100+ exhibitions booths at first IBEM

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Jakarta, 5th August: The inaugural Indonesia Business Event Mart (IBEM) concluded with the co-located Southeast Asia Business Events Forum (SEABEF), welcoming more than 1,00 delegates from Indonesia and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Running from 28th to 31st July 2026, at Jakarta International Convention Center, IBEM occupied more than 100 exhibition booths, featuring destinations, convention bureaux, hotels, convention and exhibition centres, destination management companies, cruise operators, event technology providers, and other business event suppliers. Conferences, business appointments, networking events, and cultural experiences were held during the events, reaffirming Indonesia’s position as a leading MICE destination in Southeast Asia.

Quick takes

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IEG’s profit up 34% in first half

Last week, Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A. (IEG) released its half-yearly financial report ended 30th June 2026. Revenues in the report period were €163 million (US$186 million), a year-on-year increase of 9%. Net profit in the six-month period grew by 34% year-on-year, reaching €23 million (US$26 million). The company attributed the increase in performance mainly to the growth in events in the portfolio. The company has revised its guidance for the 2026 financial year, expecting revenues to be between €293 million (US$335 million) and €298 million (US$340 million).

Informa TechTarget launches new tool

Informa TechTarget launched the B2B AI Authority Index, which is a diagnostic tool designed to help B2B marketers assess and enhance their brand’s ability to influence buyers in AI-mediated purchase journeys. The B2B AI Authority Index is based on six core capabilities, S.I.G.N.A.L.: Strategy, Insight, Governance, Authority, Narrative, and Longevity.

Messe Düsseldorf appoints new CEO & President in North America

International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, has appointed Geoffrey Sauer as CEO & President of Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA), Messe Düsseldorf’s U.S. subsidiary based in Chicago, Illinois. Effective 17th August 2026, Sauer will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of Messe Düsseldorf’s U.S. subsidiary, with priorities to further developing the existing trade fair portfolio while expanding new, sustainable event formats and business models. He has more than 20 years of leadership experience across the international trade fair, media, and technology sectors, including launching new event formats, expanding international exhibitor participation, and building strategic partnerships with industry associations, government organisations, and multinational companies.

Informa Markets’ revenues up 10% in first half of 2026

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London, 30th July: Last week, London-listed Informa PLC released its financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2026. Revenues in the first half were £2.06 billion (US$2.7 billion), representing an underlying increase of 5.1%. Adjusted operating profit in the six months was £548 million (US$727 million), representing growth of 2.4%.

In terms of division, Informa Markets, generated revenues of £992 million (US$1.3 billion) during the period, an increase of 10.4%. Total Live B2B Events business (Informa Markets, Informa Connect, and Informa Festival) generated revenues of £1.59 billion (US$2.1 billion), with adjusted operating profit of £450 million (US$596 million).

Informa’s remaining revenues were generated from Taylor & Francis and Informa TechTarget, amounting at £309 million (US$409 million) and £165 million (US$219 million) respectively.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa PLC, said, “Informa delivered another period of strong performance and underlying growth. Our market-leading Brands, investment in first party data and depth and breadth in both geographic and customer markets are underpinning consistently strong performances in B2B Live Events and Academic Markets. We continue to have forward momentum and are reaffirming full year guidance and increasing our share buyback commitment.”

Messe Berline launches CIMX with Sourcing China

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Beijing, 3rd August: Organised by Messe Berline China, the inaugural business events trade show, China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) will work with Sourcing China, to bring a delegation of qualified corporate decision-makers to the event as hosted buyers.

CIMX, running from 3rd to 5th November 2026, at China National Convention Centre Phase 2 in Beijing, is a new trade show focused on the meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and business travel sectors. Sourcing China, a leading professional procurement organisation in China, focuses on strategic sourcing, procurement innovation and supply chain development. Under the corporation, Sourcing China will recruit and host a curated group of corporate buyers to participate in pre-scheduled one-to-one appointments and networking activities with exhibitors.

Jennifer Gao, Vice Chair of Sourcing China, was quoted, “As more Chinese companies accelerate their global expansion, the procurement of international conferences, business events, and business travel is becoming increasingly complex. By bringing together high-quality destinations, venues, hotels, and MICE suppliers from around the world, CIMX provides corporate procurement managers with a centralised, efficient, and trustworthy ecosystem that significantly improves supplier selection efficiency while reducing procurement costs and communication complexity.”

HKTDC to open 5 August events

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Hong Kong, 5th August: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will organise five fairs in August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), showcasing global foods, tea culture, healthy living and smart home innovations under the theme of “Live Well. Stay Well”.

The 36th Food Expo, 10th Beauty & Wellness Expo and 12th Home Delights Expo will run from 13th to 17th August, while the 4th Food Expo PRO and 17th Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be held from 13th to 15th August. More than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries will be showcased at the five fairs, featuring international delicacies, premium teas and innovative tea beverages, health and beauty products, as well as smart home solutions.

The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM) will also run alongside with the five fairs, from 13th to 15th August. Jointly organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA), the HKTDC and 10 scientific research institutions, the conference will provide industry participants with the latest developments in Chinese medicine while fostering the advancement of the sector.

HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam, stated, “Under the theme of ‘Live Well.Stay Well’, the fairs reflect growing market interest in wellness, quality living and holistic wellbeing. As an international food trading hub, Hong Kong provides food companies with an ideal gateway to the Chinese Mainland and global markets. For the first time, the two trade fairs bring together exhibitors from all ASEAN member states, including debut participations from Brunei and Timor-Leste. We are also delighted to welcome exhibitors from Colombia and Greece for the first time.”

Quick takes

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Nineteen Group acquires Space-Comm Expo Europe

Nineteen Group has announced to acquire Space-Comm Expo Europe, from Lunar Ridge Ventures, an annual exhibition and conference for the global space community. Under the acquisition, Nineteen Group will provide scale, expertise, and international reach for Space-Comm Expo Europe to develop. The financial details for the acquisition were not disclosed.

Easyfairs announces 2 deals

Easyfairs announced two acquisitions this week:

1.     Easyfairs announced it has acquired The AI Conference, an event dedicated to applied artificial intelligence. This acquisition will strengthen Easyfairs’ presence in the United States.

2.     In the meantime, Easyfairs Belgium NV completed of the acquisition of Xpo Group BV, acquiring 100% of the company’s shares. Under this acquisition, the two organisers will bring together with international footprints.

However, no financial details have been released.

HKTDC’s Book Fair attracts 990,000 visits

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded three fairs in July, attracting 990,000 visits during the seven-day fairs. The three fairs were the 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, 9th Sports and Leisure Expo and 6th World of Snacks, featuring more than 770 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions.

MEET Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen open next month

The inaugural MEET Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen will present Thailand’s potential to target markets to attract stakeholders from target industries. The event will be held at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (SZCEC), running from 9th to 10th September 2026, expecting to attract over 1,500 Chinese buyers participating in 1,000 B2B2C meetings.

RELX’s exhibitions revenues up 6% in first half

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London, 23rd July: Last week, RELX Group plc, parent company of RX Global, reported its financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2026. Group revenues were £4.9 billion (US$6.5 billion) in the first half of the year, representing underlying growth of 7%. The adjusted operating profit increased by 9%, reaching £1.7 billion (US$2.3 billion).

RELX’s exhibitions business generated revenues of £575 million (US$761 million), representing underlying growth of 6%, while the adjusted operating profit was up by 2%, amounting at £226 million (US$299 million).

The company stated the growth in exhibitions business reflected the strong ongoing growth profile of its event portfolio. The figures also reflected event cycling and timing, including the rescheduling of some events to the second half. For the outlook of the year 2026, the company also expected strong underlying revenue growth with an improvement in adjusted operating margin over the previous year.

Chief Executive Officer, Erik Engstrom, commented, “RELX delivered strong underlying revenue and profit growth and strong new sales in the first half of 2026… Our improving long-term growth trajectory continues to be driven by the ongoing shift in business mix towards higher growth analytics and decision tools that deliver enhanced value to our customers. We continue to develop these products by leveraging deep customer understanding to combine our unique content and comprehensive data sets with advanced technologies.”

GCCEC appoints Director of Event Delivery

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Gold Coast, 29th July: The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) announced industry executive, Avril Harris, to join the venue as Director of Event Delivery.

As GCCEC’s Director of Event Delivery, Avril will lead and integrate its event, operations and technology functions, driving innovation and operational excellence to support consistently high service standards and future growth.

She will bring more than 20 years of events experience and a deep understanding of the Cold Coast’s visitor economy, industry partnerships and broader events landscape. She will build on the venue’s strong operational foundations, bringing its teams and functions closer together and ensuring the venue remains equipped to deliver exceptional events as client expectations and industry demand continue to evolve.

Nick Jeffrey, General Manager of GCCEC, said, “The scale and complexity of our operation require leadership that can connect people, systems and infrastructure around a shared standard of delivery. Avril will play a central role in strengthening how our operational teams work together, building accountability across the Centre and ensuring we are well positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”

GL events’ revenues up 9% in first half

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Lyon, 22nd July: GL events released its financial results for the six months ended 30th June 2026. It reported revenues of €966 million (US$1.1 billion), representing year-on-year growth of 9%.

In terms of business sectors, GL events Live generated revenues of €544 million (US$620 million), up 19% year-on-year. While GL events Venues’ revenues grew by 15% year-on-year, reaching €298 million (US$340 million). However, GL events Exhibitions posted revenues of €124 million (US$141 million), recorded year-on-year decrease of 28%.

The company attributed the decrease in the Exhibitions business to an unfavourable biennial event cycle, with the first half of 2025 including major exhibitions.

Olivier Ginon, Chairman-CEO of GL events Group, was quoted, “GL events delivered a strong first half, reflecting its solid fundamentals, the relevance of its strategy and the continued confidence of its clients, partners and employees around the world. These results confirm the relevance of our business model and the complementarity of our businesses. The strong momentum in our Live and Venues activities internationally, our ability to offset the impact of unfavourable biennial event cycles and the successful integration of Stade de France are the clearest illustrations. Against a complex global backdrop, and notwithstanding our footprint in the Middle East, we have maintained our momentum with discipline and vigilance. As a result, we are able to approach the second half of the year with confidence, fully focused on achieving our objectives and delivering sustainable, well-managed growth.”

Quick takes

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India plans a Delhi NCR MICE Promotion Bureau

The India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Ministry of Tourism have jointly to plan to set up a Delhi NCR MICE Promotion Bureau, targeting to position India as a leading global destination for business events. It will market the capital region as a unified MICE destination, promoting its world-class convention and exhibition infrastructure.

5,000+ visitors at IME 2026

The Intelligent Manufacturing Expo Southeast Asia 2026 (IME 2026) concluded at the IMPACT Exhibition Center in Bangkok, Thailand, running from 22nd to 24th July 2026. Organised by the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, DEXPO Shanghai Industry & Commerce Exhibition Co., Ltd., and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd., IME 2026 occupied an exhibition area of 5,000 m2, bringing nearly 150 exhibitors and a total of 5,262 professional visitors from 57 countries and regions. The event featured industry associations, research institutions, industrial parks, manufacturing enterprises and professional buyers from China, Thailand and Southeast Asia on advanced manufacturing technologies, industrial upgrading, trade cooperation and project implementation.

GL events acquires healthcare vertical

GL events announced the company has completed the acquisition of MCO Congrès, a Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) specialised in the organisation of scientific and medical events, conferences and congresses. MCO Congrès was founded in 1990, organised over 1,500 congresses, with annual revenue of €14 million (US$16 million). No financial details for the acquisition have been released.

Indonesia launches IBEM with SEABEF

Indonesia will host business events marketplace at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC): the Southeast Asia Business Events Forum (SEABEF), running from 28th to 29th July 2026; and the Indonesia Business Event Mart (IBEM), from 30th to 31st July 2026. SEABEF will bring leaders together to examine industry trends, policy alignment, sustainability, digital transformation, and talent development across Southeast Asia. While the inaugural IBEM will feature over 200 exhibitors representing 100 companies and organisations, including convention bureaus, destination management companies, hotel chains, convention centres, airlines, cruise operators, and event tech providers.

UFI appoints new Events Operations Support

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Paris, 16th July: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the appointment of Nicole Lyashko as Events Operations Support.

Nicloe will be part of UFI’s Events team, supporting the planning and delivering of UFI’s international portfolio of events. She will contribute to the smooth organisation events by supporting coordination, administration and operational activities. She will also help ensure that each event provides participants with a valuable experience through strong organisation.

Nicole has an international background spanning the cultural, institutional and private sectors, with experience in events, communications and public relations.

Adeline Vancauwelaert, UFI COO, was quoted, “We are delighted to welcome Nicole to the UFI Events team, where she will report to Karen Cohen. Creating meaningful opportunities to connect and collaborate around the world is at the heart of all of our events, and Nicole’s energy and expertise will help us continue to deliver on that mission.”

Thailand to host IEEE ICRA 2030

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Thailand, 21st July: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB announced that Thailand has won the bid to host the 2030 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (IEEE ICRA 2030), the world’s leading conference on robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation.

This will be the first for IEEE ICRA to be held in Thailand, running from 13th to 17th June 2023, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok. The bid was jointly led by TCEB, the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) Thailand Chapter, and IEEE Thailand Section, and the conference will be hosted by Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, IEEE RAS Thailand Chapter, IEEE Thailand Section and Thailand Medical Robotics and AI Association.

It is expected to welcome some 10,000 delegates to the conference, with 8,000 international participants. It is also aimed to become strategic platform for accelerating Thailand’s adoption of robotics and automation technologies, attracting investment in AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

Miss Jittanun Techasarin, Director of Conventions Department of TCEB, said, “As global economic competition increasingly revolves around innovation and new value creation, Thailand must leverage international business events as catalysts for investment, technology transfer, and industrial development. Aligned with the government’s national agenda to promote future industries, TCEB is committed to attracting events that serve as Strategic Economic Platforms – events capable of generating collaboration, trade, investment, and innovation in high-growth sectors. IEEE ICRA 2030 exemplifies this vision by bringing together the world’s leading researchers, innovators, technology developers, investors, and industry leaders in robotics and automation.”

Messe Muenchen India expands Mumbai Office

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Mumbai, 22nd July: Indian subsidiary of international exhibition organiser, Messe München, Messe Muenchen India, expanded its corporate office in Mumbai, reflecting its growth and rising influence in the trade fair industry.

Messe Muenchen India originally targeted a five-year workspace solution; however, the company completed the target in just two years. The India business has more than double since 2023, with revenue growing by over 100% in three years. While exhibition space is projected to expand by more than 70% between 2023 and 2026. Today, the company has a portfolio of 28 trade fairs in India covering electronics, construction and infrastructure, environmental technologies, transport and logistics, laboratory technology, agriculture, laser and photonics, and energy.

According to Messe Muenchen India, the expansion will provide strengthened infrastructure and workplace capabilities to support the teams in delivering greater value to exhibitors, visitors, partners and stakeholders.

BESarawak names new CEO

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Sarawak, 9th July: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) has appointed Jason Tan Chin Foo as its Chief Executive Officer, with immediate effect.

Joined in 2012, Jason has served BESarawak for over 10 years in various leadership capacities, and he will lead the organisation into the next phase of growth with a vision to strengthen Sarawak’s position as a globally competitive business events destination through purposeful collaboration, innovation and legacy-driven development.

Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and Chairman of BESarawak, Datu Hii Chang Kee, commented, “Jason has consistently demonstrated strategic leadership and a strong commitment to advancing Sarawak’s business events industry. The Board has every confidence that he will build on BESarawak’s strong foundations and achievements, further strengthen the organisation and the wider business events ecosystem, and lead the industry towards an even more impactful and globally competitive future for Sarawak.”

Quick takes

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Hong Kong to host LEAP East in 2027-2029

LEAP East, a leading technology exhibition in the Middle East, launched its Asian edition in Hong Kong, running from 8th to 10th July 2026, with more than 25,000 participants. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced to partner with the organiser to secure Hong Kong as the exclusive Asian host city of the event from 2027 to 2029.

Macau welcomes 20m+ visitor arrivals in first half

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released its number of visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, increased by 9% year-on-year, reaching 20,944,446. Same-day visitors rose by 15%, amounting at 12,889,844, while overnight visitors (8,054,602) increased by 0.2% year-on-year. However, the average length of stay of visitors shortened by 0.1 day from the same period last year, down to 1.0 day.

Hyve acquires market-leading brands in Europe

Hyve Group announced the acquisition of RASIE Summit, MACHINA Summit and Signal Week (formerly Paris Blockchain Week). Hyve will establish a new AI SuperVertical, to strengthen the fintech portfolio through specialist crypto and blockchain expertise alongside Fintech Meetup.

26m+ visitors to Hong Kong in first half

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced its visitor arrivals figures for June to be 3.72 million, a year-on-year increase of 7%. In the first half of 2026, Hong Kong welcomed 26.71 million visitors, a 13% growth from the first half of 2025. Arrivals from the Chinese Mainland increased by 16%, amounting at 20.56 million, while long-haul markets posted a year-on-year growth of 20% in the first half.

Informa appoints new Chair-Elect

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London, 9th July: International B2B Events, B2B Digital Services and Academic Markets Group, Informa Group PLC, announced the appointment of Tom Glocer as its Chair-Elect.

Previously served as Chief Executive of financial data and information group for more than 10 years, Mr Glocer will bring Board experience. According to Informa, Mr Glocer will be a Non-Executive Director of Informa from 1st October 2026 and will take over a Non-Executive Chair in 2027, to conclude a succession process that started at the beginning of 2026 and will see a managed transition through the second half of the year.

Stephen A. Carter CBE, Group Chief Executive, Informa PLC, said, “It has been a privilege and pleasure working with John Rishton over the last nine years, during which time Informa has grown and expanded both internationally and by industry category. Tom Glocer’s experience, knowledge and background in technology, data and international markets, will be invaluable to us as we continue to pursue growth and expansion.”