GED 2025 themed “Exhibitions Unleash Potential”

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Paris, 6th June: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry hosted its 10th edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) on 4th June 2025, with the theme of “Exhibitions Unleash Potential”. This year, GED showcased how exhibitions empower individuals, elevate organisations, and drive economic and social growth through direct in-person interactions and connections.

Four key messages were highlighted at GED 2025: exhibitions drive progress in industries by fostering collaboration and innovation; empower individuals by supporting the growth of both emerging and established talent; advance communities by fuelling economic development and societal progress; and strengthen companies by amplifying brand presence, building networks, and boosting revenue through face-to-face engagement. Over 75 national and international industry associations supported this year’s GED.

Hugh Jones, UFI President and CEO of RX, said, “Global Exhibitions Day is a powerful demonstration of the exhibition industry’s unity and impact. Around the world, our community came together to showcase how exhibitions connect people, ignite innovation, and drive growth across industries, communities, and economies. The day reaffirmed that face-to-face events remain essential platforms for building a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.”

GED 2026 will be held on the first Wednesday of June: 3rd June 2026.

Informa Markets partners with HIMSS APAC

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Kuala Lumpur, 6th June: HIMSS – The Healthcare Information and Management System Society will host events in three continents for health and technology leaders from over 70 countries and regions.

HIMSS European Health Conference & Exhibition will be held from 10th to 12th June 2025 in Paris. Followed by 2025 HIMSS APAC Health Conference & Exhibition (HIMSS25 APAC) to be held in July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, and 2026 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas will run in March 2026.

HIMSS25 APAC will partner with Informa Markets to co-locate the APAC conference within International Healthcare Week 2025. The event will take place at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), running from 16th to 18th July 2025, strengthening collaboration across health ministries, private sector leaders, clinicians and technology partners.

HIMSS, serving as a global health technology advisor and though leader dedicated to improving health through information and technology, supports health professionals and organisations through education, professional development, networking, and digital maturity assessment tools and advisory services that help transform the global health ecosystem.

LEAP to launch LEAP East

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Hong Kong, 3rd June: Riyadh-based Tahaluf, a joint venture with global event organiser Informa, will expand its LEAP, the leading technology event in Saudi Arabia, in Hong Kong, by launching LEAP East, the Asia-Pacific edition of LEAP, running from 8th to 10th July 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

This is the first time for LEAP to expand beyond Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia focuses on collaboration with Asia, Hong Kong’s mature market, robust financial system, strong exhibition infrastructure, and unique “One Country, Two Systems” framework, in the results to host the LEAP East.

The event will feature over 300 exhibitors spanning AI, fintech, healthtech, deeptech, and over 200 world class speakers, targeting to attract more than 25,000 visitors from across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

ewpartners, the leading global investment firm focusing on bringing Asia and the Middle East market, is the exclusive strategic partner for LEAP East.

Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President at Tahaluf, commented, “LEAP was created in Riyadh to position Saudi Arabia as a global innovation hub. After four record-breaking editions, we’re taking our next bold step, bringing LEAP to Hong Kong. This city is not only a gateway to Asia, but a proven launchpad for global ambitions. Through our partnership with ewpartners, we’re proud to build a platform that unites Saudi and Asian-Pacific innovators on one world stage.”

Quick takes

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Record numbers at UFI European Events Week

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, concluded its UFI European Events Week, brining a record number of delegates to Thessaloniki, Greece. Hosted by TIF-HELEXPO, the event ran from 3rd to 7th June 2025, gathering some 400 industry leaders from 37 countries and regions for learning, networking, and memorable experiences.

Hong Kong hosts ISSCR for the first time

The world’s largest international convention in stem cell research and regenerative medicine, The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting was held in Hong Kong for the first time. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) partnered with Hong Kong Convention Ambassadors from three local universities: The University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The convention featured more than 2,400 top-tier researchers and experts in stem cell research and regenerative medicine from 58 countries and regions.

ABEA appoints Angie Becker to the Board

Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) appointed Angie Becker to join the Board effective immediately. Angie, from Victorian Convention and Event Trust, serves as Chief Sales and Customer Experience Officer overseeing Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. She brings experience in hotels, hospitality and events for over two decades to take up the venue representative position, replacing Samantha Glass.

100,000+ professional visitors at SCIIF 2025

South China International Industry Fair 2025 (SCIIF), co-branded by HANNOVER MESSE and China International Industry Fair (CIIF), concluded with the theme of “Sharing an Intelligent Future Led by Industry”. Running from 4th to 6th June 2025, at Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Center, the fair covered over 100,000 m2 of exhibition area across five halls, welcoming a total of 107,222 professional visitors. More than 1,200 exhibitors presented major advancements in scale, lineup, and influence, establishing a comprehensive display system spanning from core components to end-product manufacturing.