UFI elects new Regional Chapters leadership

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Paris, 10th June: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has elected its leadership positions in the five Regional Chapters worldwide.

The newly elected Regional Chapter Chairs are:

·       Asia-Pacific: Rita Chu, Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd, Hong Kong

·       Europe: Stefan Rummel, Messe München GmbH, Germany

·       North America: Joyce Leveston, Javita Center, USA

·       Central & South America: Fernanda Gorbarán, Messe Frankfurt Argentina, Argentina

·       The Middle East & Africa: Mohammed Al Hussaini, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, Saudi Arabia

Regional Chapter Vice-Chairs are also elected. The role of Regional Chapters focuses on addressing key regional issues and developing ideas relevant to the region, while fostering collaboration and engagement among members. In addition, the Regional Chapters support the promotion of UFI within the region by encouraging new organisations to join and participate.

The elected industry leaders will begin their three-year mandate after the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026.

UFI President, Panittha Buri, commented, “Our Regional Chapters are at the heart of what UFI does: connecting our global community and ensuring our members’ voices are heard in every corner of the world. I warmly congratulate all newly elected Chairs and Vice-Chairs, and extend my sincere thanks to those stepping down for their dedication and service. I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to strengthen our industry together.”

TCEB launches marketing activity

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Thailand, 10th June: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) launched a promotional event under the MaxiMICE Thailand campaign, in collaboration with Gaysorn Village.

During the event, TCEB presented key tools and services, which have been developed to facilitate seamless travel, provide exclusive privileges, and event participants from around the world. The initiatives included the Thailand MICE VISA Card, JerGan Application, E-Visa Facilitation, and MICE Fast Track Services.

Pico Thailand narrows net loss

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Bangkok, 5th June: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, released its results for the quarter ended 30th April 2026. Revenues in the quarter were US$6.7 million, representing a year-on-year decrease of 6.1%. However, the company narrowed its net loss from US$887,000 last year, down to US$241,000.

For the six-month period ended 30th April, the company’s revenues amounted to US$13 million, which dropped by 22% year-on-year. During the reported period, the company posted a net loss of US$651,000, compared with a loss of US$647,000 in the same period of last year.

The company attributed the decrease in revenues to a slowdown in public sector revenue in the result of the post-election government formation process, together with ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, affecting economic conditions and led some customers to postpone their decision to organise events. The narrow in net loss was mainly due to the decrease in expenses, in the result of an expected credit loss from account receivable was recognized.

Business Events Australia expands India team

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Australia, 8th June: Business Events Australia will expand its team to India, by appointing Sharmishtha Patange as Business Events Manager – India, effective 8th June 2026.

Under the new role, Sharmishtha Patange will support the implementation of Business Events Australia’s distribution strategies and partnerships across India’s MICE sector. She will also work with customers and stakeholders to drive business events and incentive travel to Australia.

Quick takes

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UFI European Conference 2026 breaks record

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, concluded its UFI European Conference, running from 3rd to 5th June 2026. Hosted by İZFAŞ in İzmir, Türkiye, this year’s edition was the largest UFI regional conference, with over 400 delegates. The next edition of the UFI European Conference will be held from 2nd to 4th June 2027, taking place in Rimini, Italy, and will be hosted by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG).

83,000+ visitors at DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2026

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2026 concluded at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC), attracting 83,887 visitors from 27th to 29th May. Positioned as the largest the most influential dedicated flooring event on the global stage, the event presented the resilience of the global carpet and flooring industry, creating business opportunities for industry professionals worldwide. International attendance reached a record of 18,302 visitors from 146 countries. The next edition of the event will return at the NECC, running from 26th to 28th May 2027.

Jaarbeurs acquires food & agri innovation platform

Jaarbeurs, active worldwide in the agri and food sector for over 40 years through VIV Worldwide, announced to acquire the innovation platform, Foodbytes, from Rabobank. Foodbytes, an international hub for startups, corporates, and investors active in the agri and food sectors, brings together stakeholders working on areas. No financial details of the acquisition were released.