 participants. The event will leverage strong collaboration to create a dynamic MICE ecosystem, positioning Thailand as a Global MICE Destination and driving Thailand towards becoming a Trustworthy Opportunity Connector.

4,500+ industry professionals at Connect Marketplace

Hong Kong, 1st April: Organised by Informa Markets Asia, the second edition of Connect Marketplace was held at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) in Hong Kong, from 18th to 19th March 2026, welcoming more than 4,500 industry professionals.

Some 150 exhibitors and brands from 28 countries and regions showcased at the events, occupying an exhibition space of about 11,000 m2. conferences were also held alongside with the exhibition, including industry leaders sharing strategies and best practices. In addition, over 2,000 one-to-one business matchings were delivered during the event.

Quick takes

Easyfairs acquires Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail

Easyfairs announced the acquisition of two events serving the hospitality and retail sectors, Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail. The acquisition will broader Easyfairs’ growth strategy to enhance its tech portfolio. No financial details for the transaction were released.

Freemans appoints new Projects Director

Freemans Event Partners announced the appointment of Roger Lowe as Projects Director. In the new role, Roger Lowe will focus on driving new ventures, partnerships, and commercial growth across the business. He will also work closely with the Executive Chairman and senior leadership tea, to identify and deliver strategic opportunities beyond Freemans’ core operations, including developing new partnerships, commercial models, and innovative concepts, as well as leading complex projects from concept through to delivery.

HKTDC’s leading spring tech fairs to take place in April

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will organise its four flagship technology fairs in April: InnoEX (jointly organised by the Innovation Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) of the HKSAR Government and HKTDC), Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) (EFSE), Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) (LFSE) and Smart Lighting Expo (SLE). All four fairs will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), featuring over 3,700 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions. InnoEX and EFSE will run from 13th to 16th April, presenting innovation and technology as well as industry applications. While LFSE and SLE will be held from 20th to 23rd April, showcasing the latest smart lighting solutions and innovative products.

Global Sources opens April Hong Kong Show

Global Sources opened its April 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Show Phase I, running from 11th to 14th April, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), including three major international trade shows: Gaming Show, Consumer Electronics Show, and Electronics Components Show. Over 2,000 Asian suppliers occupied more than 4,000 booths, presenting some 150,000 products, covering categories of audio-visual, automative electronics, computer peripherals, commercial electronics, outdoor electronics, gaming and esports, electronic components, and batteries and power supplies. It is expected to attract more than 60,000 international professional B2B buyers.

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)

Australia secures 366 international business events

Australia, 25th March: According to the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), Australia has secured 366 international business events for the future, which will generate an estimated A$743.5 million (US$512 million) in delegate spend.

The association also claimed Australia has a strong pipeline of high-value international events, however there is also a growing risk to the future competitiveness as major global destinations ramp up financial support to win business events. It is also shown that international delegates spending 59% more than leisure visitors. During 2018 and 2025, 205 events generated A$1.38 billion (US$951 million) in economic value.

Melissa Brown, CEO, Australian Business Events Association, said, “Business events deliver high-value visitors, global connections and long-term economic impact. This is not just about filling hotel rooms. It is about attracting international decision-makers, investment, research collaboration and trade opportunities into Australia. Right now, the pipeline is strong. But future wins are getting harder. With our limited Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP), delivered through Tourism Australia, other countries… are gaining ground. Their governments are backing this sector with stronger bid support, and Australia is at risk of losing events we should be winning.”

Meorient’s revenues up 4.5% in FY2025

Hangzhou, 26th March: Last week, Meorient, a Chinese exhibition organiser listed in Shenzhen, released its results for the year ended 31st December 2025. Revenues increased by 4.5% year-on-year, reaching US$112 million.

However, the company posted a drop in net profit of 12% from the previous year, down to US$19 million. Diluted earnings per share in the year were RMB 0.46 (US$0.066). In 2024, Meorient organised exhibitions in 10 countries with a total exhibition area of 350,000 m2, featuring some 8,000 exhibitors and 370,000 buyers.

Due to changes in international situation, exhibitions were cancelled, putting pressure on the company’s revenue and profit growth. Therefore, the company stabilize foreign trade and effectively helped foreign trade enterprises cope with operational pressures, implement a phased exhibition participation support policy and appropriately lowering the entry threshold for enterprises. In addition, the company increased investment in the research and development of its AI-powered exhibition system and overseas marketing.

Sino Splendid narrows its loss for FY2025

Hong Kong, 31st March: Earlier this week, Hong Kong-listed Sino Splendid (formerly China.com) announced its results for the financial year ended 31st December 2025. The company reported revenues of US$4.9 million in the year, grew 29% year-on-year. The company narrowed its from US$3.1 million in 2024, down to US$1.3 million.

More than 97% of Sino Splendid’s revenues were generated from its financial magazines and other media services, amounting to US$4.8 million, up 28% year-on-year. While the remaining revenues were generated from its travel media business, amounting at just US$122,000.

According to the company, the increase in revenues was mainly due to the improvement of the financial performance of the financial magazine and other media services business.

In the coming years, the company will continue to devote resources to further increase its market share. In addition, the company will also continue to commit to its core business (travel media business) by leveraging on its solid experience.

Quick takes

CCID drops in revenues and profits

Research and information service provider in China, CCID Consulting, has recently announced its financial results for 2025. Revenues were US$41 million, down 4.9% year-on-year. While net profit for the year dropped 16%, amounting to US$9.6 million. Earnings per share in 2025 were RMB 0.1063 (US$0.015). During the year, the company focused on four key areas (ICT, advanced manufacturing, regional economy, and technology services), to deliver innovation integrated services and digital empowerment services.

New Shanghai Fair Healthcare in Malaysia

Shanghai Fair Healthcare, organised by the Shanghai Fair Committee and Shanghai Sail International Convention & Exhibition Co., Ltd., will be launched in Malysia, running from 22nd to 23rd May 2026, at Hall 1, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), bringing together leading healthcare enterprises from Shanghai with Southeast Asia’s healthcare market. The new event will feature about 80 healthcare enterprises representing 160 exhibitors, showcasing medical equipment, health technologies and medical services, and occupying an exhibition area of 3,126 m2.

IBTM launches Asia Pacific event in Bangkok in 2027

International exhibition organiser, RX Global, will expand its IBTM portfolio to the Asia-Pacific region, by launching IBTM Asia Pacific in Bangkok. The new event will be held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), running from 9th to 10th June 2027, bringing together corporate, association and agency buyers from across the Asia-Pacific region with global destinations, venues, hotels and suppliers.

58,000+ visitors at Laser World of Photonics Shanghai

The 21st Laser World of Photonics Shanghai concluded at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) on 20th March 2026, with total exhibition area expanding by 8% from the previous edition. The three-day event featured nearly 1,500 companies from 22 countries and regions, showcasing core photonics fields. A total of 58,281 visitors attended the event.

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)

Alibaba’s revenues up and profit down

Hong Kong, 19th March: Last week, the Alibaba Group, the largest e-commerce company in China, released its results for the quarter ended 31st December 2025. The company posted total revenues of US$41 billion in the quarter, up 2% year-on-year.

However, the net income dropped 66% year-on-year, down to US$2.2 billion. The company attributed the decrease to the investment in quick commerce, user experiences, and technology.

In terms of B2B business, revenues from Alibaba’s China commerce wholesale under the Alibaba China E-commerce Group, primarily generated through 1688.com, were US$990 million, a year-on-year increase of 5%. Meanwhile, the International commerce wholesale business under the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, primarily operating through Alibaba.com, generated revenues of US$980 million, a 10% increase over the previous year. B2B revenues accounted for only 4.8% of the group’s total revenues in the quarter.

Alibaba also announced its results for the nine months ended 31st December. Revenues in the nine-month period were US$116 billion, an increase of 2.7% year-on-year. Net income decreased by 31% in the period, amounting at US$11 billion. Diluted earnings per share in the first nine months of the financial year were RMB 4.18 (US$0.60).

Eddie Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group, said, “This quarter, Alibaba maintained strong investments across our core pillars of AI and consumption. AI is and will continue to be one of our primary growth engines. Our Cloud Intelligence Group’s revenue is up 36% with AI-related product revenue delivering triple-digit growth for the tenth consecutive quarter. Our Model-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform is showing strong growth, emerging as a new engine driving cloud business growth. On the consumer side, we have integrated use cases across our consumer ecosystem into Qwen app, which generated significant new users and transactions. Qwen’s consumer interface surpassed 300 million monthly active users, as AI agents perform real-world task execution at scale. Looking ahead, we are well-positioned to drive growth on both enterprise AI and consumer AI fronts, powered by our fullstack AI capabilities spanning foundation models, cloud infrastructure, and proprietary chips, alongside deep integration with our broader ecosystem.”

Made-in-China.com up 15% in revenue

Nanjing, 20th March: Last week, Shenzhen-listed Focus Technology, owner and operator of Made-in-China.com, reported its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2025. Revenues in the year were US$273 million. That represents an increase of 15% year-on-year, due to the stable revenue growth from Made-in-China.com platform.

The Nanjing-based company’s net income in year grew 11%, reaching US$72 million. The company attributed the increase in income to the continuous cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Diluted earnings per share for 2025 were RMB 1.58 (US$0.22).

As of 31st December, Made-in-China.com had a total of 29,793 paid users on its platform, which is a year-on-year increase of 8.7%.

50,000+ visits at 2026 CDIIF

Chengdu, 13th March: A major industrial event in central and western China, 2026 Chengdu International Industrial Fair (CDIIF) concluded at the Western China International Expo City, drawing 50,372 visits during the three-day event.

Running from 11th to 13th March 2026, CDIIF 2026 featured over 550 exhibitors from around the world, occupying an exhibition area of more than 50,000 m2. Under the theme of “Innovate Industry Chain, Make a Low-Carbon Future”, the event showcased forward-looking industry insights and many cooperation outcomes, injecting strong early-year momentum into the high-quality development of western China’s manufacturing sector.

This year’s event featured themed exhibitions areas of automation, CNC machine tools and metalworking, robotics, and information and communication technology. A specially established Sichuan Industrial Chain Exhibition also included, making the event formed a comprehensive, full-industry-chain display.

HKTDC’s FILMART and EntertainmentPulse features 790+ exhibitors

Hong Kong, 20th March: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) 30th Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse featured over 790 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions, bringing together enterprises from emerging markets and mature film markets.

About 8,000 industry professionals from 53 countries and regions attended the two events, highlighting the development momentum and collaborative potential of the global film and television industry.

One of the highlights of this year FILMART was AI Hub, showcasing the latest AI technologies and solutions from the leading AI and technology companies. Forums were also held during FILMART, focusing on the latest developments in the global film, television and entertainment technology sectors. Meanwhile, EntertainmentPulse addressed popular topics.