BSG’s report: Most Asian exhibition markets to surpass 2019 levels in 2023

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Paris/Hong Kong, 23rd November: UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the 18th edition of its annual report on the Trade Fair Industry in Asia. This edition marks a restart of this report after the global pandemic. The report provides a detailed overview of the performance in 2022 of 17 exhibition markets in Asia. The report also provides insight and commentary into the scale of the recovery in 2023 and looks ahead to 2024.

Overall, BSG estimates that Asia recorded a huge 87% drop in net space sold in 2022 compared to 2019 as a result of the global pandemic. Net space sold fell from 24.5 million m2 in 2019 to just 3.2 million m2 in 2022. The drop in 2022 was in large part due to the fact that China did not allow exhibitions throughout the year due to its COVID-zero restrictions.

For more information on this report, please contact UFI in Asia at: asia@ufi.org

Macau held 20 exhibitions in Q3

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Macau, 27th November: Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) has reported its MICE statistics for the quarter ended 30th September 2023. Macau held a total of 245 events in the quarter which is 171 events more than the same quarter in 2022. The total number of participants grew by 60% year-on-year in the quarter, with a total of 545,400 participants and attendees. These statistics include every type of event from large-scale exhibitions down to small corporate meetings.

Of the total 245 events, 221 were meetings and conferences, 160 events more than the same quarter last year. Total number of participants at meetings and conferences was 47,600 people. A total of 20 exhibitions were held in the quarter, which was eight exhibitions more than the previous year. The number of attendees was up 47%, amounting to more than 490,000 attendees. The total gross area occupied by these exhibitions was 103,400 m2.

MyCEB appoints new CEO

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Putrajaya, 20th November: The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has appointed Mr. Azman Haji Tambi Chik as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective 20th November 2023.

 

Azman will be responsible for leading MyCEB’s efforts to support Malaysia’s business events industry drawing on his experience and knowledge in corporate management in a variety of industries. MyCEB expects the leadership and vision of Mr. Azman to “elevate the business events sector’s prominence in the Malaysian economy.”

MCB records robust growth across Victoria’s business events sector

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Melbourne, 26th November: Earlier this week, the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) released its results for the financial year 2022-2023, recording a 74% year-on-year increase in economic contribution from secured business events.

The venue estimates that economic contribution was A$354 million (US$235 million). With a total of 197 future events secured, over 100,500 visitors will travel to the state, occupying over 196,000 room nights. Corporate meetings and incentives events contributed A$77 million (US$51 million) in economic impact with 58 groups confirmed.

Quick takes

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China to offer visa-free entry for five European countries

Beijing has announced that it will allow visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Citizens will be allowed to enter China for up to 15 days without a visa. This should help boost international participation at some B2B exhibitions in China.

Freeman appoints Priest-Heck’s replacement

Freeman, one of the world’s largest event service providers, has announced that Janet Dell, currently serving as the company’s president and COO, will become CEO as of 1st July 2024. Dell will succeed Bob Priest-Heck who will retire after serving as Freeman’s CEO for 15 years.

UFI launches advocacy portal

One of the key lessons learned during the global pandemic was that many governments do not fully understand the economic value of exhibitions and as a result of that, communication between our industry and government is essential. With that in mind, UFI has launched a dedicated advocacy portal on the UFI website.

Hong Kong tries to make up for lost time

Hong Kong was one of the last markets in Asia to reopen, but it is determined to make up for lost time. TTG interview’s HKTB’s Kenneth Wong to find out the details.