Comexposium’s new strategic leadership appointments

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Worldwide, 8th July: International exhibition organiser, Comexposium, announced new leadership roles in Vietnam, the Middle East and Europe, to support the growth for the company’s international portfolio of event brands.

In Vietnam, Comexposium has appointed Khiem Vu as Managing Director, Vietnam, as part of its APAC’s strategic expansion into the Vietnamese market. He has more than 10 years of experience in the exhibition industry focusing on exhibitions, international trade, business development, and market expansion. He will report directly to Elaine Chia, CEO, Comexposium APAC.

The company announced the appointment of Jawad El Hajri as Managing Director, KSA & Middle East. In the new role, Jawad will lead the company’s activities and business development initiatives across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, supporting the development of the company’s brands and identifying new growth opportunities.

In Europe, the company announced the appointment of Nicolai Mouritzen as Managing Director of Insight Events Demark, effective August 2026. He will lead the company’s development strategy and support the growth ambitions across the region.

Jawad and Nicolai will both report directly to Driss Tazi, Managing Director, EMEA, US & Group Transformation.

Pablo Nakhlé Cerruti, CEO, Comexposium, was quoted, “The strength of Comexposium’s model lies in the combination of globally recognised brands and strong local leadership. Across our established and high-potential markets, we are building a network of experienced Managing Directors with the vision, expertise and knowledge required to drive long-term development, strengthen industry relationships and identify new growth opportunities. By combining empowered local leadership with the international reach of our brand portfolio, we are creating the conditions to accelerate our growth while remaining closely connected to the realities and needs of each market we serve.”

Quick takes

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2,800+ exhibitors at CBME China 2026

Informa Markets’ CBME China 2026 will open from 15th to 17th July, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai, targeting as the world largest maternity, baby & children expo. More than 2,800 exhibitors will showcase over 4,200 brands, occupying an exhibition area of 270,000 m2.

Hyve acquires LegalTechTalk

Hyve announced the acquisition of LegalTechTalk, Europe’s leading event for legal technology and transformation, with US expansion on the horizon. Under the acquisition, LegalTechTalk, founded in 2024, will bring together senior decision-makers from across the legal ecosystem to shape the future of the industry. The upcoming editions will run from 16th to 17th June 2027 in London and from 13th to 15th December 2027 in Miami. No financial details were released for the transaction.

RX announces leadership transition in France

International exhibition company, RX Global, announced Michel Filzi, President of RX France, will retire next year, after 27 years with the company. At the same time, the company has also appointed Filippo Rean, currently Managing Director of the RX France Hub, as President of RX France, effective 14th September. After taking the role of President of RX France, Rean will report to Hugh Jones, RX CEO. Rean, joined RX in 2010, led MIPIM and held senior leadership positions across several of the company’s brands.

TCEB & EECO jointly support MICE industry

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Thailand, 25th June: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the promotion and support of Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development through the MICE industry.

Five high-potential industry clusters were highlighted: comprehensive medical services, digital, modern automotive, BCG, and services, as well as integrating advanced technologies into the manufacturing and service sectors to strengthen Thailand’s long-term competitiveness.

In addition, TCEB will focus on three key initiatives: the Empower Eastern Exhibition (EEE) project to promote exhibitions and business activities in targeted industries; the EEC MICE Product Premium project to elevate products, services, and community products in the EEC; and the EEC MICE Cluster Destination project to promote marketing and build domestic and international partnership networks, while enhancing standards for products, services, communities, venues, and events in the EEC in accordance with international standards.

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, said, “The MICE industry plays a vital role in creating platforms that attract investment, connect networks, foster innovation, and drive collaboration, linking the world to the EEC. TCEB will leverage the MICE industry as a strategic marketing and investment tool to support the EEC’s target industries, providing investors and MICE travellers from around the world with opportunities to experience the region’s full potential through networking platforms, conferences, exhibitions, business matching activities, industrial site visits, and business networking events.”

MyCEB: 429 business events held in Malysia in 2025

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Malaysia, 30th June: Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) released its latest Annual Report 2025, reporting a total of 429 business events were held in Malaysia.

Over 876,000 delegates generated an estimated economic impact of RM 3.98 billion (US$983 million). The 429 events included 164 convention, 66 trade exhibitions, 163 corporate meetings & incentives, and 36 international sports events.

Through the MyTripleE Campaign 2025, MyCEB supported 119 business events, drawing some 349,427 delegates. MyCEB also secured 41 event bids for the years 2025-2030, estimated to attract over 33,000 delegates, and generate an estimated international economic impact of RM 478 million (US$118 million).

Ms. Tan Mei Phing, Chief Executive Officer, MyCEB, was quoted, “In 2025, MyCEB secured 393 Business Events, generating an estimated international economic impact of RM3.98 billion, reflecting both the scale and quality of events attracted.”

Pico generates US$427m first half of FY2026

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Hong Kong, 26th June: Last week, Hong Kong-listed Pico Far East Holdings announced its interim results for the six months ended 30th April 2026. Revenues were US$427 million, a year-on-year decrease of 3.5%. Profits in the six-month period was nearly flat with the same period last year, amounting at US$26 million. Diluted earnings per share in the first half of the financial year were HK$0.164 (US$0.021).

In terms of business segments, more than 86% of Pico’s revenues were generated from its brand experience activation business (US$368 million), which dropped 8.7% year-on-year. The decline was attributable to business disruption in the EMEA region. The company had minimised the impact through the strategic redevelopment of resources to projects in other markets while maintaining its commitment to the region from a longer-term perspective.

The remaining revenues were generated from its museum & themed entertainment business (US$53 million), and the meeting architecture activation business (US$6.5 million).

Revenues from the museum & themed entertainment business jumped 56% over the previous year, while the meeting architecture activation business increased by 8.6%. The museum & themed entertainment business’s growth was supported by projects delivered across Asia-Pacific and Greater China. The increase of the meeting architecture activation business was driven by increasing demand for integrated marketplace activations.

Two international shows conclude at IMPACT in Thailand

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Bangkok, 26th June: THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2016 and ProPak Asia 2026 recently concluded at Thailand’s IMPACT, attracting 175,000 visitors and generating a combined trade value over Baht 142 billion (US$4.25 billion).

Jointly organised by Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) and Germany’s Koelnmesse, THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2026, running from 26th to 30th May, covered an exhibition space of about 140,000 m2 in all 12 exhibition halls at the venue. Some 3,590 exhibitors were featured at the show, welcoming over 94,000 trade visitors from 148 countries.

ProPak Asia 2026, running from 10th to 13th June, was organised by Informa Markets, relocated to the venue for the first time, with over 2,500 brands and 80,000 visitors, occupying over 60,000 m2 of exhibition space.

Paul Kanjanapas, IMPACT CEO, stated, “That kind of outcome does not happen by accident. It reflects years of investment in infrastructure, in operational capability, and in the relationships we have built with the world’s leading exhibition organisers.”

The two events are confirmed to return to IMPACT in 2027: THAIFEX-Anuga Asia will take place from 25th to 29th May 2027, while ProPak Asia 2027 will run from 9th to 12th June 2027.

Quick takes

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Easyfairs Nordic acquires 100% in Nordic Live Expo

Easyfairs Nordic announced the company has taken full ownership of Nordic Live Expo to further strengthening its commitment to the business and its portfolio of events. Easyfairs Nordic has already been a shareholder and long-term strategic partner in the company, the acquisition will increase its commitment to Nordic Live Expo and its future development.

Messe München posts best-ever result in FY2025

Messe München, a world’s leading exhibition organiser, posted best-ever results for the financial year 2025, generating consolidated sales of €594 million (US$698 million). The annual net income was €99 million (US$116 million). The company’s trade centre hosted a total 18 own events in 2025, and 74 guest events, featuring about 34,600 exhibitors and attracting over 2.5 million visitors. The company organised a total of 42 events outside Germany, with a total of 17,000 exhibitors and more than 1.8 million visitors.

Koelnmesse’s growth driven by strong brands and global portfolio

International exhibition organiser, Koelnmesse, released its financial results for 2025, with a turnover of €455.5 million (US$535 million), and a consolidated result of €62 million (US$73 million). In 2025, the company organised a total of 79 events worldwide, welcoming about 2.5 million visitors from 214 countries, over 43,800 exhibiting companies from 120 nations.

Informa posts strong growth in B2B Live Events

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London, 18th June: Informa Group PLC, a leading international B2B Live Events, B2B Digital Services and Academic Markets Group, released its latest trade update, with five-month underlying revenue growth of 6.4%. The company estimated its full year group revenues to be US$4 billion traded, booked or visible through subscriptions, recurring revenues and forward booked contracts.

For the first five months of 2026, Informa’s B2B Live Events (Informa Markets / Connect / Festivals) posted underlying revenue growth of 7.6%. Strong growths were recorded in the America, Greater China, ASEAN, Europe and IMEA. The full year underlying revenue growth will be over 7% with more than US$1.5 billion traded.

The company continues its “2025-2028 One Informa”, a four-year programme to maximise the B2B growth platform building momentum, focused on Data-led Marketing, Customer Experience, the group-wide deployment of AI technology and driving efficiency, productivity and product innovation.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa, said, “The depth and breadth of Informa’s portfolio, both geographically and by market category, continues to deliver growth, international expansion and product and brand innovation. We have momentum in both our businesses, B2B Live Events and Academic Services, and are reconfirming full year earnings guidance.”

WTCMM announces expansion project

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Philippines, 17th June: The World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) in Philippines announced its expansion project of three billion Philippine pesos (US$49.7 million).

The expansion is scheduled to complete in 2028, the venue will double its indoor footprint to 20,000 m2, with preserving 7,000 m2 of outdoor space for flexible activations. The new facility will feature advanced multi-hall configurations and seamless indoor-outdoor integration to accommodation highly complex event structures.

Pamela D. Pascual, chairman and CEO of WTCMM, was quoted, “This expansion is an investment in the future of the Philippine exhibitions and events industry. It reflects our confidence in the market, our commitment to helping our partners scale, and our determination to ensure that the Philippines remains competitive in attracting major regional and international events.”

Informa Markets & MCH Group join force

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Basel, Switzerland, 18th June: Informa Markets and MCH Group, two of the world’s powerhouses in global trade events, announced to collaborate for the first time.

Under the collaboration, the two organisations will launch Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair in April 2027 in Hall 2 of Messe Basel. It is estimated to feature more than 400 exhibitors, and gather manufacturers, designers, brands, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and sourcing specialists.

Margaret Ma Connolly, President and CEO of Informa Markets in Asia, stated, “Partnering with MCH Group was a natural choice. Both of our organisations are leaders in creating platforms where business thrives and meaningful connections are made. Together, we are building a global event that responds to the industry’s evolving needs while celebrating the diversity that makes it so dynamic.”

Quick takes

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SACEOS elects new EXCO

The Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) has elected its Executive Committee (EXCO) for the 2026-2027 term. The new committee’s President will be Richard Ireland, and will consist of event organisers, venues, suppliers, and educators to represent the local business event ecosystem.

BaliCEB’s new leadership

The new executive board of the Bali Convention and Exhibition Bureau (BaliCEB) for the 2026-2031 term, with Ketut Jaman as its General Chairman. BaliCEB provides complimentary support, including destination insights, site inspection, bidding support, and local coordination, to international associations, corporations, and meeting planners.

Macau welcomes 3m+ visitor arrivals in May 2026

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released the latest number of visitor arrivals in May 2026, amounting at 3,487,994, representing a 3.4% increase year-on-year. Same-day visitors grew by 7.9%, while overnight visitors dropped by 3.0%. The average length of stay of visitors was 1.0 day, down by 0.1 day.

UFI celebrates 11th GED

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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

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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

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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

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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.

UFI elects new Regional Chapters leadership

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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.”