UFI celebrates 11th GED

Paris, 11th June: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, celebrated its 11th edition of Global Exhibition Day (GED) on 3rd June 2026, under the theme of “Exhibitions Drive Opportunities” and a newly refreshed campaign logo.

Three key messages were highlighted in GED 2026: how exhibitions drive opportunities for people, by fostering skills, careers, and face-to-face connections; for the planet, by accelerating sustainable innovation and responsible industry practices; and for performance, by powering business growth, opening new marketing, and enabling direct customer engagement.

Panittha Buri, UFI President, said, “Seeing Global Exhibitions Day celebrated worldwide is a reminder that our industry is in the business of making connections happen.  People, ideas, opportunities & businesses crossing borders – it’s networking on a global scale, with measurable results.”

GED 2026 was supported by over 75 national and international industry associations.

Informa Markets launches Hongqiao Tech Week in November

Shanghai, 11th June: The leading exhibition organiser worldwide, Informa Markets, announced to launch Hongqiao Tech Week, under Informa Markets China, running from 20th to 22nd November 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

The new show will provide a platform for global enterprises, visionary leaders, startups, investors, and technology solutions providers to unlock growth opportunities and foster China-focused partnerships.

The inaugural edition will be themed as “Where Global Tech Ambition Meets Chinese Scale”, featuring six thematic content stages: AI, Future Mobility & Energy, Digital Infrastructure, Industry 4.0, Life Sciences & Health, and Startup.

Ms. Athena Gong, Vice President of Informa Markets Asia, was quoted, “Hongqiao Tech Week is more than an event. It is a gateway to the future – where international businesses discover China’s tech economy, innovators find inspiration, and ambitious pioneers shape the next decade of technological progress.”

Thailand unveils tourism strategy

Thailand, 11th June: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has recently outlined its latest tourism strategy at Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2026, with the theme Healing is the new luxury: Define your new luxury; discover unforgettable experiences.

Wellness and restorative travel are the key highlights for the new strategy, offering through five pillars: Retreats, Rituals, Reels, Rhythms and Relations. With the new strategy, Thailand will be positioned as a destination where travel supports well-being through nature, culture, hospitality, gastronomy, wellness and local connections.

TAT deputy governor for marketing Nithee Seeprae, stated, “Travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer comfort, balance, and peace of mind. Thailand provides meaningful experiences, genuine hospitality, and the healing power of nature and culture.”

TAT expects total tourism revenue of 2.65 trillion baht (US$81 million) from domestic and international tourism in 2026, with an expected 33 million international arrivals.

Quick takes

UFI opens registration for 93rd UFI Global Congress

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has opened the registrations to all UFI members for the 93rd UFI Global Congress, taking place from 2nd to 5th November 2026, in the Kingdom of Bahrain, hosted by Exhibition World Bahrain and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).

SCIIF 2026 welcomes 120,000+ professional visits

Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai, Deutsche Messe’s subsidiary in China, concluded its 2026 South China International Industry Fair (SCIIF) on 12th June, at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, showcasing over 800 exhibitors and welcoming 120,249 professional visits. The event featured eight core themed sections, covering an exhibition area of 80,000 m2. It is also supported by a complete ecosystem spanning policy guidance, technology implementation, industrial applications and ecosystem upgrading, AI is moving deeper into the industrial core. The next edition of the South China International Industry Fair will return to Shenzhen, running from 16th to 18th June 2027.

Messe Düsseldorf launches 10 new shows in 2025

International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf Group, released its financial results for 2025, generating revenue of €374.4 million (US$440 million) and a profit after taxes of €44.4 million (US$52 million). In 2025, the company organised 81 trade shows worldwide, 55 were international and 26 were base in Düsseldorf, bringing 23,695 exhibitors and more than one million visitors to Düsseldorf. The company added 10 new trade shows last year: five in Düsseldorf and five worldwide.

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)

UFI elects new Regional Chapters leadership

Paris, 10th June: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has elected its leadership positions in the five Regional Chapters worldwide.

The newly elected Regional Chapter Chairs are:

·       Asia-Pacific: Rita Chu, Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd, Hong Kong

·       Europe: Stefan Rummel, Messe München GmbH, Germany

·       North America: Joyce Leveston, Javita Center, USA

·       Central & South America: Fernanda Gorbarán, Messe Frankfurt Argentina, Argentina

·       The Middle East & Africa: Mohammed Al Hussaini, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, Saudi Arabia

Regional Chapter Vice-Chairs are also elected. The role of Regional Chapters focuses on addressing key regional issues and developing ideas relevant to the region, while fostering collaboration and engagement among members. In addition, the Regional Chapters support the promotion of UFI within the region by encouraging new organisations to join and participate.

The elected industry leaders will begin their three-year mandate after the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026.

UFI President, Panittha Buri, commented, “Our Regional Chapters are at the heart of what UFI does: connecting our global community and ensuring our members’ voices are heard in every corner of the world. I warmly congratulate all newly elected Chairs and Vice-Chairs, and extend my sincere thanks to those stepping down for their dedication and service. I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to strengthen our industry together.”

TCEB launches marketing activity

Thailand, 10th June: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) launched a promotional event under the MaxiMICE Thailand campaign, in collaboration with Gaysorn Village.

During the event, TCEB presented key tools and services, which have been developed to facilitate seamless travel, provide exclusive privileges, and event participants from around the world. The initiatives included the Thailand MICE VISA Card, JerGan Application, E-Visa Facilitation, and MICE Fast Track Services.

Pico Thailand narrows net loss

Bangkok, 5th June: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, released its results for the quarter ended 30th April 2026. Revenues in the quarter were US$6.7 million, representing a year-on-year decrease of 6.1%. However, the company narrowed its net loss from US$887,000 last year, down to US$241,000.

For the six-month period ended 30th April, the company’s revenues amounted to US$13 million, which dropped by 22% year-on-year. During the reported period, the company posted a net loss of US$651,000, compared with a loss of US$647,000 in the same period of last year.

The company attributed the decrease in revenues to a slowdown in public sector revenue in the result of the post-election government formation process, together with ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, affecting economic conditions and led some customers to postpone their decision to organise events. The narrow in net loss was mainly due to the decrease in expenses, in the result of an expected credit loss from account receivable was recognized.

Business Events Australia expands India team

Australia, 8th June: Business Events Australia will expand its team to India, by appointing Sharmishtha Patange as Business Events Manager – India, effective 8th June 2026.

Under the new role, Sharmishtha Patange will support the implementation of Business Events Australia’s distribution strategies and partnerships across India’s MICE sector. She will also work with customers and stakeholders to drive business events and incentive travel to Australia.

Quick takes

UFI European Conference 2026 breaks record

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, concluded its UFI European Conference, running from 3rd to 5th June 2026. Hosted by İZFAŞ in İzmir, Türkiye, this year’s edition was the largest UFI regional conference, with over 400 delegates. The next edition of the UFI European Conference will be held from 2nd to 4th June 2027, taking place in Rimini, Italy, and will be hosted by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG).

83,000+ visitors at DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2026

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2026 concluded at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC), attracting 83,887 visitors from 27th to 29th May. Positioned as the largest the most influential dedicated flooring event on the global stage, the event presented the resilience of the global carpet and flooring industry, creating business opportunities for industry professionals worldwide. International attendance reached a record of 18,302 visitors from 146 countries. The next edition of the event will return at the NECC, running from 26th to 28th May 2027.

Jaarbeurs acquires food & agri innovation platform

Jaarbeurs, active worldwide in the agri and food sector for over 40 years through VIV Worldwide, announced to acquire the innovation platform, Foodbytes, from Rabobank. Foodbytes, an international hub for startups, corporates, and investors active in the agri and food sectors, brings together stakeholders working on areas. No financial details of the acquisition were released.

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)

UFI elects President for 2027-28

Paris / Izmir, 3rd June: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the UFI Board of Directors elected Said Al Shanfari (CEO, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre) as the UFI President for the 2027-28 term.

The UFI Presidential Trio for the November 2026 – November 2027 term (effective at the conclusion of the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026) will be:

·       Wolfram Diener (President & CEO, Messe Düsseldorf Group), President

·       Panittha Buri (Vice-Chairperson, Bhiraj Buri Group), Outgoing President

·       Sais Al Shanfari, Incoming President

Al Shanfari will bring experience in marketing, destination development and venue management across the Middle East & Africa. He has served as UFI’s Middle East & Africa Chapter Chair, and the appointment will bring a regional perspective and renewed energy to UFI’s global leadership.

Chris Skeith OBE, UFI CEO and Managing Director, commented, “Said has been a familiar and much-valued face at UFI events for many years, and his dedication to our community has never wavered… As Chair of UFI’s Middle East and Africa Chapter for the past three years, he has been an active and passionate advocate for the region and for our industry. I am delighted to welcome him as UFI’s Incoming President and look forward to working closely with him as we advance UFI’s mission.”

TCEB launches Thailand’s first digital MICE platform

Thailand, 28th May: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) launched “JerGan” (meaning “Let’s meet” in Thai), Thailand’s first digital MICE platform, under its MaxiMICE Thailand.

The “JerGan” application will connect MICE travellers with local businesses, to expand income distribution across the boarder MICE value chain. It will establish a MICE Behavioral Data Infrastructure to support more targeted and effective marketing strategies.

The platform will develop through three integrated pillars: 1) Data-Driven MICE Intelligence, transforming customer pain points into a Behavioral Data Infrastructure capable of driving actionable industry strategies; 2) MICE Ecosystem Connector, integrating venues, communities, food and beverage services, transportation, and local experiences into one connected ecosystem; and 3) MICE Economic Booster, expanding MICE traveller spending beyond venues into surrounding local economies and communities.

JerGan targets both Thai and international MICE travellers across three primary user groups: 1) International MICE Travelers, 2) Conference Organizers, and 3) Thai exhibitors participating in domestic trade exhibitions.

Dr. Jaruwan Suwannasat, Vice President of the TCEB, explained, “JerGan serves as a strategic solution that systematically addresses the evolving demands of MICE travellers. The platform enhances the overall MICE experience while enabling spending to flow more effectively across the wider industry value chain and related sectors. It also supports the sustainable growth of Thailand’s MICE economy and ecosystem. In addition, the platform provides venues and operators with valuable insights into traveller behaviour – including how delegates spend their time outside events and their pre- and post-event spending patterns. JerGan will therefore become a powerful data platform that can help shape more personalized and effective MICE experiences in the future.”

Vietnam opens new Vietnam Exposition Center

Hanoi, 29th May: Vietnam will have a new venue, Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC), targeting as a strategic bridge connecting Vietnam to the world.

Located in Cổ Lao, Hanoi, VEC has a capacity of 900,000 m2, including Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, a 13-tectare centerpiece designed with flexible operational capacities capable of accommodating exhibitions and events. It will serve as a standalone venue to connect commerce, tourism, entertainment, and culture.

The infrastructure also includes a 135,000-seat Hùng Vương Stadium and a 60,000-seat PVF Stadium, with a retractable roof system. In addition, Vingroup will support the VEC with an integrated supporting ecosystem, with Vinpearl’s hospitality inventory of over 16,000 hotel rooms, a dedicated international event organising arm (V-Spirit), and Green SM’s fleet of 186,000 electric vehicles to manage large-scale delegation logistics.

HKECIA releases latest industry figures

Hong Kong, 1st June: At the latest Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Industry Association (HKECIA), Hong Kong’s exhibition industry figures has been released.

Last year, a total of 152 large-scale exhibitions (over 2,000 m2) were held in Hong Kong, exceeding pre-pandemic levels for the first time, with total rented space exceeded 924,000 m2. Visitor numbers increase 10.9%, reaching 1.62 million. However, exhibitor number dropped 8%, down to about 47,000.

Quick takes

Tourism Australia appoints new EGM Global Markets

Tourism Australia has appointed Ms Kathryn (Kath) O’Brien as its Executive General Manager (EGM) Global Markets, effective 10th August 2026. She has more than 20 years of industry experience in tourism and aviation. In the new role, Ms O’Brien will be responsible for managing Tourism Australia’s network of international offices across 16 global markets along with airline and distribution channel partnerships.

HKECIA elects first woman chair

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Industry Association (HKECIA) elected new chair to succeed Stuart Bailey, who will step down after a decade. The new chair, Wendy Lai, will become the first woman to lead HKECIA, while Bailey will be the Honorary Life President. Lai, Vice President of Global Sources Exhibitions, will bring her over 20 years of experience in the exhibition industry. She has events career of portfolio management, business development and strategic planning across multiple markets.

bauma SHANGHAI 2026 to held in two venues

Messe München Shanghai’s bauma Shanghai 2026 will expand to be held across two venues in Shanghai for the next edition. Under the “One Show, Two Venues” concept, the events will take place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC), running from 23rd to 26th November 2026, and the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), from 24th to 27th November 2026. The expanded trade fair will create a broader and more comprehensive industrial ecosystem platform.

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)

HKTB signs MoU with Informa Markets

Hong Kong, 27th May: The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Informa Markets, a leading global trade exhibition organiser, to establish a strategic partnership to jointly bring international exhibition IPs to Hong Kong.

Under the MoU, the HKTB and Informa Markets will target to position Hong Kong as the host city of The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC) from 2026 to 2028, developing the event into an annual flagship MICE event and progressively expanding its scale and international reach. The event will also adopt the “city-as-your-showroom” concept, extending beyond a single venue to span multiple landmarks and signature locations across Hong Kong. It will cover sectors including supercars, yachts, haute jewellery and horology, premium travel, masterpieces of art, iconic luxury properties, private aviation, fine dining and rare spirits, as well as wellness services and products.

In addition, the HKTB plans to participate in five of Informa Markets’ international exhibitions in collaboration with TFOC, to further promote Hong Kong’s strengths in MICE tourism to global audiences.

Dr. Peter Lam, HKTB Chairman, said, “This partnership is of great significance. It not only elevates Hong Kong’s position as a premier global destination for high-end MICE tourism, but also affirms the city’s vital role as a ‘super-connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ between the Chinese Mainland and the world. At the same time, the collaboration drives the development of Hong Kong’s high-end tourism market and helps attract more international brands and high-value visitors to the city. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Tourism Commission, our trade partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support as we work hand in hand to advance Hong Kong’s journey as the World’s Meeting Place.”

Thailand launches new brand

Thailand, 21st May: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) launched a new MICE brand, “MaxiMICE Thailand – From Potential to Exponential”, to reinforce the country’s position as a premium destination for business events and for advancing global agendas.

The new brand will transform events into exponential opportunities, generating lasting value and meaningful impact for industry players.

The new brand consists of three strategic pillars: MaxiMICE Your Convenience, MaxiMICE Your Experience, and MaxiMICE Your Impact. MaxiMICE Thailand will reflect Thailand’s capabilities, leveraging the country’s strengths in infrastructure, creativity, and support network, to create more impactful business events.

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of the TCEB, was quoted, “Today’s business events are no longer measured solely by attendance numbers, but by the quality of connections, outcomes, and long-term impact they create. As the world faces increasingly multidimensional challenges, business events must serve as platforms for collaboration, collective solutions, and actionable progress. Our study identified the key factors shaping successful meeting destinations today. The results highlighted Thailand’s operational reliability, strong business impact, and ability to deliver beyond memorable experiences. This inspired the development of our new brand, built around three strategic pillars.”

Messe München appoints new CEO in Asia

Singapore, 26th May: The subsidiary of Messe München in Southeast Asia, MMI Asia, announced the appointment of Nino Gruettke as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st June 2026.

Gruettke has more than 21 years of experience in the international trade show and events industry, including senior leadership and management roles. He will succeed Michael Wilton, who joined Messe München in 2020 and has decided to step down from his position for personal reasons.

Stefan Rummel and Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer the two CEOs of Messe München, stated, “We very much look forward to working with Nino Gruettke. He has a deep understanding of the trade show and events market especially in Southeast Asia. Given his entrepreneurial track record in developing larger organizations and with his modern leadership style, we want to initiate the next phase of growth for our Southeast Asian business.”