Informa’s revenues up 30% in 2023

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London, 10th January: This week, London-listed Informa PLC released its full year trading update for 2023. Revenue is expected to be over £3.17 billion (US$4.03 billion), representing an underlying growth of 30%. Adjusted operating profit will be about £845 million (US$1.08 billion).

Informa Markets, Informa Connect and Informa Tech all performed well in 2023, with 40% aggregate underlying revenue growth and management is targeting high single digit growth in 2024. Specifically, in 2024, the company expects revenue of between £3.43 billion (US$4.36 billion) and £3.48 billion (US$4.42 billion). Adjusted operating profit is expected to be between £945 million (US$1.20 billion) and £965 million (US$1.23 billion).

SACEOS appoints new Executive Director

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Singapore, 11th January: SACEOS – Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers, has appointed Alaxys Liu as its new Executive Director with effect from 2nd January 2024.

Alaxys is a veteran association professional with experience at both local and international associations. She also has experience working with government agencies, trade bodies, and a wide range of businesses.

Strong international buyers at HKTDC fairs

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Hong Kong, 4th January: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its first three fairs in 2024, attracting some 83,000 buyers from 135 countries and regions. According to the HKTDC, buyer numbers from Mainland China, India and ASEAN countries all recorded significant growth.

The three fairs were: the 50th HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 15th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and 22nd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair, running from 8th to 11th January 2024, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Over 2,600 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions were showcased at the fairs. The Toys & Games Fair and Baby Products Fair was organised by the HKTDC, while the Stationery & School Supplies Fair was jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the HKTDC.

MyCEB releases annual report for 2022

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Malaysia, 9th January: Recently, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) released its annual report for 2022.

In 2022, MyCEB reported a total 155 business events were held in Malaysia, featuring almost 430,000 delegates, of which 64,000 were international participants. The events generated an estimated economic impact of RM 1.17 billion (US$266 million).

Quick takes

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IATA reports air travel is close to fully recovered

Air travel demand has topped 99 per cent of 2019 levels, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Asia reported the strongest year-over-year results. Growth was especially strong in China.

Huge incentive groups from China are back too

New Zealand welcomed an incentive group of 10,000 from Amway China on a five-day itinerary. The group generated 20,000 hotel nights and pumped US$25 million into the economy.

Singapore experimenting with carbon-neutral events

The inaugural Commodity Trading Week Asia Pacific was used as means to push for carbon-neutral events. The organisers collaborated with MICEcarbon, a Singapore-based carbon-offset platform for the MICE industry.