Thailand recovers from pandemic

Thailand, 15th December: Thailand stated its exhibitions sector has returned to full performance before the COVID-19 pandemic, within three years, ahead of the original forecast of five-year recovery.

According to media release, participation and revenues will have surged to 135% of 2019 levels, by 2025.

Dr Duangdej Yuaiwarmdee, Director of the Exhibition Department at the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), stated the rapid rebound was due to strategic planning and strong collaboration between the Government and the private sector.

Thailand’s “High-Value Destination” strategy continues to leverage its geographical advantage as a gateway to the ASEAN market, and several international events will be held in the country in 2026.

Besides exhibitions, Thailand is also pushing traditional trade sectors, targeting to become “Mega City of Art & Design”, by promoting art and design exhibitions. The country will strengthen its exhibition ecosystem by enhancing operator capabilities and prioritising workforce development, to support the expansion.

Nearly 13,000 professionals at Cosmoprof India 2025

Mumbai, 12th December: The 2025 edition of Cosmoprof India concluded with 12,977 professionals, a 17% increase over the previous edition. Organized by Cosmoprof India Ltd, a joint venture between BolognaFiere Cosmoprof and Informa Markets India, the beauty show was held from 4th to 6th December 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

This year’s Cosmoprof India featured 359 exhibitors and 800 brands from 23 countries and regions, occupying an exhibition area of over 24,815 m2. To showcase distinctive innovations and heighten the international dimension of the event, a total of nine international Country Pavilions were presented.

In addition to the exhibition, the event also featured the newly launched Cosmo Academy – EmpowHER in Beauty, a social initiative addressing the widening skills gaps in India’s beauty and wellness sector; Cosmoprof India and Cosmopack India Awards; and Runway by Cosmoprof India, bringing beauty innovation to the stage through a fusion of fashion and creative artistry.

The next edition of Cosmoprof India will return to Mumbai, running from 10th to 12th December 2026.

2,200+ exhibitors present at Marintec China 2025

Shanghai, 17th December: Organised and managed by Informa Markets and Shanghai Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SSNAME), Marintec China 2025 recently concluded at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), showcasing more than 2,200 companies from over 40 countries and regions, resulting the event to become one of the largest and most influential maritime exhibitions in the world.

Running from 2nd to 5th December 2025, the event attracted a total of 101,829 professional visitors from more than 100 countries and regions. Covering an exhibition area of 110,000 m2 across 11 halls, 16 national and regional pavilions presented the truly international nature of the industry.

Senior Maritime Forum was held alongside with the exhibition, providing a high-level platform for industry players. Under the theme of “Smart Navigation, Green Symbiosis, Convergent Innovation”, the forum featured sessions on shipbuilding and ocean engineering, shipping and ports, marine finance and law, and equipment technology.

Energytec Zone, a newly launched section in 2025, dedicating to alternative energy sources and their supply chains, covering hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, electrification, nuclear power, and renewable sources.

The next edition of Marintec China is scheduled to take place from 30th November to 3rd December 2027.

Quick takes

Saudi Arabia’s EIF and Legends Global JV announcement

Saudi Arabia’s Event Investment Fund (EIF) and Legends Global announced a joint venture to support the vision and investment in the venue industry in Saudi Arabia. Under the JV, Legends Global will deliver Management Services exclusively for the EIF-developed venues in Saudi Arabia, to help the venues to host world-class events in the culture, entertainment, tourism, and indoor sports sectors. EIF, a Saudi public investment entity, develops, owns and operates permanent venues for sports, culture, tourism and entertainment, while Legends Global operates and management venues internationally, including stadiums, arenas, theatres, and convention and exhibition centres.

Excel London appoints Chief People Officer

Excel London has appointed Helene Sharrock as its Chief People Officer, a newly created Executive role, which continues to invest in further strengthening its industry-leading teams. In her new role, Helene Sharrock will play a central role in driving the venue’s people strategy, supporting organisational development, and helping to shape a workplace culture that supports its purpose mission and values.

IFSEC India 2025 features 350+brands

IFSEC India 2025, a leading and most influential security, safety and surveillance exhibition and conference in the South Asia, opened its 18th edition, from 11th to 13th December 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Over 150 exhibitors and 350 brands presented products and services, showcasing physical security, smart surveillance systems, AI-enabled analytics, drone technology, cybersecurity solutions, and indigenous manufacturing innovations.

9,700+ visitors attend GTE–2025

The Garment Technology Expo (GTE-2025) concluded at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, featuring some 225 brands, occupying an exhibition area of 5,000 m2. In its 38th edition, the event ran from 7th to 9th November 2025, positioning as South Asia’s most comprehensive platform for garment machinery, accessories, and allied services. More than 9,700 business visitors attended the show, including exporters, garment manufacturers, procurement teams, buying houses, and MSMEs.