HKTDC appoints new Executive Director

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Hong Kong, 2nd October: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) appointed Sophia Chong as its new Executive Director, assuming on 1st October 2025.

At the same time, Jenny Koo was also appointed as the new Deputy Executive Director, overseeing international exhibitions and related services and digital business. She has prior served as Assistant Executive Director, overseeing exhibitions and digital business initiatives, with a focus on promoting Hong Kong’s external trade.

Ms Chong stated, “The global economy is ever-changing, and Hong Kong’s role as a ‘superconnector’ and ‘super value-adder’ is more crucial than ever. The HKTDC has long stood shoulder to shoulder with Hong Kong businesses, helping enterprises seize opportunities amid global uncertainty. We will continue to enhance the depth and breadth of our services, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique strengths and advantages, to support businesses in boosting competitiveness and exploring new markets. At the same time, we will attract more enterprises to utilise the Hong Kong platform for international expansion, which will inject new momentum into our city’s economy and solidify its position as an international business hub.”

Messe Frankfurt launches Foundry Tech in Japan

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Japan, 6th October: Messe Frankfurt Japan Ltd will launch its new Foundry Tech and Expo, with Japan Foundry Society, Inc., running from 9th to 11th September 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight South Hall 4.

Holding concurrently with Thermotec 2026, the only exhibition in the field of industrial furnaces and related technology in Japan, Foundry Tech and Expo 2026 will feature 80 exhibitors, displaying products and services, with a wide range of applications.

Targeting at contribute to the further development and sustainability of Japan’s metal casting industry, driving new opportunities for a sector that provides critical components across several industries, the new show will provide the potential for new manufacturing approaches by bringing metal casting technologies, equipment, materials, solutions and related products, covering three key elements: environmental consideration, economic value, and technical excellence.

Mr Shinji Fujiwara, Chairman of the Japan Foundry Society, Inc., was quoted, “At this exhibition, alongside booth displays by individual companies and organisations, we will present the latest technologies and research findings to the entire industry through seminars including keynote speeches. Furthermore, aiming to foster the next generation of talent and promote industry-academia collaboration, we will strive to create an opportunity for more people to discover the appeal of the foundry industry.”

Quick takes

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Messe Düsseldorf expands REHACARE in UAE

International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, has entered a strategic partnership with UAE-based Nadd AlShiba PR & Event Management to acquire a stake in AccessAbilities Expo, a leading event for assistive technologies in the Middle East. Through the partnership, Messe Düsseldorf will further expand the global importance of its REHACARE International, a leading trade fair for rehabilitation and assistive technologies in the world.

HKTDC to open 4 tech fairs in October

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will open its four major technology fairs this month. Taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia will be held at from 13th to 16th October, while the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will run from 27th to 30th October. The Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo, from 28th to 30th October. The four fairs will bring over 6,200 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions, showcasing innovative products and solutions, lighting products and advanced technologies.

50,000+ professionals at electronica India

Messe München India’s (MMI) electronica India and productronica India 2025 concluded at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), with 50,194 trade professionals. Over 6,000 global brands from more than 50 countries showcased at the three-day co-located trade fairs, serving the entire electronics manufacturing value chain, encompassing design, components, assembly, automation, embedded systems, and quality assurance. From 2026, the trade fairs will be held bi-annually, taking place in Greater Noida in April, and Bengaluru in September.

OSH India 2025 attracts 9,000+ visitors

Informa Markets in India concluded its 13th edition of OSH India Expo, a leading occupational safety and health event in South Asia, attracting over 9,000 visitors, over 150 delegates and more than 60 speakers. Running from 16th to 18th September 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, the event showcased over 170 exhibitors, presenting more than 300 leading brands and over 1,500 products from 13 countries.

Haymarket Media Group acquires Marketing Week

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U.K., 25th September: Haymarket Media Group, the global media, data and information company, announced the acquisition of Marketing Week, Creative Review, and Festival of Marketing from Centaur Media plc, for £3.9 million in cash (US$5.3 million).

After the acquisition, the acquired brands will be under the Haymarket’s Business Media (HBM) division, and will remain operating as a separate business unit alongside the other brands. They will continue to be led by the existing Managing Director, Claire Rance, who will report into HBM’s Deputy Managing Director, Donna Murphy.

Marketing Week, with more than 40 years history, has been at the centre of marketing, documenting, championing and questioning the industry’s key people, events and brands. Creative Review, bringing the creative community together since 1980, delivers the sharpest opinion, analysis and advice on life in the commercial creative industries. Festival of Marketing, Marketing Week’s flagship event, is to empower marketers to build better brands.

Kevin Costello, Global Chief Executive of Haymarket Media Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Marketing Week, Creative Review, and Festival of Marketing into our portfolio. These highly respected brands provide market-leading insights and analysis for their communities and align perfectly with our commitment to serving specialist audiences globally. Our combined skills and influence in the sector makes for a very exciting future working together.”

New venue at Philippines’ Cebu

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Cebu, 29th September: Cebu in Philippines will have a new venue, Mactan Expo Center, by the end of the 2025.

The new venue will be a two-storey standalone convention centre, located within the 30-hectare township of Megaworld’s Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, and is a 15-mintue drive away from the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

On the ground floor, there is a 2,600 m2 state-of-the art convention hall, and a 1,426 m2 pre-function area, three VIP rooms, a dedicated showroom. On the mezzanine level, there are two meeting rooms, a pre-function space and an open-air balcony.

New TICA President unveils proposals

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Thailand, 24th September: The Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) appointed Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, veteran hotelier and Dusit executive, as its new President for the 2025-2026 term.

In the new position, Prachoom will lead TICA in a strategic push to reinforce Thailand’s standing as a leading business events hub.

Prachoom has already unveiled seven strategic proposals, focusing on core challenges, including infrastructure, sustainability, talent, digitalization, policy reform, and brand protection, which aimed at positioning Thailand for long-term growth and competitiveness in the global business events market. The proposals will be submitted later in the year, and TICA will be working closely with public agencies to secure cross-sector support.

Prachoom said, “Ultimately, these proposals will need to be discussed with relevant agencies because they cover many dimensions, not just tourism. TICA is ready to act as a bridge between the private and public sectors to drive these proposals forward.”

Informa Markets India launches Tools & Equipment Expo

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India, 30th September: Informa Markets India, Indian subsidiary of international exhibition organiser, Informa Markets, will launch Tools & Equipment Expo (TAEE) 2026, previously the HTF-CWT Expo, with four co-located events: Hand Tools & Fasteners Expo (HTF), Cutting & Welding Expo (CWE), International Machine Tools Expo (IMEX), and Used Machinery Expo (UMEX).

Running from 17th to 19th September 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, the new event will target as India’s most comprehensive B2B platform for hand tools, power tools, cutting and welding equipment, industrial machinery, and accessories.

Mr. Wouter Molman, Informa Markets India’s Chief Commercial Officer, was quoted, “The launch of Tools & Equipment Expo reflects our commitment to creating platforms that connect industries locally and integrate them globally. India is a dynamic growth market, with its manufacturing sector playing a key role in the global supply chain. By unifying these major industrial showcases under TAEE, we aim to deliver greater scale, innovation, and collaboration. Following our acquisition of Hyve India, this strategic evolution combines complementary strengths, global reach, digital innovation, and financial resources to reinforce India’s position as a global hub for tools, equipment, and industrial excellence.”

Quick takes

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Tourism EXPO Japan at Aichi for the first time

Tourism EXPO Japan 2025 Aichi/Central Japan (THJ2025), organised by Japan Travel and Tourism Association, the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), was held at Aichi Sky Expo, running from 25th to 28th September. The event was held in Aichi Prefecture for the first time, a total of 1,350 companies and organisations from 82 countries and regions, 45 prefectures of Japan presented at 1,474 booths, attracting about 126,900 visitors.

9,500 attendees at INMEX SMM India 2025

Informa Markets India concluded its 14th edition of INMEX SMM India in Mumbai, featuring some 9,500 attendees and around 300 exhibiting brands from 24 countries. A leading maritime trade fair in South Asia, the event took place from 10th to 12th September 2025, at Bombay Exhibition Centre, focused on decarbonisation, digital transformation and India’s rise as a global shipbuilding hub.

MWCS 2025 and IAS 2025 open with CIIF

China International Industrial Fair 2025 (CIIF), the longest-running national-level industrial event in China, featured nearly 3,000 leading enterprises from 28 countries and regions, occupying 300,000 m2 of exhibition area. Metalworking and CNC Machine Tool Show 2025 (MWCS) and Industrial Automation Show 2025 (IAS) opened with CIIF at National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), from 23rd to 27th September. MWCS 2025, demonstrating innovative breakthroughs in the metalforming sector across equipment, products, materials, and processes, showcased over 800 high-quality exhibitors across more than 80,000 m2 of exhibition space. While IAS 2025 presented the entire technological ecosystem, from intelligent upgrades of production lines to factory-level digital twins.

Thailand to host Gastech 2026

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Bangkok, 18th September: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced Thailand won the bid for Gastech 2026, joined forces with the Ministry of Energy. Gastech 2026 will be held from 15th to 18th September 2026, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

Gastech 2026, focuses on gas, LNG, hydrogen, and other sustainable energy solution, will provide opportunities for business negotiations and knowledge exchange with leading global energy players, as well as for bilateral and multilateral collaborations to advance future energy development.

It is expected Gastech 2026 to attract over 50,000 attendees from 150 countries, including more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and over 1,000 energy experts. It is also estimated to generate an economic impact of €385 million (US$453 million), including €198 million (US$233 million) in revenue for Thailand, and €26.9 million (US$31.7 million) in taxes.

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, said, “Thailand’s winning bid to host Gastech 2026 highlights the country’s role in the global energy industry and reinforces its position as a leader in Asia’s energy sector and an international exhibition hub in the Southeast Asian region or ASEAN. The event also offers wide-ranging benefits, supporting economic growth and industrial development.”

JNTO appoints executive director in Singapore

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Japan, 19th September: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) appointed Kenji Yoshida as Executive Director of its Singapore Office, effective 12th September 2025. He succeeded Takuya Shiraishi, who has returned to JNTO headquarters in Tokyo.

Yoshida will oversee JNTO’s initiatives in Singapore and work with local stakeholders to strengthen tourism links between Singapore and Japan. Joined JNTO headquarters in 2016, he has served as Executive Director at JNTO Hanoi Office.

Yoshida was quoted, “Moving forward, I would like to use the acquired experience to contribute and establish friendly relationships between Singapore and Japan through tourism.”

10,000 attendees at new Organic Festa Asia

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Shanghai, 23rd September: Organised by Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd and supported by IFOAM-Organics Asia, the inaugural Organic Festa Asia (OFA) 2025 concluded with nearly 10,000 attendees.

Running at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), OFA 2025 was held from 3rd to 5th September 2025, bringing together 234 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, occupying an exhibition space of 7,500 m2.

OFA 2025 featured four international pavilions, from Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and Korea, as well as six government delegations from across China introduced regional specialities. The key focuses included “Sustainable Fashion Zone” and “Vitality Aesthetics Space”, which provided immersive experiences linking organic living with clothing, food, and lifestyle. Apart from the exhibition, OFA 2025 also held more than 50 forums and conferences, bringing together over 70 experts.

Ms. Evian Gu, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, stated, “The debut of OFA delivered results that exceeded expectations. The volume of on-site transactions and partnerships far surpassed forecasts, proving both the commercial value of OFA and the healthy development of the organic ecosystem. Today’s success is only the starting point – we aim to grow OFA into a vital gateway for the Asian organic industry to reach the global market.”

Quick takes

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New Transformation Project Manager at GES EMEA

GES EMEA announced the appointment of Jess Metcalfe as Transformation Project Manager with a particular focus on expanding the business and strengthening its presence in new territories. She has over a decade of experience in the exhibitions and conferences industry, with expertise spanning operations, project management, and large-scale transformation initiatives. She has also held senior roles with leading organisers, where she successfully delivered integration, M&A, and change management projects of critical importance.

Macau records 4m+ visitor arrivals in August

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released its latest number of visitor arrivals in August 2025, with a record of 4,219,034, a year-on-year increase of 15.5%. Same day visitors grew 25.1%, while overnight visitors increased by 3.4%. The average length of stay was held at 1.1 days, which remained unchanged.

Messe Frankfurt launches new show in Uzbekistan

International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt, has expanded its portfolio in the Central Asian market, by launching its first ever technical trade fair in Uzbekistan, Intelligent Building Expo 2026. Taking place in Tashkent, the new trade fair will run from 20th to 22nd May 2026, covering areas of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and water supply, lighting and building automation, security technology and IT security.

160,000+ visits at Furniture China 2025

The 30th edition of Furniture China and Maison Shanghai 2025, organised by China National Furniture Association and Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets, attracted 163,527 visits from 174 countries and regions, with overseas visitors increased by 13.9% year-on-year, reaching 32,618. Furniture China was held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), running from 10th to 13th September 2025, while Maison Shanghai took place at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC), from 9th to 12th September 2025. Under the theme “BEYOND NEXT”, the events showcased over 3,200 exhibitors, covering areas from finished furniture to raw materials and smart manufacturing, and occupied an exhibition space of 350,000 m2.

New Zealand government new investment for events and tourism

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New Zealand, 15th September: The New Zealand government released a new investment package for the events and tourism sectors, costing NZ$70 million (US$42 million).

According to Louise Upston, tourism and hospitality minister, the funding is designed to drive economic activity to help New Zealand compete for large-scale international events.

The new package includes NZ$40 million to attract major international events from 2026 onwards; NZ$10 million to support existing events and draw in new international opportunities; NZ$10 million for a regional tourism campaign aimed at international visitors; and NZ$10 million for upgrades to tourism infrastructure.

The New Zealand Events Association’s (NZEA) general manager Elaine Linnell, said, “We are delighted the government has recognised the vital role events play in driving both economic growth and international tourism.”

HKCEC hosts 786 events in FY2024/25

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Hong Kong, 16th September: The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) reported the venue hosted a total of 786 events during the fiscal year 2024-2025 (from July 2024 to June 2025), welcoming over 7.8 million of attendance.

Of the 786 events, 120 were exhibitions, 90 were international and local conferences, the remaining were corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events. A total of 11 new exhibitions and 20 new conferences were held at the HKCEC for the first time.

Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), the professional and private management company of the HKCEC, commented, “I’m proud that our targeted business development strategy, and the efficiency and professionalism of our operation workforce, have enabled us to secure several new exhibitions as well as retaining many long-established ones. We are encouraged to see these results which reflect that Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a super connector for hosting international events remain and reaffirm the HKCEC’s position as an ideal choice for exhibition and event organisers looking for a world-class venue, professional services and comprehensive solutions.”

According to the HKCEC, several new exhibitions and conferences will be held at the venue in the coming fiscal year.

Pico Thailand posts decrease in revenues and profits

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Bangkok, 12th September: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, released its financial results for the quarter ended 31st July 2025. Revenues in the quarter were US$9.1 million, which dropped 33% year-on-year. In the same period, the company posted a net profit of US$404,000, decreased by 12% from the same quarter in 2024.

The company attributed the decrease in revenues to rescheduling some projects from the third quarter last year to the fourth quarter this year, and also the completion of the implementation of most projects last year.

Pico Thailand also announced its results for the nine months ended 31st July. Revenues in the nine-month period were US$25 million, down 16% year-on-year. The company posted a net loss of US$258,000 in the first nine months of the financial year 2024-2025, compared with a profit of US$526,000 in the same period of last year.

2025 Policy Address supports continued growth

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Hong Kong, 17th September: Earlier this week, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive, John Lee, delivered the 2025 Policy Address, outlining initiatives, including deepening international exchange and cooperation and supporting mainland enterprises in overseas expansion, which injects strong momentum into Hong Kong’s continued growth.

According to the 2025 Policy Address, the government will establish the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global to setting up the Economic and Trade Express, from injecting HK$1.42 billion (US$183 million) into the BUD Fund to supporting the HKTDC’s E-Commerce Express and Hong Kong Shopping Festival. The GoGlobal Task Force will also be launched to be steered by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, the Economic and Trade Express jointly formed by Economic and Trade Offices as well as overseas offices of InvestHK and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, was quoted, “Amid significant changes in international trade and supply chains, the HKTDC will leverage its network of 51 offices in mainland and overseas as well as years of experience in business matching through conferences and exhibitions. We will actively support the initiatives proposed in the Policy Address and work closely with relevant departments to capitalise on Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a connector linking Mainland China and the world.”

Quick takes

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Terrapinn acquires EV Charging Summit & Expo

International exhibition organiser, Terrapinn, announced the acquisition of EV Charging Summit & Expo (EVCS), a leading charging infrastructure event in North America. EVCA is an annual conference and trade show held in Las Vegas, featuring over 250 exhibitors and over 5,000 delegates, bringing together the community of charge point operators across North America. No financial details of the acquisition were released.

CEIR: continue challenges for exhibition industry

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released its latest Q2 2025 Index Report, showing the Total Index was 8.4% below Q2 2019, and declined 7.7% year-on-year. In terms of the four components of the Total Index, Attendees was down 3.7% from Q2 2019, Net Square Feet was 4.9% below, Exhibitors declined 8.8%, while Real Revenues dropped 15.6%.

Zia Daniell Wigder rejoins Hyve

Hyve, international exhibition organiser, announced Zia Daniell Wigder rejoined the company as Global President, Connect Commerce, a new division uniting Shoptalk, Groceryshop, POSSIBLE, and Manifest into one portfolio. Connected Commerce will focus on the following under Zia’s leadership: Building deeper partnerships with the world’s leading companies; Delivering more integrated and consistent customer experiences; and Continuing to shape the value of connections that only B2B events can deliver.

Koelnmesse expands international business

International exhibition organiser, Koelnmesse, announced expansion of its international business in the year. ORGATEC WORKSPACE Saudi Arabia will launch on 16th September 2025 in Riyadh, brining the expertise of the ORGATEC Cologne to the Middle East. FSB Sports Show Riyadh and International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia concluded in June 2025, attracting 13,110 trade visitors. The company will launch six international trade fairs by the end of the year, including in India and Indonesia.