92nd UFI Global Congress welcomes 600+ delegates to Hong Kong

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Paris/Hong Kong, 25th November: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, concluded its annual event, 92nd UFI Global Congress, in Hong Kong, running from 19th to 22nd November 2025.

This year’s congress, themed “Shaping the Future”, was hosted by AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), welcoming over 600 delegates from 47 countries.

During the congress, the Main Stage delivered future-focused programme highlighting the forces reshaping the global exhibitions industry; The Insight Series sessions gathered UFI Award winners and Working Groups for interactive discussions; delegates could also join lively discussions and exchanged insights at the Bate-Papo Corner, which is a new format side stage.

Chris Skeith OBE, CEO of UFI, said, “This Congress was a milestone in UFI’s history. As we celebrated 100 years of connecting people globally, we were also looking ahead and building the foundations for the next century of our industry… It was a powerful reminder of what this community can achieve when we come together with purpose, passion, and momentum.”

Panittha Buri, Vice Chairperson of BHIRAJ BURI GROUP, will be UFI’s new President for the 2025-26 year. UFI Trio for 2025-26 will include Panittha Buri; outgoing President, High Jones (CEO of RX); and incoming President, Wolfram Diener (CEO of Messe Düsseldorf).

The next edition of the congress, the 93rd UFI Global Congress, will take place from 2nd to 5th November 2025, in Manama, Bahrain, hosted by Exhibition World Bahrain.

Alibaba posts decrease in profit for September Quarter

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Hong Kong, 25th November: Last week, the Alibaba Group, a leading e-commerce company in China, released its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2025. The company recorded total revenues of US$35 billion, up 5% year-on-year.

However, Alibaba posted a decrease of 35% in its net profit, down to US$2.9 billion. The company attributed the decline to the investment in quick commerce, user experiences, and technology.

In terms of Alibaba’s B2B business, revenues from the “China commerce wholesale” business, under its Alibaba China E-commerce Group, primarily generated through 1688.com, were US$947 million, representing an increase of 13% year-on-year. Revenues from its “International commerce wholesale” business under Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, primarily operating through Alibaba.com, increased by 11%, reaching US$945 million.

In addition, Alibaba also released its financial results for the six months ended 30th September, with revenues of US$70 billion, an increase of 3% year-on-year. Net profit in the six-month period dropped 7%, amounting at US$8.8 billion. Diluted earnings per share in the first half of the financial year were RMB 3.34 (US$0.47).

Revenues from the “China commerce wholesale” business rose 13% year-on-year, reaching US$1.9 billion; while revenues from its “International commerce wholesale” business were US$1.8 billion, up 12%.

Eddie Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group, was quoted, “We have entered into an investment phase to build long-term strategic value in AI technologies and infrastructure and a consumption platform integrating daily life services and e-commerce. With our significant strategic investments in these areas, our two core businesses of AI + Cloud and consumption continued to deliver strong growth this quarter. Robust AI demand further accelerated our Cloud Intelligence Group business, with revenue up 34% and AI-related product revenue achieving triple-digit year-over-year growth for the ninth consecutive quarter. In our consumption business, quick commerce continued to scale with significant improvement in unit economics and drove rapid growth in monthly active consumers on the Taobao app.”

VNU AP expands Aquatech portfolio in Thailand

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Bangkok, 26th November: VNU Asia Pacific’s (VNU AP) water technology, Aquatech, will expand its portfolio to Bangkok, by launching Aquatech Asia. The new event will run from 25th to 27th November 2026, focusing on flooding and drought management, climate resilience, and integrated water solutions.

The Aquatech portfolio includes events in Amsterdam, Mexico, and China. The new event is supported by a strategic partnership between RAI Amsterdam and VNU Asia Pacific, combining local market expertise with Aquatech’s global network and knowledge programme.

Justin Pau, CEO, VNU Asia Pacific, commented, “Asia is at the center of the world’s water challenge – and opportunity. With soaring demand driven by urbanization and climate change, the need for smarter, sustainable water solutions is more critical than ever. Aquatech Asia serves as the key platform to connect global innovation with regional needs, driving progress toward water resilience. With over a decade of expertise as Southeast Asia’s leading trade show organizer, VNU Asia Pacific is proud to bring this world-class event to empower industries and communities across the region.”

385 MICE events held in Macau in Q3

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Macau, 26th November: Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released the latest MICE Statistics for the quarter ended 30th September 2025. A total of 385 MICE events were held in Macau in the quarter, up 10% year-on-year. The number of participants and attendees also grew 8.2%, reaching 567,200.

Among the 385 events, 360 were meetings and conferences, increased by 11% year-on-year. Number of participants was up 9.2%, amounting at 68,500. A total of 18 exhibitions were held during the quarter, up 29%, with the number of attendees rising 9.1%, to 497,300.

The figures for the first nine months of 2025 were also provided. Macau hosted a total of 1,331 MICE events in the period, up 26% year-on-year. However, the number of participants dropped by 1,1%, at 995,200.

Quick takes

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Chiang Mai Marriott opens new events facilities

The Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel announced the launch of the Plaii Ballroom and Plaii Hybrid Meetings & Entertainment Complex. The Plaii Ballroom features 400 m2 of pillarless space, which is purpose-built for international conferences, product launches, and luxury celebrations. The complex also includes 11 meeting rooms, executive breakout suites, and a naturally lit Mingle Space, as well as lifestyle and entertainment facilities.

RX launches MIPIM Middle East in 2026

International exhibition organiser, RX Global, will launch MIPIM Middle East in Riyadh, running from 20th to 21st October 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. The new event will bring global real-estate investors together with policymakers and project owners from across the region. MIPIM Middle East will be part of the MIPIM portfolio, which includes events in Cannes and Hong Kong.

ABEA appoints two new directors

The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) appointed two new directors to the board: Cindy-Lee Bakos from MCI Australia, and Nick Jeffery from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC). Angie Becker from Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) was re-elected onto the board. Peter King’s term as Chair will extend for another two years, together with Vice Chair, Matt Pearce from Talk2Media, will continue in their roles.

RX appoints new Executive Vice President

RX Global, a leading exhibition organiser, appointed Amy Morton as its new Executive Vice President of Human Resources for RX and RELX Corporate, effective 1st December 2025. Morton will be responsible for aligning the company’s people strategies with its core business objective, focusing on driving talent development, retention, and acquisition initiatives across RX. Prior joining RX, she has held senior leadership roles at prominent financial and asset management firms. She will report directly to Hugh Jones, she will also join the RX Executive Leadership Team and the Global HR Leadership Team.