UFI: activity growth in different markets

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Paris, 24th July: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the latest edition of its flagship Global Exhibition Barometer, capturing the current status and outlook of the exhibition industry worldwide.

 

The results indicated expected growth of activity in different markets for 2025, following the year of 2024 where operating profits were stable for a majority of companies globally.

 

Chris Skeith OBE, Managing Director and CEO at UFI, commented, “The UFI Barometer has been providing benchmark data across key metrics for the industry since 2009, helping organisations to gain insight on trends to help them plan their business activities. This new edition of UFI’s Barometer research highlights very contrasted outlook within most regions on one side, and very positive signs towards developments on the other. It is especially encouraging to see high levels of recruitment and also the significant proportion of companies having already integrated AI-powered tools into their systems.”

 

The latest edition of this bi-annual research was concluded in July 2025, featuring data from 386 companies in 58 countries and regions. The report also included outlooks and analysis for 19 countries and regions: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, and the USA – as well as five additional aggregated regional zones. Global results were also segmented for organiser, venues and service providers / suppliers whenever this is relevant.

RELX’s exhibitions up 9% in first half of 2025

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London, 24th July: Last week, RELX Group plc, parent company of RX Global (formerly Reed Exhibitions), reported its financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2025. Group revenues were £4.7 billion (US$6.5 billion) in the first half of the year, representing underlying growth of 7%. The adjusted operating profit increased by 9%, reaching £1.7 billion (US$2.3 billion).

 

RELX’s exhibitions business generated revenues of £581 million (US$797 million), representing underlying growth of 8%, while the adjusted operating profit grew 9%, amounting at £234 million (US$321 million).

 

The company attributed the growth in its exhibitions business to the improved growth profile of its event portfolio, with the past 12 months having established Exhibitions at strong ongoing growth, above pre-pandemic levels. The company also stated the revenues in the first half reflected prior year disposals and event cycling and timing.

 

Chief Executive Officer, Erik Engstrom, was quoted, “RELX delivered strong revenue and profit growth in the first half of 2025, in line with full year 2024 but with a higher quality growth profile: … Exhibitions now established at strong ongoing growth.”

GBTA: business travel spending to reach US$1.6 trillion in 2025

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U.S., 21st July: The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) released its latest GBTA Business Travel Index (BTI) Outlook – Annual Global Report & Forecast, forecasting the global business travel spending to hit a record of US$1.6 trillion in 2025, which represents a 6.6% growth year-on-year.

 

According to GBTA BTI, spending growth in 2027 will be 6.4%, while 2028 will be 6.3%, which are higher than a year ago.

 

GBTA also projected the global spending by 2029 to surpass US$2 trillion, where the growth was driven by structural shifts in trade, investment, and corporate travel behaviour.

 

Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA, said, “As we thoughtfully anticipate reaching a new high in business travel spending this year, the outlook is steady – but the road ahead is more complex. Trade policy uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and shifting global supply chains are reshaping how and where companies travel. This latest forecast reflects the resiliency of business travel and our industry as well as the acknowledgment of the risks ahead.”

Messe Frankfurt and MEX Exhibitions announce strategic alliance

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Mumbai, Maharashtra, 24th July: The organiser of Paperworld India, Messe Frankfurt India, and the organiser of Gifts World Expo, MEX Exhibitions, announced the merger of their exhibition portfolios.

 

The merge of the exhibitions will establish a pan-India presence for the gifting and stationery sector with the exhibitions at Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. The organisers will deliver a scalable model by creating regional platforms in India’s top-tier commercial and consumption hubs, supporting wider market access for exhibitions by reaching buyers and distributors in multiple cities; year-round business engagement through stagged show calendars; enhanced visibility for brands targeting B2B, retail, and corporate segments; targeted networking and buyer connect opportunities tailored to each region’s commercial pulse.

 

The upcoming February 2026 Mumbai edition of Gifts World Expo will be rebranded under the Gifts World Expo umbrella, covering the entire gamut of gifting. In addition, Paperworld India, the global brand for the stationery, office, and school supplies sector under the Messe Frankfurt portfolio, will be launched in New Delhi, alongside Gifts World Expo (New Delhi 2026 edition).

 

Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member of Messe Frankfurt Asia Holding Ltd., stated, “Our continued partnership with MEX Exhibitions aims to align our strengths and industry insights to build a nationally relevant and sectorally deep portfolio. With Gifts World Expo expanding into Mumbai and the launch of Paperworld India in New Delhi, we are strategically poised to serve both the B2B gifting and stationery segments more effectively with a strong brand with enhanced offerings through a single-source business platform. Adopting a pan-India strategy focused on these four key commercial and consumption hubs will enable the shows further to drive stronger market reach and sustained business engagement throughout the year for both Indian and global brands.”

Quick takes

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Hyve welcomes GSV Summit

Hyve announced GSV Summit, with two leading U.S. events focused on education innovation and workforce development, the ASU+GSV Summit and the AI Show. No financial details of the deal have been released.

GL events get new shareholders & rename as GL events Foundation

GL events got two new shareholders: ATREAM and CARAC acquired 5.3% of Polygone and 1.5% of share capital of GL events.

Separately, the company changed its name to GL events Foundation, marking a new stage in structing the company’s social commitment, with a clear shift from support to action.

Macau welcomes 19m+ visitors in first half of 2025

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reported 19,218,540 visitor arrivals in the first half of 2025 to Macau, increased by 15% year-on-year. Same-day visitors rose by 26%, reaching 11,182,913, while overnight visitors were 8,035,627, growing by 2.6%.

Sands expands Marina Bay resort

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Singapore, 17th July: Sands announced expansion of its Marina Bay resort in Singapore, with a cost of US$8 billion.

 

After completion, the resort will include a 570-suite hotel tower, rooftop dinning, retail space, a casino, spa and wellness facilities, and meeting space of about 18,600 m2. In addition, a 15,000-seat arena will be built alongside the tower to host regional and international live events.

 

Sands chairman and CEO, Robert Goldstein, was quoted, “Our new development will raise the bar and redefine the ultra-luxury hospitality realm on a global scale… we look forward to forging a new chapter together and continuing to contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s future success.”

Informa Markets’ revenues post 10% up in half year

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London, 23rd July: Earlier this week, London-listed Informa PLC released its financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2025. Revenues in the first half were £2.04 billion (US$2.8 billion), representing an underlying increase of 7.8%. Adjusted operating profit in the six months was £579 million (US$795 million), representing growth of 9.2%.

 

Informa’s event business, Informa Markets, generated revenues of £952 million (US$1.3 billion) during the period, an increase of 10%. The Live B2B Events business (Informa Markets, Informa Connect, and Informa Festival) generated revenues of £1.5 billion (US$2.1 billion), with adjusted operating profit of £468 million (US$643 million).

 

Informa’s remaining revenues were generated from Taylor & Francis (£329 million, or US$451 million), and Informa TechTarget (£172 million, or US$236 million).

 

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa PLC, said, “Informa is further increasing the pace of performance, delivering 20%+ growth in our four key performance measures: Revenues, Profits, Earnings and Free Cash Flow. Informa is built around world class Brands, leading International market positions, First Party Data and, most importantly, Colleagues with specialist expertise and a passion to deliver for customers.”

GL events Exhibitions’ revenues jump 52% in H1 2025

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Lyon, 23rd July: GL events has also released its financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2025. It reported revenues of €889 million (US$1.05 billion), representing year-on-year growth of 8%.

 

In terms of business sectors, GL events Exhibitions, with revenues of €172 million (US$203 million), recorded year-on-year growth of 52%. GL events Venues’ revenues increased by 23% year-on-year, reaching €258 million (US$304 million). However, GL events Live generated revenues of €459 million (US$541 million), down 8% year-on-year.

 

The company attributed the growth of revenues in GL events Exhibitions to a favourable biennial effect, growth in other major trade exhibitions, and the beginning of a recovery in Première Vision trade shows.

 

Olivier Ginon, Chairman-CEO of GL events Group, commented, “GL events performed well in the first half, buoyed by its strong fundamentals, the relevance of its global strategy and the unwavering commitment of its employees around the world. Our financial performance highlights the benefits of combining the strengths of our complementary services and the robustness of our business model for achieving sustainable growth. And by leveraging its powerful growth drivers, GL events has further strengthened its position.”

Quick takes

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UFI announces theme for 92nd UFI Global Congress

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced its official theme for the 92nd UFI Global Congress: “Shaping the Future”. The congress will take place from 19th to 22nd November 2025 in Hong Kong SAR, uniting leaders from across the global exhibition industry.

AIPC’s 2025 Board

The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) announced its new composition of the Board for 2025 – a team of leaders set to guide the association through another year of innovation, collaboration, and excellence: Julianne Jammers, SwissTech Convention Center – President; Taubie Motlhabane, Cape Town International Convention Centre – Vice President; Ross Steele, Te Pae Christchurch – Treasurer; Gabor Ganczer, HUNGEXPO – Director; Greg Newton, Calgary BMO Centre – Director; Maurits van der Sluis, RAI Amsterdam – Director; John Burke, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre – Director.

16,000+ visitors at Print Expo Chennai

Jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Showcase Trade Fairs and Business Media Pvt Ltd, Print Expo Chennai was collocated with Media Expo Chennai, organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd. The co-located events in 2025 showcased a total of 185 exhibitors, presenting printing, signage and branding solutions, and attracting 16,089 visitors from 262 Indians cities, 27 states and union territories and 22 countries.

HKTDC’s Book Fair attracts nearly 900,000 visits despite typhoon

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded three events this week: the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair, 8th Sports and Leisure Expo and 5th World of Snacks, featuring more than 770 exhibitors and combining the fun of reading, sports, leisure and food. The three events attracted 890,000 visits although the passage of the typhoon forced a full-day closure on 20th July.

ABEA appoints new Board of Directors

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Australia, 8th July: The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors, Colette Baini, effective immediately.

Colette Baini, who is the Founder and CEO of The Conference Room and Australia Conferences & Incentives, is renowned for innovative design of incentive travel, conferences, special events, and destination management across Australia.

The association has recently merged the Supplier Pillar with the WH&S and Risk Management Interest Groups, with the appointment of Damien Gaffney as Chair of the combined group. In addition, ABEA has also appointed Dan Morahan as Chair of the Queensland Chapter, Hannah Von Bibra as Chair of Victoria, and Jessie Rayson as Chair for Northern Territory. Jessica Zicker will lead Sustainability of the Special Interest Groups, Toni McAllister will be the Chair for Education, Skills & Pathways to Industry, and Andrew Cook will be Emerging Leaders.

Peter King, Chair of ABEA, said, “We warmly welcome Colette Baini to the ABEA Board. She represents an important perspective of our industry. Colette is very well regarded and brings enormous expertise experience and passion. As we celebrate our second anniversary, ABEA continues to enjoy strong interest and active participation from all sectors of the industry. The calibre of talent across our chapters, pillars, and special interest groups is truly impressive, and many industry professionals are eager to contribute their time to the ongoing development of our industry.”

31,000 professionals at ISPO Shanghai 2025

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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

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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

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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.

RX announces new JV in Thailand

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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

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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

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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.”