Quick takes

New Zealand opens new venue

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has officially opened, serving Auckland and New Zealand’s business events, culture, and tourism landscape. The new venue consists of 33 meeting spaces, a 2,850-seat theatre, and the capacity to host over 4,000 delegates, which enables NZICC to host international summits, trade exhibitions, concerts and cultural events, etc. In addition, the venue has already secured 120 bookings for 2026, and it is targeted to attract 33,000 new international visitors annually, generating NZ$90 million (US$53 million) in economic impact.

HKTDC’s twin jewellery shows attract some 80,000 buyers

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, under the “Two Shows, Two Venues” format. The Jewellery Show was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), from 4th to 8th March 2026, attracting over 51,000 buyers from 140 countries and regions. While the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show ran from 2nd to 6th March 2026, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), welcoming more than 28,000 from 125 countries and regions. About 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions were featured at the twin shows.

GES opens new office in Mumbai

GES, exhibition and events service provider, announced the company has opened a new office in Mumbai, led by Pranay Chandan. He will head operations and business development in India for the company, based in the Mumbai office and supported by a local team.

Comexposium appoints Director of Events

Comexposium, a world’s leading organisers of professional and public events, has appointed Annabelle Serres as Director of its two flagship events of the retail real estate and the retail industry, Siec and NRF Retail’s Big Show Europe. In the new role, Annabelle Serres will lead the production of NRF Retail’s Big Show Europe, and support Siec’s transformation and reinforcing its positioning as the strategic event for commercial real estate.