Songdo Convensia waits government approval for expansion

/

Korea, 5th November: Songdo Convensia, a convention centre near Incheon International Airport, plans to expand and build new exhibition halls.

The venue is waiting for the approval from the South Korean government. The new halls will be built next to the existing four, utilising the current open-air space and adjacent parking lot, and the parking lot will be moved underground.

The venue currently has a total exhibition space of 17,021 m2, two ballrooms and 35 meeting rooms.

Sae-rae Jo, assistant manager, exhibition team, Songdo Convensia, stated, “The proposal is done, and we are hopeful that it will be approved because we’re focused on MICE. MICE is the direction the government is moving in, and we aim for the expansion to be ready by 2030.”

Informa’s revenues up 8.7% in first 10 months

/

London, 11th November: Earlier this week, Informa PLC, the London-listed B2B media group, released its latest trading update, reporting a 6.6% of underlying revenue growth in the first 10 months of 2025.

Informa’s B2B Live Events (Informa Markets, Informa Connect, Informa Festivals) posted an underlying revenue growth of 8.7%. The company attributed the growth reflecting structural market strengths, continuing marketing leading outperformance in IMEA (India, Middle East and Africa), and successful Brand geo-adaptation. Another business, Informa TechTarget, reported to return momentum in underlying revenues, with a positive performance since the half year.

The company also updated its full year guidance: underlying revenue growth of 6%, group revenues of £4 billion (US$5.3 billion), and adjusted earning per share growth of 10%.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa, said, “Informa continues its strong operating performance, delivering further revenue, profit and earnings growth this year and with continuing momentum into next year. Our growth platform is built around the power and rising value of Live Events, and is underpinned by unique specialist B2B Brands, leading positions in growth geographies and categories, proprietary First Party Data and world class talent.”

RX appoints President, Asia Pacific

/

London, 6th November: International exhibition organiser, RX Global (formerly Reed Exhibitions), has appointed Brian Thomas as its new President, Asia Pacific, succeeding Chien Ee Yeh, who is retiring after servicing RX for 14 years.

Thomas has over 30 years of experience at RX by holding leadership roles across multiple regions. He has overseen RX’s businesses in Australia, Singapore, Korea and Indonesia.

After taking over the new role, Thomas will join RX’s Executive Leadership Team and report directly to CEO, Hugh Jones.

Hugh Jones was quoted, “Brian is a proven leader with deep regional expertise and a strong track record of delivering results. His passion for our business, his collaborative approach, and his commitment to our customers and people make him the ideal person to lead our Asia Pacific operations into the future.  I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Chien Ee for his outstanding contributions and dedication to RX, we wish him happiness and all the very best in his next chapter.”

BOL up 26% in revenues in Q3

/

Bangkok, 11th November: Business Online (BOL), a leading online information service provider in Thailand, has reported its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2025. Revenues in the quarter were US$7.6 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 26%.

The company’s net profit increased by 9.7% over the same quarter last year, reaching US$2.9 million.

The company attributed the increase in revenues to the increase income in information services and data & risk management services. In addition, the company posted a decrease in income tax expenses in the results of profit increase.

The company also releases its results for the nine months ended 30th September, with revenues increased by 13% year-on-year, amounting at US$20 million. Its net profit in the nine-month period was US$7.6 million, representing a rise of 6.1% over the first nine months in 2024. Diluted earnings per share in the reported period were Baht 0.30 (US$0.0093).

Quick takes

/

Messe Düsseldorf launches REHACARE ASIA 2026

International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf Asia announced to launch a new trade show focusing on the burgeoning preventive healthcare, rehabilitation, and elder care sectors in Southeast Asia, REHACARE ASIA 2026. The new event will be co-located with MEDICIAL FAIR ASIA and MEDICIAL MANUFACTURING ASIA, running from 9th to 11th September 2026, at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

RAI Amsterdam launches Aquatech Asia

RAI Amsterdam will expand its water technology trade show, Aquatech portfolio, to in Southeast Asia, by launching Aquatech Asia. The new show will be in collaboration with VNU Asia Pacific, will run from 25th to 27th November 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together international water experts, technology companies, and policymakers to showcase innovative solutions for urgent regional issues.

Hyve acquires HGAN

London-based Hyve announced the acquisition of Health Grown Advisory Network (HGAN), a U.S.-based platform that connects healthcare innovators with partners and investors. With its expert team and extensive advisor network, HGAN helps companies navigate critical growth factors. According to Hyve, it is the first acquisition that extends the power of its events beyond the show floor.

2026 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Bangkok

/

Paris/Hong Kong, 4th November: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will organise its 2026 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, running from 5th to 6th March.

The 2026 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will be hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC).

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, commented, “TCEB has a long-established and valued relationship with UFI, so we are honoured to host the 2026 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference. Thailand continues to grow as a regional hub for exhibitions, so we are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase Thailand with our world-class venues, professional expertise, and exceptional hospitality to colleagues from across Asia and around the world.”

Registration for the 2026 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference is now open at www.ufiasia.org.

Meorient down in revenues and profits

/

Hangzhou, 28th October: Last week, Meorient, a Chinese exhibition organiser listed in Shenzhen, announced its financial results for the nine months ended 30th September 2025. Revenues in the period were US$56 million, a year-on-year decrease of 5.7%.

The Hangzhou-based company’s net profit dropped 49% year-on-year, down to US$4.9 million. Diluted earnings per share in the first nine months the year were RMB 0.12 (US$0.017).

However, the company did not comment on the decreases in revenues and profits.

The Shenzhen-listed company also reported its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September. Revenues in the quarter decreased by 2.9% year-on-year, amounting at US$22 million. The company post a net profit of US$2.7 million, dropping 30% year-on-year.

Meorient organises B2B sourcing shows to bring Chinese exhibitors to overseas markets including India, Turkey, U.A.E., Mexico, Poland and Brazil.

Made-in-China.com revenues up 17% in Q3

/

Nanjing, 28th October: Recently, Shenzhen-listed Focus Technology, which owns and operates the B2B trading platform, Made-in-China.com, has released its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2025. Revenues in the quarter were US$68 million, increased 17% over the third quarter of 2024. However, profit in the three-month period declined 2.0% year-on-year, down to US$17 million.

The Nanjing-based company also reported the result for the first nine months of 2025, generating revenues of US$197 million, an increase of 16% year-on-year. The company also post a profit increase of 16% year-on-year, reaching US$58 million. The diluted earnings per share in the nine-month period were RMB 1.3123 (US$0.18).

As of 30th September, the company reported that Made-in-China.com had 29,214 paid members, while “AI Mai” service had 15,687 members.

Netsun narrows loss in Q3

/

Hangzhou, 31st October: Last week, Shenzhen-listed Zhejiang Netsun, a B2B e-commerce platform, reported its financial results for the nine months ended 30th September 2025. The company’s revenues were US$58 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 6.7%.

The company narrowed its net loss from US$2.1 million in the first nine months in 2024, down to a net loss of US$394,000 in the first nine months in 2025.

The company also announced its results for the quarter ended 30th September. Revenues dropped 22% year-on-year, amounting at US$15 million. However, the company’s net profit jumped 136% in the quarter, reaching US$595,000.

However, the company did not comment on its changes in revenues and profits.

Quick takes

/

Adelaide secures 149 future business events

Business Events Adelaide announced Adelaide has secured 149 business events, which will generate over A$684 million (US$447 million). According to Business Events Adelaide, the Malinauskas Government continues to support the business events industry, including a recent A$10.9 million (US$7.1 million) allocation for business events over the next four years.

RX launches WTM Spotlight in India

RX Global (formerly Reed Exhibitions) will launch a brand-new event in India, WTM Spotlight Delhi, showcasing the power, potential and diversity of India’s travel market. The inaugural edition is scheduled to take place in February 2027 for three days of business, inspiration and cultural connection to unite destinations, travel brands, buyers and media.

ORGATEC India 2025 opens at JWCC

Organised by Koelnmesse India, ORGATEC India 2025 was launched on 4th November and ran until 6th November, running at Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC). Some 103 exhibitors from about 10 countries presented workspace design, furniture and facility management. The next edition will return to JWCC, running from 19th to 21st November.

Publicis to acquire HEPMIL

/

Singapore, 29th October: Publicis Groupe announced to acquire HEPMIL Media Group, a preeminent influencer agency in the Southeast Asia.

HEPMIL, founded in 2015 in Singapore, serves over 450 brands through over 3,000 creators, with a total creator reach of over 1 billion in six Southeast Asian markets. The company has expertise in building digital communities, empowering local creators, and delivering platform-native branded content that engages audiences and drives growth for clients.

Under the acquisition, MEPMIL will be combined with Publicis’ best-in-class data across Lotame and Epsilon’s ID graph spanning over 800 million consumer profiles in the Southeast Asia, cementing Publicis’ leadership in ID-driven influencer marketing in a key region for clients. After the acquisition, HEPMIL will continue to operate as a brand, and work in close collaboration with Publicis Groups teams across the Southeast Asia.

Amrita Randhawa, CEO of Publicis Groupe Singapore and Southeast Asia, said, “Parts of the solution that is right for clients exist in all parts of industry. But no one has brought everything together meaningfully in Southeast Asia. We will change that. HEPMIL’s origins as the creators of some of Southeast Asia’s most loved consumer content has helped redefine how brands can show up natively, authentically, and with real-time cultural relevance. Now powered by the AI, data and platform prowess of Publicis Groupe we will ensure every dollar of clients’ social and influence spend is genuine, accountable and in service of growth in Southeast Asia.”

RELX reports 7% growth for first 9 months

/

London, 23rd October: RELX Group plc, parent company of RX Global (formerly Reed Exhibitions), reported underlying revenue growth of 7% for the first nine months of 2025.

The company continue to see positive momentum across the company, and it is expected another year of strong underlying growth in revenue and adjusted operating profit.

The exhibitions business posted an underlying revenues growth of 8% year-on-year for the first nine months of 2025. The company attributed the strong growth to the improved growth profile of its event portfolio and good progress on value-enhancing digital initiatives for its customers. It is also expected a strong underlying revenue growth with an improvement in adjusted operating margin for the year.

DLG Exhibitions up 10% in revenues

/

Shanghai, 28th October: Earlier this week, DLG Exhibitions & Events (formerly known as Shanghai Lansheng), a Shanghai-listed exhibition organiser and conglomerate, announced its results for the nine months ended 30th September 2025. The company generated revenues of US$144 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 10%.

The company posted a net profit of US$37 million in the first nine months of 2025, which is flat with last year. Diluted earnings per share in the nine-month period were RMB 0.25 (US$0.035).

In the reported period, the company hosted and organised a total of 17 exhibitions occupying a scale of over 1.2 million m2. The Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center (SWEECC), the venue operated by DLG, held some 65 exhibitions and events, with a total rental area of over 7.8 million m2.

DLG also released its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September. Revenues in the quarter were US$66 million, growing 38% year-on-year. Net profit was US$22 million, was flat with the third quarter in 2024.

Quick takes

/

300+ business events at MyCEB in 2024

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) reported a total of 307 business events held in Malaysia, attracting over 770,000 delegates and generating an estimated economic impact of RM 3.4 billion (US$762 million). The 307 events included 129 conventions, 49 exhibitions, 107 corporate meetings & incentives, and 22 international sports events. In 2024, MyCEB secured 66 event bids, which will bring over 63,000 delegates, generating an estimated economic impact of RM 623 million (US$140 million).

SCMP restructures leadership team

South China Morning Post (SCMP) announced a restructure of its leadership team. CEO Catherine So will depart, Editor-in-chief Tammy Tam has been appointed as the newly created position of publisher, and Executive Editor Chow Chung Yan will be Head of the newsroom.

Messe Frankfurt adds 3 events in Automotive division

International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt, will expand its Automechanika portfolio in Jakarta and Baku. Messe Frankfurt also will also launch Festival of Motoring in Sydney, Australia. Automechanika Baku will run from 3rd to 5th March 2027, while Automechanika Jakarta will be held from 24th to 27th September 2026. In addition, Festival of Motoring in Sydney will take place from 20th to 22nd November 2026.

Informa TechTarget appoints new Chief Marketing Officer

Informa TechTarget announced the appointment of Staci M. Gullotta as its new Chief Marketing Officer, effective 27th October 2025. She will succeed John Steinert, an industry though leader who will support that activity full time at the company. Prior joining Informa TechTarget, Gullotta led demand marketing at ARIS, a business process management leader. She also has over two decades of experience in global marketing of enterprise technology products and services.

ICC Sydney hosts 546 events in FY2025

/

Sydney, 20th October: International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) released its Annual Performance Review for FY 2025, which reported as a year of growth, innovation and impact.

During the financial year 2024-2025, ICC Sydney secured a total of 546 events, attracting some 1.5 million visitors, generating visitor expenditure of A$746 million (US$484 million). The figure in the previous year was 1.2 million visitors and an economic contribution of A$718 million (US$479 million).

The 546 events included 17 international events, 88 national events, 61 exhibitions, 136 entertainment events, and 244 single day local events.

ICC Sydney Chief Executive Officer, Adam Mather-Brown, said, “ICC Sydney has ignited the local economy, elevated city vibrancy and advanced social justice through inclusive and impactful experiences. In this way, we are proud to be more than a venue. We’re a catalyst for innovation, talent development and community engagement. Our team at ICC Sydney will continue to welcome international events across priority sectors including health and medical sciences, technology, education, finance, banking and sustainability, reflecting the state’s strategic focus and ICC Sydney’s commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for the community.”

Messe Frankfurt partners with VNU Exhibitions AP

/

Bangkok, 22nd October: Messe Frankfurt Hong Kong (HK) Ltd announced the partnership with VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific to launch a new regional platform for the entertainment and pro AV sectors, Prolight + Sound Bangkok.

The new fair will be held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), running from 30th September to 2nd October 2026. It is targeted to become the region’s leading and most innovative pro AV and entertainment showcase, fostering greater sourcing and partnership opportunities. Product categories will include Professional audio equipment & technology, Conferencing & AV equipment, Professional lighting equipment & technology, Stage equipment & technology, LED & display technology, and Music & related equipment.

Under the partnership, Messe Frankfurt will pair global innovation and international brands with ASEAN demand, and VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific will set the stage for smooth local partnerships and results with its market knowledge.

Mr Richard Li, Executive Director of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, was quoted, “By utilising the worldwide innovation pipeline and global brand resources of Prolight + Sound Guangzhou, an event industry showcase, the new Bangkok fair will help upgrade Southeast Asia’s industry, and give respected industry names, international exhibitors, and forward-thinking SMEs a cost‑effective, high‑impact path into the region – including brand exposure, channel building, and order landing. We’re enabling the world’s leading pro AV and entertainment players to enter ASEAN efficiently and scale with confidence, while paving the way for local industry growth.”

New smart space show concludes in Hangzhou

/

Hangzhou, 13th October: The inaugural edition of International Smart Space Exhibition (ISSE) concluded at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center, welcoming over 257,000 visits with its concurrent show, Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE).

Co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Hangzhou Expo Group, ISSE took place from 25th to 29th September 2025, with the theme of “Shaping the future of smart space”. Some 160 brands presented their products and solutions in the following areas: Intelligent Buildings and Smart Parks, Urban Public Spaces, Smart Commercial Spaces, and Smart Living.

The next edition of ISSE will return to Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center, running from 23rd to 27th September 2026.