Macau hosts 900+ MICE events in first half

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Macau, 19th August: Earlier this week, Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reported its MICE statistics for the first half of 2025. Macau held a total of 918 MICE events in the six months, which represents 208 events more than the first half of 2024. However, the total number of participants and attendees in the first half of 2025 dropped 11% year-on-year, down to 427,900.

Of the 918 events, 863 were meetings and conferences, up by 197 from the first half of 2024. The total number of participants at meetings and conferences increased by 6.7%, reaching 81,700 participants. A total of 27 exhibitions were held in the first half of 2025, which was one more than the same period last year. However, the number of attendees decreased by 14%, down to 342,600. The total gross area occupied by these exhibitions was 211,100 m2, up 14.5% year-on-year.

DSEC also provided its MICE statistics for the second quarter of 2025. A total of 480 MICE events were held in Macau during the quarter, which is 106 events more than the same quarter in 2024. The total number of participants and attendees declined by 24% year-on-year, amounting at 228,100 participants.

Baidu’s profit up 33% in Q2

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Beijing, 20th August: Baidu, the leading Chinese language Internet search provider, has recently released its financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2025. Revenues for the quarter were US$4.6 billion, down 4% from the second quarter of 2024. However, the company posted a profit growth of 33% year-on-year, reaching US$1.02 billion in the quarter.

About 53% of its total revenues (US$2.4 billion) were generated from Baidu’s online marketing services, which was down by 15% year-on-year. The remaining revenues were generated from “other services”, amounting to US$2.1 billion. This represents a growth of 14% over the second quarter of 2024.

Baidu also reported its financial results for the six months ended 30th June. Revenues in the first half of 2025 were US$9.1 billion, flat with the first half of 2024. Profit in the six-month period grew 38%, reaching US$2.1 billion. Diluted earnings per share in the first half of the year were RMB 5.24 (US$0.73).

Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu, said, “In the second quarter, our AI Cloud business continued to deliver robust and healthy revenue growth, supported by our strengthening full-stack AI capabilities and comprehensive end-to-end AI products and solutions. This performance helped mitigate the near-term pressure on online marketing business, as we intensified the AI transformation of Baidu Search to elevate user experience and establish a stronger foundation for long-term growth. Apollo Go accelerated global expansion while actively exploring new business models, underscored by our leadership in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive robotaxi markets globally. We remain focused on AI initiatives that offer the greatest long-term value creation potential, where our technology and innovation can make the most meaningful and lasting impact.”

PICC to reopen in October after renovation

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Manila, 7th August: Opened in 1976, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) announced to undergo an extensive renovation.

During the renovation, PICC has closed temporarily for 5 months, the venue is being restored and readied to bring people together in celebration, partnership and dialogue come October 2025.

Atty. Nicolette Ann P. Cruz, General Manager of the PICC, was quoted, “Every form and feature of the PICC is a play on juxtapositions. Through the renovation, the PICC hopes to bring both physical and sentimental appreciation of this historical and cultural masterpiece to new heights. Entrusted to the hands of renowned experts in the fields of art and architecture, infrastructure, interior design, engineering and construction is the challenge of harmonizing heritage with innovation and aligning preservation with progress.”

Steen Jakobsen appointed new CEO of GainingEdge

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Australia, 14th August: GainingEdge, the leading global tourism and business events industry consulting firm, has announced the appointment of Steen Jakobsen as the company’s new CEO, effective 1st September 2025.

Jakobsen has more than 25 years of international experience in the global tourism and business events industry. He has served on various international boards and committees, including as Board Chair of the BestCities Global Alliance and Vice President of the Board of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

GainingEdge Executive Chairman, Gary Grimmer, commented, “Steen brings enormous business and communications acumen to our company, and a strong strategic vision in areas like destination development, sales and marketing, product innovation and event management. He also brings clear vision, leadership skills and broad networks that will help us to power global destination and association communities. Steen knows how to work with both public and private stakeholders to build the economic and societal impact of meetings and events.”

Quick takes

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Deutsche Messe expects a strong second half

International exhibition organiser, Deutsche Messe, expects a strong second half year in 2025, due to its leading trade fairs to be held in the period. In the second half of 2025, the company will host a total of 28 events, in which four are premiers and new to its portfolio.

BCEC appoints new Facilities Director

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) appointed Cliff Jones as its new Facilities Director. He will replace Ian Chalmers who has transitioned into a new role as he approaches retirement. He will bring his experience in large commercial organisations and hospitality sectors across Australia and Asia. In his new role, Jones will join the Executive Leadership team, taking on responsibility for the Building Services, Facilities Management and Security and Safety, and Sustainability and Community Engagement.

Hyve names new Portfolio Director for CWIEME

Hyve Group, London-based event organiser, announced Melissa Magestro has been appointed as Portfolio Director for CWIEME, Hyve’s global engineering series of events. Melissa has more than 20 years of experience across global B2B industries, with deep expertise in the manufacturing sector. She succeeds Chris Lee, who is moving abroad.

Haymarket launches new title – In.Comms

Haymarket Media Group, privately-owned media, data and information company, will launch a brand-new title, In.Comms. Position as a sister title of PRWeek, In.Comms will focus on the needs of comms teams working within organisations and brands, covering content from external communications and corporate affairs to internal comms. To be launched on 23rd September 2025, In.Comms will have its own dedicated team of journalists, lead by Claire Warren, and she will continue to edit Management Today.