DLG Exhibitions’ profit up 6.2% in FY2025

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Shanghai, 24th April: Last week, Shanghai-listed DLG Exhibitions (formerly Shanghai Lansheng) released its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2025. Revenues in the year were US$232 million. This represents a year-on-year decrease of 1.1%.

However, net profit in 2025 grew by 6.2% over the previous year, reaching US$46 million. Diluted earnings per share for the year were RMB 0.45 (US$0.064).

In 2025, the company hosted and organised a number of international events, including four UFI-approved events. In addition, the company established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong, serving as an international settlement, investment and operations centre. It is aimed to become a platform for the company’s international expansion and foreign investment.

Meorient’s revenues up 128% in Q1

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Hangzhou, 27th April: Earlier this week, Meorient, a Chinese exhibition organiser listed in Shenzhen, released its results for the quarter ended 31st March 2026. Revenues jumped 128% year-on-year, reaching US$5.7 million.

The company narrowed its net loss from US$5.1 million in the first quarter in 2025, down to US$3.6 million this year.

The Hangzhou-based company attributed the increase in revenues and the decrease in net loss to the increase income from the exhibition business.

VNU launches VIV Select India

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New Delhi, 24th April: VNU Exhibition Europe expanded its VIV Worldwide platform to India, by launching VIV Select India, to provide a platform commitment to India’s animal protein and livestock industry.

Running from 22nd to 24th April 2026, at the Yashobhoomi Convention and Expo Centre in New Delhi, the new show featured 130 exhibitors, showcasing poultry production, dairy technology, animal health, feed ingredients and additives, breeding and hatching technology, food engineering, aquaculture, and agri-tech. Some 7,100 professional visitors from 37 countries attended the show, filling an exhibition area of 10,000 m2.

The show also included conference programme, highlighting sessions in Advances in Poultry Sector and Advances in Biologicals and Vaccines.

Patrick van Rooij, Project Manager of VIV Select India, commented, “The response from the Indian industry to this first edition has been something we are genuinely proud of. Producers, integrators, technology providers and policymakers came together with a shared intent: to exchange, to learn, and to build. What we saw on this show floor gives us every confidence that this platform will grow into something of lasting value for the sector.”

Due to the success of the inaugural edition, the next edition of VIV Select India will return to New Delhi, running from 21st to 23rd April 2027.

Quick takes

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RELX: a good start for the year

RELX released its update on trading, with a good start for the year across all four business areas. The company also posted a strong underlying revenue and profit growth, and strong new sales. Within the Exhibitions business, it recorded a strong underlying revenue growth continues to be driven by the improved ongoing growth profile of its event portfolio, and good progress on value-enhancing digital initiatives. In the coming year, the company rescheduled some events in the Middle East, it is expected a strong underlying revenue growth with an improvement in adjusted operating margin over the previous year.

Macau welcomes 11m+ visitor arrivals in Q1

In the first quarter of 2026, Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) recorded visitor arrivals to Macau increased by 13.7% year-on-year, reaching 11,213,904. Same-day visitors grew 20.3%, while overnight visitors were up by 4.1%. However, the average length of stay of visitors shortened by 0.1 day year-on-year, to 1.0 day. In March 2026, Macau welcomed 3,393,636 visitor arrivals, up 10.6% year-on-year.

HKTDC’s concludes Smart Lighting Expo and Lighting Fair

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its 3rd Smart Lighting Expo and 17th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair, attracting some 13,000 buyers from 114 countries and regions. Taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running from 20th to 23rd April 2026, the two fairs featured about 900 exhibitors, highlighting lighting products and technology exchange.

Informa appoints inD CEO

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Dubai, 16th April: The international B2B events, digital services and academic markets group, Informa, announced the appointment of David Lynn as its inaugural Chief Executive of inD, the Dubai-based partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Mr Lynn has extensive international executive experience to bring to inD. Effective from 4th May 2026, Mr Lynn will take new role and focus on effectively combining the DWTC and Informa B2B event brands and business within inD to create a single operating business with a clear growth plan for 2027 to 2029.

inD is targeted to further strengthen its position within the UAM as the leading B2B events group and continue to expand into the wider IMEA region through new launches, brand extension and brand syndication.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa, said, “We are delighted to confirm David’s appointment as inD’s inaugural CEO. The appointment of an experienced international media and content executive underlines inD’s ambition and the significant growth opportunity for high quality B2B brands in the IMEA region and beyond.”

Messe Frankfurt launches smarteX Malaysia

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Kuala Lumpur, 16th April: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt, announced a partnership with C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd (C.I.S Malaysia), to launch smarteX Malaysia, a new specialised exhibition co-locating with ARCHIDEX 2026 (25th International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition), a leading architecture business event in Asia.

The new show will run from 29th July to 1st August 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. Under the theme of “Smart Technology for Life. Work. Space.”, smarteX Malaysia will showcase IoT, automation, sustainability and smart infrastructure solutions, fusing digital innovation tailored for smart building and facility management.

Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of Management, Messe Frankfurt Group, was quoted, “Joining Messe Frankfurt’s portfolio of some 20 Building Technologies events worldwide, the debut of smarteX Malaysia will bring the company’s global expertise to the ASEAN region. With the countries in the region investing heavily in intelligent, future-ready infrastructure, there is a clear and growing demand for practical, adaptable smart space solutions. By pairing our global resources and network of technology providers with C.I.S Malaysia’s local expertise and ARCHIDEX’s community, we are putting international solutions directly in front of the players delivering these projects on the ground, while giving domestic stakeholders a gateway for global expansion.”

RX expands WTM portfolio to India

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India, 18th April: RX Global, a global event organiser, will expand its World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio into South Asia, by launching a new B2B travel marketplace in India, WTM Spotlight India, which is designed to connect international travel suppliers with India’s travel and tourism market.

The new show, WTM Spotlight India 2027, is scheduled to be held from 2nd to 4th March 2027, running at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre). The show will bring international destinations, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality brands, travel technology providers and curated India buyers. The show will also include a conference-led approach, featuring leadership discussions, market intelligence sessions and strategic forums.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director of Travel at RX, commented, “WTM Spotlight India represents a strategic evolution of the World Travel Market portfolio. India is no longer just a high-growth market – it is becoming a defining force in global travel. This platform is designed to bring structure, clarity and commercial focus to that growth, enabling the industry to connect with the right partners and unlock long-term opportunity.”

Quick takes

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Hong Kong welcomes over 14m visitors in Q1

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Hong Kong welcomed 14.31 million visitors in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 17% year-on-year. During the quarter, Chinese Mainland visitors grew 20%, mainly due to promotional campaigns targeting the Chinese Mainland’s extended Lunar New Year holiday. Meanwhile, long-haul visitor arrivals were up by 19% over the same quarter in 2025. The HKTB also reported 4.35 million visitors were recorded in March 2026, an increase of 14% year-on-year.

Sydney to host 2030 Asia Pacific ophthalmology congress

Business Events Sydney partnered with RANZCO won the 2030 Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress, a large-scale medical meeting in the region. The congress will take place at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) and hosted by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Focusing on clinical advancements aimed at preventing blindness and restoring sight, the congress will feature 5,500 medical professionals, researchers and clinicians, generating A$21 million (US$15 million) in direct expenditure for the visitor economy, supporting jobs across tourism, hospitality and events sectors.

HKTDC electronics fairs attract 88,000+ buyers

Last week, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its InnoEX and Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) (EFSE), welcoming over 88,000 buyers from 155 countries and regions. InnoEX showcased innovation and cutting-edge technology solutions, while EFSE presented three major areas: Smart Home & Solutions, Health Tech & Gadgets, and Pet Intelligence.

Global Sources opens Hong Kong Shows Phase II

Global Sources opened its Phase II of the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows from 18th to 21st April 2026, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). With four major professional trade shows: Mobile Electronics Show, Smart Home, Security & Home Appliances Show, Lifestyle Show, and Home & Kitchen Show, the shows featured over 2,000 quality suppliers occupying some 4,000 booths, presenting about 150,000 new products of mobile devices, smart wearables, AR/VR, smart home solutions, personal healthcare, pet products, etc.

UFI re-elects Associations Committee

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Paris, 14th April: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the election results for Chair and Vice-Chair for its Associations Committee, who will begin their three-year mandate at the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026.

Jörn Holtmeier, Managing Director, AUMA (Association of the German Trade Fair Industry), Germany, has been elected as Chair, while Synthia Chan, Council Chairperson, Macau Fair & Trade Association, Macau, will be Vice-Chair.

In addition to the role as Chair, Jörn will also serve on the UFI Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Synthia will also serve on the UFI Board of Directors as the role of Vice-Chair.

UFI President, Panittha Buri, commented, “On behalf of UFI, I congratulate Jörn and Synthia on their re-election, and thank them for their continued dedication. The Associations Committee is a powerful reflection of what UFI is built on: collective strength, shared knowledge, and a genuine commitment to the industry we all serve. With over 75 associations represented, it plays a vital role in ensuring our members’ voices are heard at every level. I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to serve and strengthen our global community.”

BFB Health’s revenues up 9.8%

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Hong Kong, 31st March: BFB Health (formerly SEEC Media) has recently released its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2025. Total revenues in the year were US$4.3 million, an increase of 9.8% year-on-year. The company posted a net loss of US$2.6 million, compared with the loss of US$3.7 million in 2024.

About 65% of BFB Health’s revenues were generated from its new E-commerce business, amounting to US$2.8 million. Advertising services income accounted for 14% of total revenues, generating US$612,000, which dropped 76% from the previous year. The remaining revenues (US$887,000), were generated from its Interest income from loan receivables, declining 30% year-on-year.

The company has developed digital media marketing services and MCN business since 2020, to diversify its advertising business revenue. In November 2025, the company completed the acquisition through a general mandate. BFB Group operates a health and wellness brand, “Dyesoo”, at various e-commerce platform and MCN.

TCEB partners for Thailand MICE Week

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Thailand, 2nd April: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced the partnership with the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) and the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), to elevating the annual MICE Day into Thailand MICE Week 2026, running from 28th to 30th April 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC).

Under the partnership, TCEB will bring MICE-related events which were previously organised separately. TEA will co-locate its flagship event, Thailand MUCE X-Change (TMX) 2026. Thailand MICE Week will become an open platform for participants to gain comprehensive insights into Thailand’s MICE industry in one place. It is also aimed to be Thailand’s first Net Zero Carbon Event.

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, stated, “The co-location of TCEB’s platform and TEA’s TMX is one of the key highlights, serving as a concrete mechanism to bridge ‘policy platforms’ and ‘business platforms’. Thailand MICE Week 2026 will showcase national policies and strategies, knowledge transfer, innovation, and the promotion of standards and sustainability. Meanwhile, Thailand MICE X-Change 2026 will serve as a business negotiation and trade-matching platform. This combination ensures that the event fully covers the entire MICE ecosystem.”

Under the theme of “MICE in Motion: Driving Thailand Towards the Future”, Thailand MICE Week 2026 will feature 12 dedicated activity zones, showcasing new development in Thailand’s MICE industry, expecting to attract 2,000 participants. The event will leverage strong collaboration to create a dynamic MICE ecosystem, positioning Thailand as a Global MICE Destination and driving Thailand towards becoming a Trustworthy Opportunity Connector.

4,500+ industry professionals at Connect Marketplace

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Hong Kong, 1st April: Organised by Informa Markets Asia, the second edition of Connect Marketplace was held at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) in Hong Kong, from 18th to 19th March 2026, welcoming more than 4,500 industry professionals.

Some 150 exhibitors and brands from 28 countries and regions showcased at the events, occupying an exhibition space of about 11,000 m2. conferences were also held alongside with the exhibition, including industry leaders sharing strategies and best practices. In addition, over 2,000 one-to-one business matchings were delivered during the event.

Quick takes

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Easyfairs acquires Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail

Easyfairs announced the acquisition of two events serving the hospitality and retail sectors, Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail. The acquisition will broader Easyfairs’ growth strategy to enhance its tech portfolio. No financial details for the transaction were released.

Freemans appoints new Projects Director

Freemans Event Partners announced the appointment of Roger Lowe as Projects Director. In the new role, Roger Lowe will focus on driving new ventures, partnerships, and commercial growth across the business. He will also work closely with the Executive Chairman and senior leadership tea, to identify and deliver strategic opportunities beyond Freemans’ core operations, including developing new partnerships, commercial models, and innovative concepts, as well as leading complex projects from concept through to delivery.

HKTDC’s leading spring tech fairs to take place in April

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will organise its four flagship technology fairs in April: InnoEX (jointly organised by the Innovation Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) of the HKSAR Government and HKTDC), Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) (EFSE), Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) (LFSE) and Smart Lighting Expo (SLE). All four fairs will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), featuring over 3,700 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions. InnoEX and EFSE will run from 13th to 16th April, presenting innovation and technology as well as industry applications. While LFSE and SLE will be held from 20th to 23rd April, showcasing the latest smart lighting solutions and innovative products.

Global Sources opens April Hong Kong Show

Global Sources opened its April 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Show Phase I, running from 11th to 14th April, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), including three major international trade shows: Gaming Show, Consumer Electronics Show, and Electronics Components Show. Over 2,000 Asian suppliers occupied more than 4,000 booths, presenting some 150,000 products, covering categories of audio-visual, automative electronics, computer peripherals, commercial electronics, outdoor electronics, gaming and esports, electronic components, and batteries and power supplies. It is expected to attract more than 60,000 international professional B2B buyers.

Australia secures 366 international business events

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Australia, 25th March: According to the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), Australia has secured 366 international business events for the future, which will generate an estimated A$743.5 million (US$512 million) in delegate spend.

The association also claimed Australia has a strong pipeline of high-value international events, however there is also a growing risk to the future competitiveness as major global destinations ramp up financial support to win business events. It is also shown that international delegates spending 59% more than leisure visitors. During 2018 and 2025, 205 events generated A$1.38 billion (US$951 million) in economic value.

Melissa Brown, CEO, Australian Business Events Association, said, “Business events deliver high-value visitors, global connections and long-term economic impact. This is not just about filling hotel rooms. It is about attracting international decision-makers, investment, research collaboration and trade opportunities into Australia. Right now, the pipeline is strong. But future wins are getting harder. With our limited Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP), delivered through Tourism Australia, other countries… are gaining ground. Their governments are backing this sector with stronger bid support, and Australia is at risk of losing events we should be winning.”

Meorient’s revenues up 4.5% in FY2025

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Hangzhou, 26th March: Last week, Meorient, a Chinese exhibition organiser listed in Shenzhen, released its results for the year ended 31st December 2025. Revenues increased by 4.5% year-on-year, reaching US$112 million.

However, the company posted a drop in net profit of 12% from the previous year, down to US$19 million. Diluted earnings per share in the year were RMB 0.46 (US$0.066). In 2024, Meorient organised exhibitions in 10 countries with a total exhibition area of 350,000 m2, featuring some 8,000 exhibitors and 370,000 buyers.

Due to changes in international situation, exhibitions were cancelled, putting pressure on the company’s revenue and profit growth. Therefore, the company stabilize foreign trade and effectively helped foreign trade enterprises cope with operational pressures, implement a phased exhibition participation support policy and appropriately lowering the entry threshold for enterprises. In addition, the company increased investment in the research and development of its AI-powered exhibition system and overseas marketing.

Sino Splendid narrows its loss for FY2025

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Hong Kong, 31st March: Earlier this week, Hong Kong-listed Sino Splendid (formerly China.com) announced its results for the financial year ended 31st December 2025. The company reported revenues of US$4.9 million in the year, grew 29% year-on-year. The company narrowed its from US$3.1 million in 2024, down to US$1.3 million.

More than 97% of Sino Splendid’s revenues were generated from its financial magazines and other media services, amounting to US$4.8 million, up 28% year-on-year. While the remaining revenues were generated from its travel media business, amounting at just US$122,000.

According to the company, the increase in revenues was mainly due to the improvement of the financial performance of the financial magazine and other media services business.

In the coming years, the company will continue to devote resources to further increase its market share. In addition, the company will also continue to commit to its core business (travel media business) by leveraging on its solid experience.