Messe Frankfurt cooperates with Notes Shanghai

Shanghai, 29th March: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt’s subsidiary Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd announced the cooperation of Notes Shanghai Exhibition Co Ltd, to support the growth of China’s beauty industry.

Notes Shanghai, held biannually, has a strong reputation in China’s niche fragrance sector, and it also has extensive experience in showcasing high-end, independent brands. The show showcases boutique fragrance brands from China and around the globe, featuring perfumes, home fragrance, car perfumes, scented candles, and traditional Chinese incense. The coming edition, the 2025 Spring edition, will cover 4,500 m2 of exhibition space, showcasing over 200 boutique fragrance brands from 19 countries and region, expecting more than 5,000 professional buyers and over 10,000 consumers of perfume and cosmetics retailers, department stores, distributors, agents, e-commerce platforms, social media influencers, and fragrance enthusiasts.

Mr Stephan Kurzawski, Senior Vice President, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, commented, “This move represents a significant step as we explore new opportunities in China’s dynamic beauty sector. In recent years, China’s consumer goods market has undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from a trend follower to a more independent and dynamic market. The rapid rise of the digital age has nurtured younger generations who embrace new perspectives. Amidst industry evolution, it is crucial for us to actively participate in this growth, as identifying and expanding into high-growth sub-sector is a key part of our long-term strategy. We are pleased to explore potential collaboration with Notes Shanghai, and look forward to identifying new opportunities to create greater value for the industry.”

TCEB launches MICE Data Platform

Thailand, 31st March: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced the launch of “MICE Data Platform”, to drive Thai MICE industry towards enhanced international competitiveness on a sustainable basis. The new platform will feature data instrumental to operating business.

TCEB aims the MICE Data Platform to become a crucial tool for collecting, analysing, and presenting valuable data to entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the MICE industry. It is also part of the three-year (2025-2027) strategic plan with the goal of creating a data ecosystem, promoting data utilisation in the MICE industry, and enhancing data governance.

Key features and services of the MICE Data Platform will include Interactive Dashboard with Smart Data, Data Connection with Travel Link, In-depth Insight Reports, and Open Data and API (Application Programming Interface).

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB, was quoted, “The MICE Data Platform will be a significant tool in transforming Thailand’s MICE industry for sustainable growth and enhancing its competitiveness at the international level.”

HC’s revenues down, but narrows loss in FY2024

Hong Kong, 30th March: HC Group, an online B2B information services provider in China, reported total revenues of US$1.50 billion for the year ended 31st December 2024. This represents a decrease of 41% year-on-year.

The company attributed the decrease of revenue to the decline in revenue generated by Union Cotton of the company’s smart industries segment. The business reduced the scale of self-operated sales to reduce the risk of price fluctuations and focused on products with comparatively higher gross margin in the result of the inadequate demand of downstream textile enterprises, and changes in government subsidy policies.

However, the company’s net loss widened from US$155 million in 2023, down to US$36 million in 2024. The decrease was mainly due to a recognition of impairment for goodwill and other intangible assets related to the technology-driven new retail business in 2023, which did not recur in 2024.

In terms of business segments, more than 97% of HC’s revenues were generated from its smart industries segment, US$1.46 billion, which represents a year-on-year decrease of 38%. The remaining revenues were generated from its technology-driven new retail segment (US$33 million), which dropped 80% year-on-year.

Sino Splendid narrows loss

Hong Kong, 31st March: Hong Kong-listed Sino Splendid (formerly China.com) has announced its results for the financial year ended 31st December 2024. The company reported revenues of US$3.8 million in the year, down 29% year-on-year. However, the company narrowed its from US$6.3 million in 2023, down to US$3.1 million.

More than 90% of Sino Splendid’s revenues were generated from its financial magazines and other media services, amounting to US$4.9 million, down 18% year-on-year. While its travel media business dropped 84% year-on-year, down to just over US$300,000.

The decrease in revenues was mainly due to the revenue decrease from Financial Magazine and Other Media Business.

Quick takes

COEX appoints as new CEO

COEX, exhibition organiser and venue in Korea, announced the appointment of Cho Sang-hyun as its new CEO for a three-year team from March 2025 to March 2028. Cho, formerly director of Korea International Trade Association’s (KITA) International Trade and Commerce Research Institute, joined KITA in 1990, has built extensive expertise in international trade and commerce, serving key leadership roles.

Gaurav Sood appointed as new CEO of Messe Stuttgart India

Messe Stuttgart India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Messe Stuttgart in Delhi, appointed Gaurav Sood as its new CEO. He will succeed Aditya Gupta who had been temporarily managing Messe Stuttgart India since June 2024. Sood has 25 years of experience in the MICE industry in India, with the last 5 years as General Manager of Hyve India.

MEA ceases operations after 50 years

Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) announced to cease its operations on 27th March 2025. In addition, the annual MEA National Conference, scheduled to held in June 2025 in Sydney, will also be cancelled. The decision of cease the operation was due to MEA has been unable to secure the necessary cash sponsorship to maintain its activities.

Indonesia’s event sector losses US$27m

Indonesia’s event industry recorded 638 events to cancel or postpone, following government-imposed budget cut. A survey estimated the event cancellations and postponements to loss about US$27 million, with affecting key business cities the most.

Share price movement in B2B media companies involved in Asia

Figure 1: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement over past 12 months)

Figure 2: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement since January 2025)

5,000+ buyers at inaugural Connect Marketplace Hong Kong

Hong Kong, 24th March: Organised by Informa Markets Asia, the inaugural Connect Marketplace Hong Kong concluded with more than 5,000 buyers attending its networking events and conferences, and over 1,500 pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings were also facilitated during the event.

A key highlight was the signing ceremony for the Better Stands Program by the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA), aiming to establish a new benchmark for environmentally-responsible practices within the industry.

Margaret Ma Connolly, president and CEO of Informa Markets Asia, was quoted, “Following its launch in Europe in 2022, we brought this programme to Asia a year later. We are piloting this idea across all our shows, where our booths are entirely reusable. HKECIA is our first partner, and we intend to get all industry associations to sign up and help promote this initiative. This is just the beginning. Our goal for next year is to roll it out in many more countries.”

CEIR: U.S. B2B exhibition industry continues to rebound

U.S., 24th March: The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its latest index tracking the U.S. B2B exhibition industry in the fourth quarter of 2024, showing the industry continue to rebound with a strong improvement in the quarter.

The CEIR Total Index combines to track four metrics: net square feet (NSF) sold, number of exhibitors, number of attendees, and real revenues. The Q4 CEIR Total Index dropped 4.4% in the quarter, compared to the same period in 2019. Among the four metrics, number of exhibitors has recovered the most, with 0.1% below the Q4 2019 figure, followed by real revenues at 1.1% behind Q4 2019. NSF was 3.0% below Q4 2019, and number of attendees was the slowest to recover, with 12.9% behind.

Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics, commented, “Recent results confirm the continued recovery in trade show activity through the end of last year. This year our baseline outlook remains positive, though we expect economic and policy uncertainty and weaker sentiment among international participants will weigh on business decisions and the ongoing recovery in trade show activity.”

dmg events launches HVACR World in Dubai

Dubai, 26th March: dmg events will host HVACR World in Dubai, running from 24th to 27th November 2025, at Dubai World Trade Centre, serving the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).

The event aims to serve as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of HVAR, focusing on high-growth sectors, including construction, logistics, healthcare, and food & beverage. It will also feature discussions on smart cities, green buildings, and sustainability, supporting the region’s shift to next-generation air systems.

HVACR World will co-locate with Big 5 Global, a leading construction event in the region.

Matt Denton, President of dmg events, said, “With a $9 trillion construction project pipeline in the MEASA region, the demand for advanced, energy-efficient climate control solutions reaches an all-time high. HVACR World serves as a premier platform connecting global industry leaders with these rapidly expanding markets, driving innovation and sustainability in HVACR technologies. AHRI’s endorsement further strengthens the event’s role as a key industry forum.”

Quick takes

Registration open for 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will organise its 92nd Global Congress in Hong Kong, running from 19th to 22nd November 2025. The event will be hosted by the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). The registration has been opened at www.uficongress.org

RX Global’s IGTM appoints Fiona Ashton as Event Manager

RX Global (formerly Reed Exhibitions) announced to appoint Fiona Ashton as Event Manager of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), an event serving the global golf tourism industry. Fiona has over 13 years of experience at RX Global and she will oversee the operational planning and execution of IGTM in the new role. IGTM’s former Event Director, David Griffiths, will continue to play an integral role within the IGTM team as Head of Sales across the Hosted Travel Portfolio of events, working with Sales Manager Callum Forbes.

HKTDC’s FILMART & EntertainmentPulse attract 7,600+ industry players

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse, drawing more than 7,600 industry players from 42 countries and regions. During the four-day event, over 760 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions promoted cross-regional, cross-media and cross-industry.

VIV Asia 2025 features 1,500 exhibitors

VIV Asia 2025, organised by VNU Asia Pacific, featuring 1,5000 exhibitors across 63 countries and regions, showcasing the feed-to-food industry in Asia. Running from 12th to 14th March 2025, at IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok, the event featured an electrifying showcase of innovation, expertise, and global collaboration, drawing top industry leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers from around the world. The next VIV Asia will be scheduled from 10th to 12th March 2027.

Share price movement in B2B media companies involved in Asia

Figure 1: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement over past 12 months)

Figure 2: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement since January 2025)

ICCA and AIME announce new partnership

Australia, 14th March: The International Congress and Conference Association (ICCA) announced a new industry partnership with the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), bringing business opportunities to ICCA members in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and other global regions.

Under the partnership, AIME will serve as a partner in advocacy for international business events industry for destination enhancement. AIME and ICCA will be able to expand opportunity, growth and development for members of business events community.

Talk2 Media & Events (managed AIME) Director Matt Pearce, said, “The AIME team has worked closely with Senthil, Waikin Wong (ICCA Asia Pacific Regional Director) and the whole ICCA team for several years and we are pleased to formalise this with an industry partnership. We look forward to driving business events growth and prosperity in APAC with ongoing personal and professional development opportunities through AIME and ICCA in the coming years as AIME cements its position as the leading business events exhibition and learning platform.”

Yashobhoomi to release bidding process for final phase of expansion

India, 12th March: Located in Dwarka, New Delhi, Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre – IICC) will release the bidding process for the second and final phase of its development.

The first phase was inaugurated on 17th September 2023. The second phase will add 180,000 m2 of indoor exhibiting area. After completion of the second phase, Yashobhoomi will have a capacity of 300,000 m2. The government of India will also announce the bidding process to develop the commercial land adjacent to Yashobhoomi later.

Phil Chung, CEO of KINEXIN Convention Management, venue operating partner of Yashobhoomi, was quoted, “We are aiming to get one of the world’s largest semiconductor tradeshows to Yashobhoomi, which is expected to take place later this year.”

Messe Düsseldorf China unveils strategic vision

Beijing, 7th March: Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (MDS), subsidiary of a world leading exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, unveiled its strategic vision for 2025 under the theme “Embark Together, Achieve Beyond”, to foster collaborative innovation and drive industry excellence across China and beyond.

Established in 2009, MDS has introduced industry leading trade fairs to China and provided Chinese and international customers with superior exhibition services. Today, MDS hosts 13 leading trade fairs and conferences in China, covering industries of printing, packaging, wire & tube, plastics, medical devices, rehabilitation, retail, safety & health, wine & spirits, and caravanning.

According to Messe Düsseldorf, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 13% of all exhibitors at its flagship events in Germany. In terms of net exhibition space, China was third globally and the first in non-European countries. Messe Düsseldorf in China is also its largest subsidiary.

Ms. Evian Gu, General Manager of MDS, stated, “Over the years, we have consistently upheld an innovative spirit, working hand-in-hand with every partner here to overcome challenges and achieve one industry milestone after another. Moving forward, we look forward to continuing this journey alongside our partners, building on trust as our foundation and collaboration as our bond, to write even more chapters together!”

In the coming years, Messe Düsseldorf China will continue to collaborate with partners to promote the high-quality development of the exhibition industry.

DCA expands to Indonesia and Malysia

Hong Kong, 17th March: Informa Markets’ Data Center Asia (DCA) announced to expand portfolio in Asia in 2025, by launching two exhibitions in Malaysia and Indonesia, following the launch of DCA Hong Kong (DCA-HK).

The DCA exhibitions will present the entire data center value chain, highlighting ground-breaking advancements in hardware, digital infrastructure, AI, cloud solutions and cybersecurity. According to Informa Markets, each edition will provide localised insights tailored to its respective market, while remaining seamlessly connected to the broader DCA network.

The inaugural DCA-HK will take place from 15th to 17th July 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), which is the flagship event of the series. It will connect the data center industries of Northeast and Southeast Asia and also serve as a strategic gateway for global companies entering the Asian market.

DCA Indonesia (DCA-ID) will target as a focused, localised event designed to address the specific opportunities and challenges of Indonesia’s digital transformation. It will be held from 17th to 18th September 2025, at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo). DCA Malaysia (DCA-MY) is scheduled to run from 18th to 20th November 2025, at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, serving as a key hub for Southeast Asia’s data center landscape.

Quick takes

New Zealand adds NZ$3m funding for business events

The New Zealand government announced to add an additional NZ$3 million (US$1.7 million) in funding to attract international conferences and incentive business. The funding will be available to organisations to bid for hosting international conferences in New Zealand and will also support efforts to attract high-value incentive business.

Connect Marketplace to be held in Hong Kong

The new Connect Marketplace Hong Kong, aims to accelerate business within the Asian business events industry, is scheduled to run from 19th to 21st March 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). The programme will include targeted networking events, informative conferences, and strategic incentives designed to foster tangible business outcomes.

Easyfairs buys Digital Accountancy Show

Easyfairs announced the acquisition of Digital Accountancy Show, a leading technology conference for accountants, bookkeepers and finance professionals. Launched in 2020, Digital Accountancy Show aims to drive change and support the evolution of the accounting profession. No financial details were disclosed. The next edition of Digital Accountancy Show will be held from 1st to 2nd April 2025, at London Evolution in Battersea, expecting over 150 exhibitors and more than 5,000 visitors.

Freeman buys Tag Digital

Freeman acquired Tag Digital, a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in innovative solutions for event organisers in EMEA, APAC and North America. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. After the acquisition, Tag will combine with mdg, a Freeman company. mdg’s digital marketing capabilities will be better serve show organisers and associations, and also positioning it for growth in new markets.

Share price movement in B2B media companies involved in Asia

Figure 1: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement over past 12 months)

Figure 2: BSG B2B Media Index vs. All Tracked B2B Stocks (price movement since January 2025)

Pico Thailand’s profit up 139%

Bangkok, 7th March: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, announced its results for the quarter ended 31st January 2025. Revenues during the quarter were US$8.8 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.2%.

The company’s net profit jumped 139% year-on-year, reaching US$239,000 for the quarter. Earnings per share in the quarter were Baht 0.037 (US$0.0011).

The management attributed the increase in revenues to E-Sport project with Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), in the result of an increase income from Event marketing. The company also recorded increases in income from Learning center & Museum business, and Knowledge Communication.

Experia launches aviation expo in Singapore

Singapore, 11th March: Organised by Experia Events, the inaugural edition of Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx) concluded at Singapore’s Changi Exhibition Centre, welcoming over 2,000 attendees from 56 countries and regions. Of those, 53% were foreign attendance.

Running from 4th to 6th March 2025, BAAFEx featured four elements: Exhibition, Expert Panels & Keynote Speakers, Aircraft Displays, and Networking Opportunities. During the three-day event, a total of 12 conference sessions were held, bringing 46 speakers to share their expertise, knowledge and insights.

Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, said, “The consensus among exhibitors, sponsors and trade visitors is that the inaugural show exceeded their expectations. Exhibitors were impressed by the number of quality business meetings they had, resulting in sales opportunities… The enormous momentum created from BAAFEx 2025 means we anticipate that the next show in 2027 will be even bigger.”

The next edition of BAAFEx will be held in 2027.

82,000+ buyers attend HKTDC’s jewellery shows

Hong Kong, 9th March: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has recently concluded its twin jewellery shows, attracting over 82,000 buyers from 141 countries and regions, under a “two shows, two venues” format.

The 41st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running from 4th to 8th March; while the 11th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show took place from 2nd to 6th March, at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). Some 4,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions showcased at the two shows. According to the HKTDC, about 32,000 buyers attended the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, and 51,000 buyers visited the Jewellery Show.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, was quoted, “As a leading global trading hub for the jewellery industry, the twin jewellery shows brought together international buyers and organised more than 30 industry seminars and activities to foster innovation and collaboration within the sector. The shows also actively promote local design and nurture the next generation of industry talents through jewellery design competitions, underscoring their impact on the global jewellery landscape and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a world-class convention and exhibition centre.”