31,000 professionals at ISPO Shanghai 2025

Shanghai, 8th July: Organised by Messe München Shanghai (MM-SH), ISPO Shanghai 2025 concluded at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), attracting 31,077 professional buyers and sports enthusiasts from 72 countries and regions.

ISPO Shanghai 2025 featured a total of 634 brands from about 30 countries and regions, presenting over 10,000 innovative products. Under the theme of “Sports · Fashion · Health”, the event ran from 4th to 6th July.

Pang Dan, Head of ISPO China, commented, “As health becomes a lifestyle and sports transcend scene boundaries, the industry's new power is rising. ISPO is committed to cultivating this fertile ground – enabling professionals and the public to engage, and ensuring trade and experience thrive together.”

JAS 2025 features 500+ exhibitors

Jaipur, 17th July: Jaipur’s leading B2B jewellery exhibition, Jewellers Association Show (JAS) 2025, was held from 4th to 6th July, at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC).

The theme of this year’s event was “Connect to Source”, highlighting direct engagement between artisans, manufacturers, and buyers. Over 500 exhibitors showcased a spectacular array of gemstones, gold, diamond, silver, and Kundan-Meena jewellery. More than 21,00 trade visitors from across India and abroad.

The Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, located in Sitapura, Jaipur, 15-minute drive from Jaipur International Airport. JECC is connected to the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, one of the largest pillarless exhibition, convention, and entertainment venues, spanning 42 acres. It has two pillarless halls, covering 106,372 sq. ft. (9,882 m2), with a seating capacity of over 18,000.

Quick takes

Hyve grows behavioral health portfolio

Hyve Group announced the acquisition of Behavioral Health Tech, bringing together the largest and most forward-thinking community of behavioral health payors, health systems, providers, digital health innovators, government leaders, and funders in the U.S.

NürnbergMesse posts record-breaking sales in 2024

International exhibition organiser, NürnbergMesse, posted record-breaking sales of €368 million (US$383 million) in 2024. During the year, the company organised 154 events worldwide, featuring 33,196 exhibitors and 1.6 million visitors, with a display area of 1.2 million m2. For 2025, the company expected a consolidated revenues of €350 million (US$364 million), despite the lower number of events in 2025.

Build4Asia 2025 opens in Hong Kong

Build4Asia 2025, the leading innovative security, building and electrical exhibition in Asia, organised by Informa Markets Asia, opened at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) in Hong Kong, running from 15th to 17th July, bringing together cutting-edge technology, special forums and abundant business opportunities. More than 600 brands showcased more than 2,000 advanced solutions, expected to attract about 6,000 industry professionals worldwide.

Messe Frankfurt opens PrintExpo Chennai

PrintExpo Chennai, co-located with MediaExpo Chennai, opened its doors at the Chennai Trade Centre for print and digital solutions tailored to meet the demands of the OOH advertising, signage and branding industry. Organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India, a total of 185 exhibitors were showcased at the co-located events, serving as a business and networking platform, bringing together printers, printing equipment machinery manufacturers, advertising agencies and marketers, brand managers, and more.

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)

RX announces new JV in Thailand

Bangkok, 8th July: London-based international exhibition organiser, RX Global, announced a new joint venture with BHIRAJ BURI GROUP (BBG) and owner of the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), to launch RX BITEC.

Through operating a portfolio of industry-leading events in Thailand, RX BITEC aims to support exhibitors and attendees by offering cutting-edge solutions, seamless execution, and unmatched customer service. The new JV will drive measurable value for customer through creativity and operational excellence, supporting them to build their businesses sustainably and over time.

RX CEO Hugh Jones, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with BHIRAJ BURI GROUP in Thailand, a market full of potential and energy.  By combining the complementary strengths of RX and BHIRAJ BURI GROUP, our goal is to empower our clients with smarter, more impactful event experiences by leveraging our combined international expertise and local insight. RX BITEC will ensure consistent quality, innovation, and scalability for events of all sizes for businesses to thrive in the future.”

Messe Frankfurt posts records in FY2024

Frankfurt, 2nd July: Messe Frankfurt, international exhibition organiser, posted new records in its 2024 Annual Report. The sales were €775 million (US$806 million), with consolidated annual net income of €82 million (US$85 million).

According to the company, about 44% of sales were from outside Germany, amounting to €343 million (US$357 million). Messe Frankfurt hosted a total of 348 events worldwide, attracting approximately 4.6 million visitors. Of the 348 events, 153 were trade fairs and exhibitions, which featured more than 98,000 exhibiting companies.

In 2025, the company will further expand its market lead and to safeguard its quality and global growth in the long term by investing further in its digital and sustainable transformation.

Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Messe Frankfurt, commented, “Today, Messe Frankfurt is more stable and successful than ever before. The excellent financial results in 2024 reflect the Group’s performance and proven strategic orientation – even under challenging market conditions. We have scope for financing our own investments and will make use of our growth opportunities accordingly. We have held dynamic events with very high satisfaction levels and an equally high international component. Our customers are building on personal interaction and remain networked internationally in spite of – and very much because of – the complex global economic situation.”

Baidu appoints new CFO

Beijing, 1st July: Baidu, a leading AI company with Internet foundation in China, appointed Mr. Haijian He as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

Prior joining Baidu, Mr. Haijian He has served as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer at Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited since January 2020. He received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in electronic engineering from Southeast University and an MBA from University of Chicago, and completed Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School. He is also a Charter Financial Analyst charter holder.

In addition, Mr. Junjie He will step down from Interim Chief Financial Officer and assume to be Senior Vice President in charge of human resources and administrative functions; Ms. Shanshan Cui will serve as Secretary General to the Organizational Cultural Committee of Baidu.

Mr. Robin Yanhong Li, Baidu’s Co-founder and CEO, was quoted, “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Haijian He to our management team. He brings a proven track record of outstanding leadership in driving business growth, enhancing operational quality, and strengthening corporate governance. We look forward to working closely with him and are confident that his skills and experiences will contribute to Baidu’s next phase of growth. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Junjie He and Ms. Shanshan Cui for their contributions. We believe their extensive management experience will continue to be invaluable in their new roles.”

HKTB appoints Anthony Lau as new Executive Director

Hong Kong, 2nd July: The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced the appointment of Mr Anthony Lau its new Executive Director, with effect from 4th August 2025, as successor to Mr Dane Cheng.

Mr Lau previously served as HKTB Executive Director between 2007 and 2019. Since October 2023, he has been the Director of the Hong Kong Talent Engage, an office under the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Dr Peter Lam, HKTB Chairman, stated, “Mr Lau brings with him extensive experience in tourism and marketing, along with excellent leadership and governance capabilities, making him an ideal candidate for the role of Executive Director. I have confidence in Mr Lau that he will lead the HKTB team in close collaboration with the industry and various stakeholders to bring the tourism industry to new heights in the direction mapped out in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, consolidate Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination with diverse experiences, and maximise the contribution of the tourism industry to Hong Kong.”

Quick takes

UFI Global Congress to Mexico in 2027

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced its 94th UFI Global Congress will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, running from 3rd to 6th November 2027, and will be hosted by the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau. The UFI Global Congress is the exhibition industry’s leading annual event, bringing together industry leaders from around the world to network, exchange ideas, and shape the future of the sector. Each year, the UFI Global Congress is held in a different region, reflecting UFI’s global footprint: Cologne (2024), Hong Kong (2025), and Bahrain (2026).

IMPACT wins 2025 UFI HR Award

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, continued to release the winner of its awards. The winner of the 2025 UFI HR Award is IMPACT Exhibition Management. The topic of the 2025 UFI HR Award was “Optimising Workload for Sustainable Performance”, with the objective of celebrating initiatives the implement innovative solutions to balance workload, improve resource allocation, and creative environments where employees thrive while maintaining high performance. The winners of the 2025 UFI Awards will be officially celebrated and will present their projects at the 92nd UFI Global Congress, running from 19th to 22nd November 2025, in Hong Kong SAR.

Comexposium announces new CEO

Comexposium appointed Pablo Nakhlé Cerruti as its new CEO, effective 25th August 2025. He will succeed Renaud Hamaide, who has led the company since 2010. Pablo Nakhlé Cerruti graduated from Sciences Po Strasbourg and the School of Economic Warfare.

17,000+ professionals at 2025 Asia Agri-Tech Expo

Organised by Informa Markets, the 2025 Asia Agri-Tech Expo & Forum (AAT), running from 11th to 13th June, at the Tainan Exhibition Center, attracted more than 17,000 professional buyers from Taiwan and abroad. Under the themes of “Sustainability, Innovation, and Food Safety”, the event focused on three key technology sectors: smart agricultural machinery, automated livestock farming, and aquaculture. More than 150 domestic and international exhibitors presented the latest trends and practical applications for the upgrading of agriculture, fisheries, and livestock industries.

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)

Messe Düsseldorf launches India Competence Centre

Düsseldorf & India, 27th June: International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK – German) jointly launched India Competence Centre Düsseldorf (IKD – German).

IKD will be a central point of contact for all matters related to the Indian market. It is targeted to support to Indian companies opening offices in Düsseldorf while facilitating access to the Indian growth market for Düsseldorf-based companies.

IHK President, Andreas Schmitz, said, “India has one of the most dynamic economies in the world. With the new India Competence Centre, we’re making a clear statement about the strategic trajectory of our foreign trade relations. In geopolitically challenging times, it’s particularly crucial to promote the diversification of sales and procurement markets. The IKD will work to support our member companies as a competent partner.”

Pico Far East’s revenues up 18%

Hong Kong, 27th June: Last week, Hong Kong-listed Pico Far East Holdings announced its interim results for the six months ended 30th April 2025. Revenues were US$447 million, a year-on-year increase of 18%. Profits in the six-month period grew 11%, reaching US$27 million. Diluted earnings per share in the first half of the financial year were HK$0.1703 (US$0.022).

In terms of business segments, more than 88% of Pico’s revenues were generated from its exhibition, event & brand activation business (US$394 million), which was up 20% year-on-year. The company attributed the growth to the completion of the COP29 project for the United Nation during the reported period.

The remaining revenues were generated from its museum & themed entertainment business (US$34 million), visual branding activation business (US$13 million), and meeting architecture activation business (US$6.0 million).

Revenues from the museum & themed entertainment business jumped 44%. The increase was due to the company maintained stable growth in business volume with a full pipeline of projects in Saudi Arabia and Asia, and also the success in ensuring smooth delivery of several major projects.

However, the revenues from the meeting architecture activation business dropped by 20%, and the visual branding activation business decreased by 35% year-on-year. The economic uncertainty and a struggling property market have slowed growth in China’s automotive sector, reducing the rate of new showroom openings, in the result of the decrease in Pico’s visual branding activation business. While the decrease in the meeting architecture activation business was mainly due to the extraordinary income from the divestment of InfocommAsia in Singapore recorded in the previous year.

Koelnmesse posts strong results for 2024

Cologne, 27th June: International exhibition organiser Koelnmesse, released its financial results for 2024, with a turnover of €365.8 million (US$381 million), and a profit of €21.3 million (US$22 million).

In 2024, the company organised a total of 76 events in Cologne and worldwide, welcoming more than 2.1 million visitors from 197 countries. Over 34,500 exhibiting companies from 106 nations showcased their products and services at the events. The company launched eight new events during the year and significantly expanded existing trade formats. Since 2023, the company has already organised 21 new trade fairs abroad, and nine more will be held in 2025.

Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH, was quoted, “Our growth shows that those who invest courageously, remain innovative and consistently focus on the future will be rewarded even in a challenging market environment. We create value for our partners, exhibitors, and visitors – both at our own trade fair grounds in Cologne and worldwide.”

In 2025, Koelnmesse will host a total of 82 events, including 60 of its own events. Of which, 39 trade fairs are to be held abroad.

Messe München records results for 2024

München, 27th June: Messe München, a world’s leading exhibition organiser, posted a record results for the financial year 2024, generating consolidated sales of €488 million (US$508 million), without bauma. The annual net income was €70 million (73 million).

The company’s trade centre hosted a total 16 events in 2024, and 93 guest events contributed to its business, attracting some 1.3 million visitors. The company organised a total of 47 events abroad, featuring 22,660 exhibitors and about 1.2 million visitors.

In China, almost one million visitors attended 25 events at Messe Muenchen Shanghai and its venues in 2024, meeting more than 16,000 exhibiting companies. While in India, Messe Muenchen India doubled its sales in 2024 over the previous year.

The two CEOs Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel presented, “Both sales and income have reached new heights for our group. Thanks to a clear strategic focus and a healthy core business, Messe München is growing from its own resources in Germany and abroad, even in this challenging economic and global environment.”

In 2025, Messe München expects sales to exceeding €500 million (US$520 million), attracting around 2.5 million visitors.

Quick takes

UFI names winners of its awards

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released the winners of the 2025 UFI Marketing Award and the 2025 UFI Operations & Services Award. The winner of the 2025 UFI Marketing Award was Targi w Krakowie/EXPO Krakow from Poland, with the topic of “NextGenConnect: Marketing strategies to engage the Next Generations in exhibitions”. While Exhibition Place won the 2025 UFI Operations & Services Award, under the theme of “Revolutionising the F&B Experience in Exhibitions: Sustainable, Engaging, and Adaptive Solutions”. The 2025 UFI Award winners will be officially celebrated and will present their projects at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong SAR, running from 19th to 22nd November 2025.

Takanawa Gateway Convention Center opens in Tokyo

Takanawa Gateway Convention Center opened on 1st July 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. Developed and operated by East Japan Railway Company, Congrès Inc. and JR East Building Co., the venue is expected to cater to international conferences, conventions and exhibitions, as well as meetings, ceremonies, parties and social gatherings. Linkpillar Hall in the venue has a capacity of 1,640 m2, featuring three sections that can be subdivided, and can accommodate up to 2,000 pax. The venue also has seven rooms with size ranging from 134 m2 to 496 m2, and four anterooms.

TEA appoints new president

Thailand Exhibition Association (TEA) announced the appointment of its New President to be Loy Joon How, General Manager of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., effective June 2025. He has served as Vice President on TEA’s Executive Committee for the last two years. In the new role, he will be looking to develop and direct economic growth through new business opportunities, creating events and networking activities, solidifying international marketing efforts, and advocating policies to upgrade the exhibition industry. In addition, he will lead on the adaption of technologies and innovations to upgrade industry standards through education, training, resource sharing, and best practices, while championing the introduction of eco-friendly exhibitions and best green practices.

InnoTrans Asia launches in Singapore in 2027

International exhibition organiser, Messe Berlin, will launch InnoTrans Asia in Singapore, at the Singapore EXPO, running from 7th to 9th September 2027. It will be the first Asian edition of the world’s leading transport technology trade fair, which will serve as a central platform for Asia’s transport sector. InnoTrans Asia will be held in the alternate year of the biennial InnoTrans Berlin and will focus on the Asia-Pacific market, showcasing Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction.

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)

SECB and JETRO partner to grow business events

Singapore/Osaka, 20th June: The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) and JETRO Singapore have signed a three-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for business events growth and new gateway for economic collaboration between Singapore and Japan.

Under the partnership, Singapore will strengthen its position as the World’s Best MICE City and trade relations between the two countries as well. Singapore continues to build its MICE events across various industries. Together with Singapore’s key attributes of innovation, trust and safety, and JETRO’s deep connections to Japanese industry leaders, the partnership will create synergies and new opportunities for business growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan’s growing and diverse economy as well as Singapore’s strengths as a premier destination for business events will enable MICE events and delegates that convene in Singapore to expand their international outreach and foster meaningful collaborations.

Poh Chi Chuan, Executive Director, SECB, said, “As a Global-Asia node for business, Singapore is home to a vibrant business community and a gateway to Asia Pacific, with unrivalled access to new markets. This first-of-its-kind collaboration with JETRO marks a major milestone in leveraging partnerships to accelerate MICE growth. We look forward to strengthening the MICE ecosystems in both Singapore and Japan, and the opportunities this will bring.”

Indonesia to host 3 large-scale exhibitions under one roof

Indonesia, 17th June: Indonesia will conduct three exhibitions for the furniture, woodworking and hardware industries under one roof: interzum jakarta (Trade Fair for Furniture Production and Interior Design), International Hardware Fair Indonesia, IFMAC & WOODMAC (International Furniture Manufacturing Components Exhibition & International Woodworking Machinery Exhibition).

The exhibition, jointly organised by Koelnmesse, Amara Group, and WAKENKI, will be held at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo Kemayoran), running from 24th to 27th September 2025. It will present an integrated platform to connect the entire industrial value chain, from raw materials and components to the latest design solutions and manufacturing technologies.

Stephanie Sim, Regional Division Director, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, was quoted, “The concept is simple but powerful: one ticket, three trade fairs, a complete sourcing and networking experience. Whether you’re a buyer, a manufacturer, a designer or a supplier, this 3-in-1 format is designed to bring more value, more opportunities, and more efficiency – all under one roof. With strong support from global players, industry associations, and curated programs… we believe this event will accelerate cross-sector collaboration and bring real value to all participants. Indonesia is in a strategic position today, and we are proud to be part of this growth momentum.”

Garment Technology Expo partners with IEML

India, 25th June: India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML) and Garment Technology Expo Pvt. Ltd. (GTE) announced a strategic partnership to develop GTE, a leading garment technology exhibition in India.

Under the alliance, GTE will be positioned as a technologically advanced show, showcasing garment machinery and advanced manufacturing technology. It is expected to expand GTE’s scale, reach, and impact across India and beyond, under the IEML’s infrastructure and pan-India presence.

Mr. Inderjit S. Sahni, Founder & Chairman of GTE, stated, “For over 25 years, GTE has grown across Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore. We are excited to partner with India Exposition Mart Limited to strengthen GTE. This strategic partnership marks a promising new chapter, and we look forward to even larger, more impactful events ahead.”

The upcoming GTE will run from 7th to 9th November 2025, at Ahmedabad, followed by the Greater Noida edition to be held at India Expo Centre and Mart, running from 20th to 23rd March 2026, and the Bengaluru edition to be held in September 2026.

ProPak Asia 2026 to relocate to IMPACT

Bangkok, 24th June: International exhibition organiser, Informa Markets, announced to relocate its ProPak Asia 2026 to the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani.

ProPak Asia 2025 was held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) and featured over 2,000 exhibiting brands from 42 countries, occupying some 55,000 m2 of exhibition space. More than 72,000 visitors worldwide attended the show, generating over Baht 5.5 billion (US$169 million) in trade value.

After relocation, IMPACT will provide enhanced accessibility and is conveniently located near airports and key industrial zones. This will allow ProPak Asia to become a global hub for the manufacturing, processing, and packaging industries.

ProPak Asia 2026 will run from 10th to 13th June 2026.