Macau hosts 900+ MICE events in first half

Macau, 19th August: Earlier this week, Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reported its MICE statistics for the first half of 2025. Macau held a total of 918 MICE events in the six months, which represents 208 events more than the first half of 2024. However, the total number of participants and attendees in the first half of 2025 dropped 11% year-on-year, down to 427,900.

Of the 918 events, 863 were meetings and conferences, up by 197 from the first half of 2024. The total number of participants at meetings and conferences increased by 6.7%, reaching 81,700 participants. A total of 27 exhibitions were held in the first half of 2025, which was one more than the same period last year. However, the number of attendees decreased by 14%, down to 342,600. The total gross area occupied by these exhibitions was 211,100 m2, up 14.5% year-on-year.

DSEC also provided its MICE statistics for the second quarter of 2025. A total of 480 MICE events were held in Macau during the quarter, which is 106 events more than the same quarter in 2024. The total number of participants and attendees declined by 24% year-on-year, amounting at 228,100 participants.

Baidu’s profit up 33% in Q2

Beijing, 20th August: Baidu, the leading Chinese language Internet search provider, has recently released its financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2025. Revenues for the quarter were US$4.6 billion, down 4% from the second quarter of 2024. However, the company posted a profit growth of 33% year-on-year, reaching US$1.02 billion in the quarter.

About 53% of its total revenues (US$2.4 billion) were generated from Baidu’s online marketing services, which was down by 15% year-on-year. The remaining revenues were generated from “other services”, amounting to US$2.1 billion. This represents a growth of 14% over the second quarter of 2024.

Baidu also reported its financial results for the six months ended 30th June. Revenues in the first half of 2025 were US$9.1 billion, flat with the first half of 2024. Profit in the six-month period grew 38%, reaching US$2.1 billion. Diluted earnings per share in the first half of the year were RMB 5.24 (US$0.73).

Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu, said, “In the second quarter, our AI Cloud business continued to deliver robust and healthy revenue growth, supported by our strengthening full-stack AI capabilities and comprehensive end-to-end AI products and solutions. This performance helped mitigate the near-term pressure on online marketing business, as we intensified the AI transformation of Baidu Search to elevate user experience and establish a stronger foundation for long-term growth. Apollo Go accelerated global expansion while actively exploring new business models, underscored by our leadership in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive robotaxi markets globally. We remain focused on AI initiatives that offer the greatest long-term value creation potential, where our technology and innovation can make the most meaningful and lasting impact.”

PICC to reopen in October after renovation

Manila, 7th August: Opened in 1976, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) announced to undergo an extensive renovation.

During the renovation, PICC has closed temporarily for 5 months, the venue is being restored and readied to bring people together in celebration, partnership and dialogue come October 2025.

Atty. Nicolette Ann P. Cruz, General Manager of the PICC, was quoted, “Every form and feature of the PICC is a play on juxtapositions. Through the renovation, the PICC hopes to bring both physical and sentimental appreciation of this historical and cultural masterpiece to new heights. Entrusted to the hands of renowned experts in the fields of art and architecture, infrastructure, interior design, engineering and construction is the challenge of harmonizing heritage with innovation and aligning preservation with progress.”

Steen Jakobsen appointed new CEO of GainingEdge

Australia, 14th August: GainingEdge, the leading global tourism and business events industry consulting firm, has announced the appointment of Steen Jakobsen as the company’s new CEO, effective 1st September 2025.

Jakobsen has more than 25 years of international experience in the global tourism and business events industry. He has served on various international boards and committees, including as Board Chair of the BestCities Global Alliance and Vice President of the Board of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

GainingEdge Executive Chairman, Gary Grimmer, commented, “Steen brings enormous business and communications acumen to our company, and a strong strategic vision in areas like destination development, sales and marketing, product innovation and event management. He also brings clear vision, leadership skills and broad networks that will help us to power global destination and association communities. Steen knows how to work with both public and private stakeholders to build the economic and societal impact of meetings and events.”

Quick takes

Deutsche Messe expects a strong second half

International exhibition organiser, Deutsche Messe, expects a strong second half year in 2025, due to its leading trade fairs to be held in the period. In the second half of 2025, the company will host a total of 28 events, in which four are premiers and new to its portfolio.

BCEC appoints new Facilities Director

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) appointed Cliff Jones as its new Facilities Director. He will replace Ian Chalmers who has transitioned into a new role as he approaches retirement. He will bring his experience in large commercial organisations and hospitality sectors across Australia and Asia. In his new role, Jones will join the Executive Leadership team, taking on responsibility for the Building Services, Facilities Management and Security and Safety, and Sustainability and Community Engagement.

Hyve names new Portfolio Director for CWIEME

Hyve Group, London-based event organiser, announced Melissa Magestro has been appointed as Portfolio Director for CWIEME, Hyve’s global engineering series of events. Melissa has more than 20 years of experience across global B2B industries, with deep expertise in the manufacturing sector. She succeeds Chris Lee, who is moving abroad.

Haymarket launches new title – In.Comms

Haymarket Media Group, privately-owned media, data and information company, will launch a brand-new title, In.Comms. Position as a sister title of PRWeek, In.Comms will focus on the needs of comms teams working within organisations and brands, covering content from external communications and corporate affairs to internal comms. To be launched on 23rd September 2025, In.Comms will have its own dedicated team of journalists, lead by Claire Warren, and she will continue to edit Management Today.

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)

Tech Research Asia joins Informa TechTarget’s Omdia

London, 7th August: Informa TechTarget’s Omdia announced to expand its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region with the addition of the Tech Research Asia (TRA) team.

The TRA team will join Omdia’s operations in key APAC markets to strengthen Omdia’s ability to serve clients with deep regional insight, established enterprise relationships, and recognized expertise across the partner and channel landscape.

The addition of TRA will build on Omdia’s established strength in channel and enterprise IT. It will also deepen Omdia’s capabilities in advising technology vendors and partners, reinforcing its leadership in delivering trusted insights across global markets.

Bill Morelli, President of Omdia, commented, “Bringing the TRA team into Omdia marks an important step for our team. Their deep understanding of the enterprise and channel landscape in APAC significantly strengthens our regional offering. As we expand our community and support more clients across the region, their expertise will be a major asset.”

iQIYI seeks for second listing in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, 7th August: iQIYI, Chinese online entertainment platform owned by Baidu, is seeking to raise US$300 million for a listing in Hong Kong this year. However, the company declined to comment.

According to Bloomberg, IQIYI is currently listed in the U.S. and is exploring a secondary listing in Hong Kong.

iQIYI, with an estimated of over 400 million monthly active users, offers a wide range of content from Chinese historical drams to major Hollywood movies. The company generated revenues of HK$8.13 billion (US$1.05 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, which is a year-on-year growth of 9%. However, the net profit declined 72%, down to HK$205 million (US$26 million).

Messe Berlin’s ITB China announces partnership in China

China, 11th August: MICE Meeting Point, organised by Messe Berlin’s ITB China and hosted by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural and Tourism, announced to form a strategic partnership with the China Association of Travel Services’ MICE Committee.

The event will be held in Beijing, running from 11th to 12th September 2025. The MICE Committee is a national industry association representing some 3,000 members from leading travel organisers, online travel agents and related companies, while Messe Berlin’s ITB brands organises events in Berlin, Mumbai, Shanghai and Singapore every year.

The collaboration will accelerate professional development within China’s business events industry and strengthening international cooperation.

Lydia Li, Deputy General Manager of Messe Berlin (China), said, “Our mission of this year’s MICE Meeting Point is to build an open, professional, and sustainable cooperation platform that connects global meetings and events resources with China’s MICE and business travel market. We are very pleased to partner with the MICE Committee of the China Association of Travel Services to jointly advance high-quality growth and international connectivity across the industry.”

Quick takes

Techtextil India 2025 to debut “ReCycle Zone”

Organised by Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, Techtextil India 2025 will launch a dedicated “ReCycle Zone” in partnership with the Society of Plastics Engineers India (SPE India) for the technical textiles sector. The exhibition will run from 19th to 21st November 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

1,800+ exhibitors at HKTDC’s Food Expo and concurrent fairs

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened its Food Expo together with five theme fairs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The 35th Food Expo, 9th Beauty & Wellness Expo, and 11th Home Delights Expo will take place from 14th to 18th August 2025; while the trade-focused 3rd Food Expo PRO, and 16th Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be held from 14th to 16th August 2025. The five fairs will feature some 1,890 exhibitors, showcasing global gourmet foods and wines, teas, health and beauty products, and home appliances.

Informa TechTarget releases Q2 2025 performance

Informa TechTarget announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2025, with revenues of US$120 million, down 1.6% year-on-year. The revenues generated in the first half of 2025 were US$224 million, a year-on-year 4% decline. However, the company will deliver positive momentum, with the strategic and operational actions already taken beginning to have a positive impact on performance.

IEG’s revenues up 13% in first half

Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A. (IEG) released its half-yearly financial report as at 30th June 2025. Revenues in the report period were €149 million (US$175 million), a year-on-year increase of 13%. However, net profit in the six-month period dropped 16% year-on-year, amounting at €17 million (US$20 million). In the full year of 2025, the company expects a turnover of between €257 million (US$301 million) and €262 million (US$307 million).

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)

KLCC secures six international conferences

Kuala Lumpur, 31st July: The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) announced the venue has secured six major international conferences bidding in the first half of 2025.

According to KLCC, the six conferences cover industries of aviation, global health security, evidence-based guidelines, clean-energy technology and women’s health, aiming to attract more than 6,150 delegates in 2026 and 2027, and generate an estimated RM 77.5 million (US$18.2 million) in economic impact for Malaysia.

The secured conferences will bring together global experts and leaders, and also will reinforce Malaysia’s reputation as a dynamic and capable host nation for knowledge-rich, high-impact conferences.

John Burke, General Manager of KLCC, said, “The Centre’s success also reflects the strong synergy between venue, destination and industry partners, particularly in bidding for and hosting large-scale international events. We look forward to working with each organiser to deliver an unforgettable Malaysian experience that inspires repeat visitation and long-term investment.”

BOL’s revenues up 8.9% in Q2

Bangkok, 5th August: Earlier this month, Business Online (BOL), an online information service provider in Thailand, reported its financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2025. Revenues during the quarter were US$6.7 million, a year-on-year increase of 8.9%. The company’s profits grew by 2.3%, reaching at US$2.6 million.

BOL also released its results for the six months ended 30th June. Revenues in the first half of 2025 were US$12 million, up 4.7% year-on-year. Net profits in the six-month period increased by 4.1%, amounting at US$4.7 million. Diluted earnings per share during the first half of the year were Baht 0.19 (US$0.0058).

The company claimed the revenue growth was mainly driven by project-based income, while prudently managing resources and adjusting operations in line with market dynamics to preserve its revenue-generating capability and support sustainable growth.

Oliver Kinross launches Melbourne Build

Melbourne, 6th August: Oliver Kinross, a global events company, will launch Melbourne Build, taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). More than 18,000 attendees have been registered to the event, which will run from 22nd to 23rd October 2025, expecting some 30,000 registrations by the time of the show.

The company, part of the Nineteen Group and specialise in construction shows, organises international construction exhibitions, including London Build, Sydney Build, New York Build and Chicago Build.

Stephanie Li, marketing manager at Oliver Kinross, was quoted, “Melbourne Build has surpassed all expectations. The huge interest we’ve had in Melbourne Build reinforces the importance of a construction show and forum for the rapidly growing city of Melbourne.”

Quick takes

Sarawak’s BCCK expands event capacity

The Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Sarawak, Malaysia, will have new event capacity. Target to complete in 2028, the new facility, BCCK2, will be located directly adjacent to the current venue. BCCK2 will consist of a flexible main hall of 5,936 m2, a multipurpose hall, 20 breakout rooms, and a riverside concourse. After completion, the entire BCCK facility will have 34 breakout rooms, two large halls, and multiple multipurpose event spaces.

HKTDC appoints new Executive Director

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has appointed Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director, as its Executive Director with effect from 1st October 2025, succeeding Margaret Fond, who is to retire. Ms Chong, currently a Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, has served the HKTDC for more than 30 years. She has overseen exhibition and digital businesses since 2022. In the new position, she will lead the HKTDC to support Hong Kong small- and medium-sized enterprises to explore business opportunities internationally via its global network.

TCEB appoints Supawan Teerarat as President

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) appointed Supawan Teerarat as its President, effective 1st August 2025. She has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism sectors, with expertise of organisational management, event management, bidding for major events, and destination management. She has held various positions at TCEB when serving the bureau in 16 years. She will bring extensive knowledge of the business events industry to the new position.

100+ exhibitors at inaugural edition of JIOSH+W

The first edition of JIOSH+W – Japan International Trade Fair for Occupational Safety & Health + Well-being took place at INTEC OSAKA, running from 16th to 19th July 2025. Organised by Messe Düsseldorf Japan Ltd., the event featured 104 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions, occupying 170 booths, presenting technologies and products that are particularly functional, sustainable and advanced, and on top, well-designed and smart.

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)

UFI: activity growth in different markets

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

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

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

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.”