UFI AP Conference 2026 welcomes 260+ delegates to Thailand

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Bangkok, 5th March: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, concluded its 2026 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, bringing together over 260 industry leaders in Bangkok, Thailand.

Running from 5th to 6th March, the conference was hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC).

This year’s conference featured a dynamic line-up of speakers who explored the major forces reshaping the industry, from global trade and supply chains to technology innovation and evolving client needs.

Chris Skeith OBE, CEO & Managing Director of UFI, was quoted, “The Asia-Pacific region remains one of the most dynamic exhibition markets in the world, as well as home to UFI’s largest member base. Bringing our community together in Bangkok has once again highlighted how important this conference is for strengthening regional collaboration and cross-border connections. The discussions over the past two days reflect the ambition and innovation of this region, as well as the vital role exhibitions play in driving growth and opportunity.”

The next UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will take place in 2027 in Bali, Indonesia, hosted by IECA, the Indonesia Exhibition and Convention Association.

Penang’s business events generate RM1.91b in 2025

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Penang, 2nd March: The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has announced a record year for Business Events Penang in 2025, generating RM 1.91 billion (US$488 million) of an estimated Economic Event Impact (EEI).

In 2025, a total of 3,391 business events were held in Penang, representing a 65% increase year-on-year. The number of delegates grew 48% over the figure record in 2024, amounting at 451,198.

Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB, said, “At PCEB, we turn insight and foresight into action. By using data, market intelligence, and global best practices, we refine our strategies to help partners transform opportunities into real outcomes and measurable impact across Penang’s business events ecosystem.”

In the future, Penang will continue to champion high-value, strategic business events to deliver economic impact and long-term benefits.

Informa TechTarget generates US$487m in 2025

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Newton, MA, U.S., 11th March: Earlier this week, Informa’s TechTarget, Inc. released its full year results for 2025, with reported revenue of US$487 million, which is consistent with its guidance of “broadly flat”.

The company posted its GAAP net loss to US$1.0 billion, compared with the loss of US$117 million in 2024. The company attributed the increase in net loss to a US$931.5 million non-cash goodwill impairment, reflecting the reduction in its market capitalization during the year relative to book value at the prior year-end.

In 2026, TechTarget targets a return to revenue growth and an increase in Adjusted EBITDA to be between US$95 million and US$100 million.

Gary Nugent, Chief Executive Officer, Informa TechTarget, commented, “2025 was the foundation year for Informa TechTarget, with the focus on executing against our Combination Plan, laying the path ahead for durable growth. We combined and invested in our businesses, brands and teams, establishing a clear and compelling customer proposition and strengthening our market presence.”

The company also announced its results for the quarter ended 31st December 2025. Revenues were US$141 million, an increase of 3% year-on-year on a Combined Company basis. While the net loss narrowed to US$9.5 million in the quarter, down from US$77 million in the fourth quarter in 2024, which reflected the reduction in the market capitalization during the quarter relative to its book value in 2024.

TEA unveils 2026–2027 MICE roadmap

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Thailand, 3rd March: The Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) announced the strategic roadmap for Thailand’s MICE industry for 2026-2027, focusing on building a robust ecosystem driven by innovation and sustainability.

The association also confirmed to host the upcoming edition of its flagship event, Thailand MICE X-Change 2026 (TMX 2026), from 29th to 30th April 2026, at Ballroom 1-3, Level 1, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Under the theme of “Innovation and Sustainability: Advancing Thailand’s MICE Industry Toward Excellence”, TMX 2026 is expected to attract over 4,000 attendees, continue to support digital transformation alongside sustainability-driven strategies, reinforcing Thailand’s global competitiveness in the MICE sector.

More than 100 full-service event solutions providers from Thailand and abroad will showcase at TMX 2026. In addition, over 25 industry experts will present at the “X-Change Square” seminar, covering more than 15 sessions. Business matching sessions will also be held during the exhibition, connecting exhibitors with buyers from various sectors.

Mr. Loy Joon How, President of TEA and General Manager of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., stated, “TMX has now been organized continuously for three years and has become widely recognized as a leading exhibition and conference platform that encourages businesses to integrate events and exhibitions into their strategic marketing and branding plans.”

Quick takes

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New Zealand opens new venue

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has officially opened, serving Auckland and New Zealand’s business events, culture, and tourism landscape. The new venue consists of 33 meeting spaces, a 2,850-seat theatre, and the capacity to host over 4,000 delegates, which enables NZICC to host international summits, trade exhibitions, concerts and cultural events, etc. In addition, the venue has already secured 120 bookings for 2026, and it is targeted to attract 33,000 new international visitors annually, generating NZ$90 million (US$53 million) in economic impact.

HKTDC’s twin jewellery shows attract some 80,000 buyers

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, under the “Two Shows, Two Venues” format. The Jewellery Show was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), from 4th to 8th March 2026, attracting over 51,000 buyers from 140 countries and regions. While the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show ran from 2nd to 6th March 2026, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), welcoming more than 28,000 from 125 countries and regions. About 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions were featured at the twin shows.

GES opens new office in Mumbai

GES, exhibition and events service provider, announced the company has opened a new office in Mumbai, led by Pranay Chandan. He will head operations and business development in India for the company, based in the Mumbai office and supported by a local team.

Comexposium appoints Director of Events

Comexposium, a world’s leading organisers of professional and public events, has appointed Annabelle Serres as Director of its two flagship events of the retail real estate and the retail industry, Siec and NRF Retail’s Big Show Europe. In the new role, Annabelle Serres will lead the production of NRF Retail’s Big Show Europe, and support Siec’s transformation and reinforcing its positioning as the strategic event for commercial real estate.