VNU AP welcomes new CEO

Thailand, 27th May: VNU Asia Pacific (VNU AP) has appointed new Chief Executive Officer Bangkok, Thailand – VNU AP, Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee, effective in June 2026.

Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee, a Thai business executive and government official in the MICE sector, will bring his over 20 years of leadership experience in the exhibition industry across Asia. Prior to joining VNU AP, he has served as Director of the Exhibitions Department at the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and he has also held senior roles in the private sector.

The appointment is part of VNU AP’s ongoing efforts to align its leadership with the company’s evolving strategies and long-term goals, and reflects the commitment to growth and expansion.

Mr. Jeroen van Hooff, President & CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of VNU AP, said, “Mr. Yuaikwarmdee brings extensive expertise in exhibition and trade show management, as well as strong capabilities in sales, marketing, and business development across Southeast Asia and China. His experience and vision will be instrumental in guiding VNU AP through this transition and into its next phase of growth. Personally, I have long recognized and respected him as a trusted partner and a valued contributor to the international exhibition community.”

Quick takes

Macau welcomes 3m+ visitor arrivals in April

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reported a total of 3,441,396 visitor arrivals were recorded in April 2026, an increase of 11.3% year-on-year. Same-day visitors grew 19.4% over April 2025, reaching 2,095,953 visitor arrivals, while overnight visitors were up moderately by 0.6%, amounting at 1,345,443. However, the average length of stay of visitors shortened by 0.1 day, down to 1.0 day.

Messe München expands automatica to Shanghai in 2027

International exhibition organiser, Messe München, will expand its automatica, robotics and automation technology event, to Shanghai in 2027. automatica Shanghai 2027 will be organised by Messe Muenchen Shanghai Co., Ltd. in partnership with VDMA Shanghai Representative Office and CRIA, running from 8th to 10th March 2027, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). The new event will offer leading-edge technologies and forward-looking industry insights to industrial partners in China and across Asia, by showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative achievements.

SIAL Shanghai expands to Guangzhou this September

Organised by Comexposium, SIAL Shanghai, food and beverage trade fair in Asia, concluded on 20th May 2026, featuring over 5,000 brands from 75 countries and regions, showcasing more than 350,000 exhibits. A total of 183,302 professionals from 132 countries and regions attended the event. Meanwhile, Comexposium announced to expand SIAL to Greater Bay Area. SIAL Guangzhou will take place at the Poly World Trade Center Expo, from 3rd to 5th September 2026.

Global Sources concludes April Show

Global Sources’ April 2026 Hong Kong Shows concluded its three phases of exhibitions, attracting over 130,000 visitor entries from professional buyers representing 180 countries and regions to AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). The April series consisted of eight sourcing categories: Consumer Electronics, Gaming, Electronics Components, Mobile Electronics, Smart Home, Security & Home Appliances, Home & Kitchen, Lifestyle, and Sports & Outdoor. Some 4,500 Asian suppliers showcased at more than 8,500 booths with over 340,000 trending new products. The next edition of the Global Sources Hong Kong Show will be held in October 2026 in two phases.

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 2026)

Baidu posts decrease in Q1 2026

Beijing, 18th May: Earlier this week, Baidu, the leading Chinese language Internet search company, reported revenues of US$4.65 billion for the quarter ended 31st March 2026, which is a decrease of 1.2% year-on-year. The company’s net profit in the quarter shrank 55%, down to US$499 million. Diluted earnings per share in the quarter were RMB 1.10 (US$0.16).

About 39% of Baidu’s revenues were generated from its online marketing services, amounting to US$1.8 billion, which presents a drop of 17% year-on-year. While revenues from “others” business increased by 42% over the same quarter last year, reaching US$1.9 billion. The company attributed the increase to the growth of AI Cloud business. The remaining revenues were generated from iQIYI, which dropped 8% year-on-year, down to US$903 million.

Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu, said, “AI Cloud Infra delivered exceptional momentum, powered by surging enterprise demand and the differentiated full-stack AI capabilities we have built over the years. Our AI Applications continued to gain traction across enterprises and individuals alike, further validating the commercial potential of our AI innovations. Meanwhile, Apollo Go sustained triple-digit growth in fully driverless rides while advancing its international expansion. We see AI driving even greater value for Baidu in the quarters ahead.”

Macau hosts 425 MICE events in Q1

Macau, 15th May: Last week, Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released its MICE statistics for the first quarter of 2026. A total of 425 MICE events were held in Macau in the quarter, which remained the same as the first quarter of 2025. However, the total number of participants and attendees decreased 8.7% year-on-year, down to 181,000.

Of the 425 events, 399 were meetings and conferences, remained unchanged year-on-year. The total number of participants at meetings and conferences grew 33%, reaching 49,000 participants.

A total of 11 exhibitions were held during the quarter, down by one exhibition compared with the first quarter of 2025. The number of attendees dropped 20% year-on-year, down to 128,000.

Sarawak improves event facilities

Sarawak, 14th May: Sarawak unveiled Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, an infrastructure programme ranging from venue upgrades to state-wide digital and industry initiatives. PCDS targets for paving way for more convention space, to improve road network offering to event planners across Asia Pacific and worldwide.

The latest projects will be the extension work at Borneo Convention and Exhibition Centre Kuching (BCCK) and a new airline, AirBorneo, based in Sarawak.

BCCK2 extension will include a new main hall with a capacity of 5,936 m2, and 34 breakout rooms across the combined facility. When BCCK2 extension complete in 2027-2028, its venue’s operating capacity will double, to host events of up to 9,500 delegates with BCCK1 and BCCK2 directly linked. BCCK will enable Kuching to provide association and business conference organisers more space, and to give delegates a more positive experience in Sarawak. It will be able to attract more large international business events.

AirBorneo began operations at the beginning of 2026 and has plans to extend its network to make Sarawak and destinations in Bornes more accessible across state and internationally to attract business event groups.

In addition, private sector also takes part with venue upgrades extending to existing facilities in downtown Kuching and in other parts of the state.

Messe Stuttgart adds new portfolio in India

India, 20th May: International exhibition organiser, Messe Stuttgart, announced to add Cable & Wire Fair along with Wire & Cable India magazine to its portfolio, showing the company’s continued expansion in India and underscores its commitment to enabling industry platforms, driving innovation, collaboration, and global integration.

Cable & Wire Fair is India’s leading exhibition in the wire and cable industry, held biennially. With the addition to Messe Stuttgart, the industry will be able to gain stronger access to international buyers, technology providers, and international business opportunities benefiting from Stuttgart’s international network.

The last edition was held in 2025, brining 424 exhibitors and 16,393 visitors, including 89 international exhibitors from 24 countries. The next edition is scheduled to run from 9th to 11th December 2027, at Yashobhoomi Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi.

Roland Bleinroth, CEO of Messe Stuttgart, said, “India is one of the most dynamic and strategically important markets for us globally. The addition of Cable & Wire Fair and Wire & Cable India magazine in our portfolio reflects our commitment to investing in sectors that are not only growing rapidly but are also critical to the future of global manufacturing and infrastructure. With our international expertise and network, we see strong potential to further strengthen this platform as a key meeting point for the global wire and cable industry.”

Quick takes

150+ brands at G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo 2026

Organised by RX Global, G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo brought together global leaders across gaming, entertainment, and integrated resorts as digital innovation continues to reshape the industry’s next phase of growth. Taking place from 12th to 14th May 2026, at The Venetian Macao, expected to welcome 8,000 industry professionals from over 90 countries and regions. The co-located events featured over 150 brands, occupying more than 30,000 m2, to showcase net-generation technologies, immersive solutions, and digital infrastructure across the sector.

IEG posts good performance in Q1

Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A. (IEG) released its interim financial report for the quarter ended 31st March 2026. Revenues in the report period were €105 million (US$120 million), a year-on-year increase of 2.1%. Net profit in the quarter increased 6.0% year-on-year, amounting at €23 million (US$26 million).

Hyve expands Manifest

Hyve will expand Manifest into Europe, hosting in FIL in Lisbon, running from 19th to 21st October 2027. Hyve acquired Manifest in May 2025, and it continued to grow after the acquisition, with attendance up 20% at the first edition with Hyve.

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 2026)

Koelnmesse launches new JV in Indonesia

Jakarta, 12th May: International exhibition organiser, Koelnmesse, continues to expand its business in the Aisa-Pacific region, by establishing a joint venture in Indonesia, with Indonesia exhibition organiser, AMARA Expo. The new JV, PT. Nine Koeln Indonesia, headquartered in Jakarta, representing Koelnmesse’s 11th international entity and first dedicated company in Indonesia.

Through the new JV, Koelnmesse aims to drive the further development of Indonesia’s trade fair industry while expanding access to international markets and business networks. PT, Nine Koeln Indonesia will organise several trade fairs in 2026.

AMARA Expo, a leading Indonesia exhibition organiser, has a proven track record of delivering high-impact B2B trade platforms across diverse industrial sectors. Under the new JV, AMARA Expo will continue to drive innovation and economic growth by connecting global suppliers with Indonesia’s expanding industrial landscape.

Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse, explained, “Further internationalisation is a core element of our corporate strategy. Our goal is to connect global industries with strong regional ecosystems. Indonesia – and Southeast Asia as a whole – offer enormous potential in this regard. Together with the AMARA Expo, we are further strengthening our presence on the ground while linking regional growth markets with our international portfolio and global networks.”

Alibaba posts 3% increase in revenues in FY2025-2026

Hong Kong, 13th May: Earlier this week, China’s largest e-commerce company, the Alibaba Group, announced its financial results for the year ended 31st March 2026. Revenues in the financial year were US$148 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 3%. However, net income in the year dropped 19% from the previous year, down to US$15 billion. Diluted earnings per share for the year were RMB 44 (US$6.38).

In terms of its B2B business, revenues generated from Alibaba’s B2B business in China under the Taobao and Tmall Group, mainly through its 1688.com platform, were US$3.82 billion, resulting in a year-on-year increase of 8%. The international B2B business under the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, primarily on Alibaba.com, posted an 11% increase in revenues, amounting at US$3.83 billion. The B2B businesses only accounted for just 5.2% of Alibaba’s total revenues.

The Alibaba Group also released its results for the quarter ended 31st March, with revenues of US$35 billion, representing growth of 3% year-on-year. Net profit in the quarter jumped 96% over the same quarter in 2025, amounting at US$3.4 million.

Eddie Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group, said, “Alibaba’s full-stack AI investments have progressed from incubation to commercialization at scale. This quarter, we achieved accelerated breakthroughs across models, cloud infrastructure, and applications. Cloud Intelligence Group’s external revenue growth accelerated to 40%, with AI-related products accounting for 30% of this revenue. Our Qwen LLM demonstrated leadership in reasoning and coding while we strengthened our multimodal model portfolio with the launch of video generation and world models. As we see massive potential for agentic AI, we launched multiple enterprise AI agents for office and coding use cases, and we fully integrated e-commerce capabilities into the consumer-facing Qwen app, deepening synergies between AI and our consumer ecosystem.”

BOL’s revenues up 10% in Q1

Bangkok, 12th May: Business Online (BOL), a leading online business information service provider in Thailand, has recently reported its financial results for the quarter ended 31st March 2026. The company recorded revenues of US$6.1 million for the quarter, an increase of 10% year-on-year.

BOL’s net profit for the three-month period increased by 8.8%, reaching US$2.3 million. Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of 2026 were Baht 0.09 (US$0.0027).

The company attributed the increase in revenues to be supported by growth in information services income and other service income, which reflected a broader contribution across multiple business segments, together with the analytics services through the introduction of new features designed to enhance business linkages. Due to increase in income from both new and existing customers, the company posted increases in its information services income.

CPHI India & PMEC India 2026 separate in two venues

New Delhi, 6th May: Organised by Informa Markets India, the upcoming CPHI India and PMEC India will expand to take place in two separate venues in Delhi-NCR, aiming at enhancing scale, specialisation, and visitor experience.

CPHI India, showcasing APIs, excipients, and formulations, will be held at Yashobhoomi in Dwarka, New Delhi, from 23rd to 25th November 2026. While PMEC India, presenting machinery, packaging, lab equipment, and clean technologies, and will run from 24th to 26th November 2026, at India Expo Mart.

Informa Markets India aims to improve navigation, enhances business interactions, and creates more targeted networking opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike, though the two formats. It is expected to deliver a more efficient and productive experience, reinforcing India’s position as a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, innovation, and sourcing.

Quick takes

Informa TechTarget narrows loss in Q1

Informa TechTarget released its financial results for the quarter ended 31st March 2026, with reported revenues of US$106 million, a moderate growth of 2.1% year-on-year. The company claimed the growth in revenues to its business segments delivering improvement. The company narrowed its net loss from US$523 million, down to US$71 million recorded in the quarter. It was due to the decrease in its technical non-cash goodwill impairment.

Netsun down in revenues and profit

Shenzhen-listed Zhejiang Netsun reported its results for the quarter ended 31st March 2026. Netsun’s revenues in the quarter dropped 4.3%, down to US$22 million. The company’s net profit in the quarter was US$166,000, which represented a year-on-year decline of 29%. The company did not comment on its performance for the quarter.

HKTDC concluded its medical events

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its sixth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and the 17th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair). Jointly organised with the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, ASGH gathered about 3,00 participants from 43 countries and regions. While the Medical Fair attract some 13,000 buyers from 61 countries and regions. The two events facilitated more than 1,000 high-quality collaborations and connections, demonstrating the synergy between medical technology, investment and industry applications.

Deutsche Messe restructures Executive Board

International exhibition organiser, Deutsche Messe AG, announced the restructuring its leadership team and aligning its Executive Board. The company will expand the board to three members:

·       Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Messe AG

·       Dr. Holger Feist, Executive Board of Deutsche Messe AG

·       Konstantin Kühl, Executive Board of Deutsche Messe AG

The new Executive Board will enable the company to set clear strategic priorities in the trade fair business, digitalization, and site development & transformation.

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 2026)

HKECIA’s chairman to step down

Hong Kong, 6th May: Stuart Bailey, Chairman of the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) at the next AGM, will step down from the role, after a decade of service.

Bailey was quoted, “It has been both an honour and a privilege to lead this organisation, and I am deeply thankful to the members who placed their faith in me five times over. I hope that, through diligent work and steadfast commitment, I have repaid that trust – ensuring that the business of supporting Hong Kong’s exhibition and convention industry has continued as smoothly as possible, weathering local and global challenges to the best of our ability. This has been one of the professional highlights of my career, and despite the many obstacles encountered, I have thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the conversation and discovering creative solutions to overcome them.”

Bailey is founder and CEO of Bailey Communications. After stepping down of the role of Chairman of the HKECIA, Bailey will be Honorary Life President of HKECIA, which he will continue to support the Chairman and the association.

RX expands WTM portfolio to India

India, 27th April: RX Global, a world leading events and exhibitions company, announced to expand its World Travel Market portfolio to South Asia by launching WTM Spotlight India, a new B2B marketplace designed to connect global travel suppliers with India’s international travel market.

The inaugural edition of WTM Spotlight India will take place from 2nd to 4th March 2027, running at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, delivering real commercial outcomes by bringing together international destinations, travel brands, airlines, technology providers, and India’s most influential travel buyers. In addition, the new show will also be built around a curated buyer model, targeted market focus, and data-led insights.

WTM Spotlight India positions itself as the leading marketplace for international travel partnerships to connect the right buyers and suppliers, with the combination of global reach with a focused India-specific approach.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director of Travel at RX, said, “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.”

RX’s World Travel Market portfolio includes World Travel Market London, Arabian Travel Market, WTM Africa, WTM Latin America, and the newly added WTM Spotlight India.

Netsun narrows loss in FY2025

Hangzhou, 29th April: Shenzhen-listed Zhejiang Netsun released its results for the year ended 31st December 2025, with revenues of US$75 million. This represents modest decrease of 6.0% year-on-year. The company attributed the decrease in revenues to the decline in income from the supply chain business during the reported period.

The company narrowed its net loss from US$3.1 million in 2024, down to US$1.9 million in 2025. Due to the provision for bad debts on receivables decreased, the company posted a narrowed net loss in 2025.

In terms of business segments, more than 85% of the total revenues were generated from the supply chain business, amounting to US$64 million, which dropped 5.2% year-on-year. The second largest business segment, Internet services, generated revenues of US$6.4 million and accounted for 8.6% of the total revenues.

Made-in-China.com’s revenues up 16% in Q1

Nanjing, 30th April: Last week, Focus Technology, the operator of Made-in-China.com which is a B2B sourcing platform, reported revenues of US$74 million in the quarter ended 31st March 2026, which is a year-on-year increase of 16%.

However, the company’s net profit posted the decrease of 13% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with the same quarter last year, amounting at US$14 million in the first quarter of 2025. Diluted earnings per share in the three-month period were RMB 0.3037 (US$0.044). The company’s management did not comment on its performance for the reported period.

As of 31st March, Made-in-China.com reported 30,294 registered members on its platform and in which, 12,766 members paid for Made-in-China.com’s AI service.

Quick takes

RX launches new digital platform

RX Global announced to launch a new digital platform, RX NOW, designed to redefine how people discover, connect and do business at live events. RX NOW will deliver smarter, more personalised and more productive journeys onsite, supported by real-time data and AI-powered personalisation, to provide measurable value for both attendees and exhibitors.

Clarion appoints new EVP of Energy

Exhibition organiser, Clarion Events North America, announced the appointment of Wayne Bishop Jr. as Executive Vice-President of Energy. In the new role, Bishop will oversee Clarion Events North America’s Energy portfolio. He has more than 30 years of experience in electric power and energy sectors, he will bring expertise, a strong network of relationships, and a proven track record in strategy, leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

95,000+ global buyers attend HKTDC’s seven events

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events, with more than 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions to source and business negotiations. The seven events are: Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), and Asian Licensing Conference (ALC).

400+ booths at Global Sources Sports & Outdoor

Hong Kong-based Global Sources opened its Global Sources Sports & Outdoor at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) in Hong Kong, running from 27th to 30th April 2026. Under the theme of “Selecting Great Products, and Even Better Factories”, the show featured more than 400 booths, presenting categories of camping, hiking, watersports, urban fitness and trend-forward outdoor lifestyle. It is targeted to attract about 10,000 professional B2B buyer visits. Running concurrently with the show, Global Sources Summit covered topics of the theme “Athletic Performance Meets Innovation”, including fitness technology, sports fashion fusion, virtual sportswear and ESG sourcing.