Songdo Convensia waits government approval for expansion

Korea, 5th November: Songdo Convensia, a convention centre near Incheon International Airport, plans to expand and build new exhibition halls.

The venue is waiting for the approval from the South Korean government. The new halls will be built next to the existing four, utilising the current open-air space and adjacent parking lot, and the parking lot will be moved underground.

The venue currently has a total exhibition space of 17,021 m2, two ballrooms and 35 meeting rooms.

Sae-rae Jo, assistant manager, exhibition team, Songdo Convensia, stated, “The proposal is done, and we are hopeful that it will be approved because we’re focused on MICE. MICE is the direction the government is moving in, and we aim for the expansion to be ready by 2030.”

Informa’s revenues up 8.7% in first 10 months

London, 11th November: Earlier this week, Informa PLC, the London-listed B2B media group, released its latest trading update, reporting a 6.6% of underlying revenue growth in the first 10 months of 2025.

Informa’s B2B Live Events (Informa Markets, Informa Connect, Informa Festivals) posted an underlying revenue growth of 8.7%. The company attributed the growth reflecting structural market strengths, continuing marketing leading outperformance in IMEA (India, Middle East and Africa), and successful Brand geo-adaptation. Another business, Informa TechTarget, reported to return momentum in underlying revenues, with a positive performance since the half year.

The company also updated its full year guidance: underlying revenue growth of 6%, group revenues of £4 billion (US$5.3 billion), and adjusted earning per share growth of 10%.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa, said, “Informa continues its strong operating performance, delivering further revenue, profit and earnings growth this year and with continuing momentum into next year. Our growth platform is built around the power and rising value of Live Events, and is underpinned by unique specialist B2B Brands, leading positions in growth geographies and categories, proprietary First Party Data and world class talent.”

RX appoints President, Asia Pacific

London, 6th November: International exhibition organiser, RX Global (formerly Reed Exhibitions), has appointed Brian Thomas as its new President, Asia Pacific, succeeding Chien Ee Yeh, who is retiring after servicing RX for 14 years.

Thomas has over 30 years of experience at RX by holding leadership roles across multiple regions. He has overseen RX’s businesses in Australia, Singapore, Korea and Indonesia.

After taking over the new role, Thomas will join RX’s Executive Leadership Team and report directly to CEO, Hugh Jones.

Hugh Jones was quoted, “Brian is a proven leader with deep regional expertise and a strong track record of delivering results. His passion for our business, his collaborative approach, and his commitment to our customers and people make him the ideal person to lead our Asia Pacific operations into the future.  I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Chien Ee for his outstanding contributions and dedication to RX, we wish him happiness and all the very best in his next chapter.”

BOL up 26% in revenues in Q3

Bangkok, 11th November: Business Online (BOL), a leading online information service provider in Thailand, has reported its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2025. Revenues in the quarter were US$7.6 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 26%.

The company’s net profit increased by 9.7% over the same quarter last year, reaching US$2.9 million.

The company attributed the increase in revenues to the increase income in information services and data & risk management services. In addition, the company posted a decrease in income tax expenses in the results of profit increase.

The company also releases its results for the nine months ended 30th September, with revenues increased by 13% year-on-year, amounting at US$20 million. Its net profit in the nine-month period was US$7.6 million, representing a rise of 6.1% over the first nine months in 2024. Diluted earnings per share in the reported period were Baht 0.30 (US$0.0093).

Quick takes

Messe Düsseldorf launches REHACARE ASIA 2026

International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf Asia announced to launch a new trade show focusing on the burgeoning preventive healthcare, rehabilitation, and elder care sectors in Southeast Asia, REHACARE ASIA 2026. The new event will be co-located with MEDICIAL FAIR ASIA and MEDICIAL MANUFACTURING ASIA, running from 9th to 11th September 2026, at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

RAI Amsterdam launches Aquatech Asia

RAI Amsterdam will expand its water technology trade show, Aquatech portfolio, to in Southeast Asia, by launching Aquatech Asia. The new show will be in collaboration with VNU Asia Pacific, will run from 25th to 27th November 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together international water experts, technology companies, and policymakers to showcase innovative solutions for urgent regional issues.

Hyve acquires HGAN

London-based Hyve announced the acquisition of Health Grown Advisory Network (HGAN), a U.S.-based platform that connects healthcare innovators with partners and investors. With its expert team and extensive advisor network, HGAN helps companies navigate critical growth factors. According to Hyve, it is the first acquisition that extends the power of its events beyond the show floor.