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.”

BCEC to host LNG2029

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Brisbane, 15th July: The world’s largest LNG event, International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2029), will be held at Brisbane.

The event will take place at the Brisbane Convention Exhibition Centre (BCEC), to shape the future of energy through high-level dialogue, innovation show cases and critical commercial negotiations. Launched in 2026, LNG is targeted to attract more than 4,200 international energy leaders, innovators and policymakers from over 80 countries to Brisbane.

According to BCEC, the bid was led by the Australian Gas Industry Trust (AGIT) in partnership with Australian Energy Producers (AEP) and was coordinated by BCEC in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) and Tourism Australia (TA).

BCEC General Manager Kym Guesdon was quoted, “We are delighted to continue our valued partnership with the Australian Energy Producers & the Australian Gas Industry Trust and support them in bringing their flagship international event to Brisbane. Hosting LNG2029 at BCEC reflects our shared commitment to advancing a sector that is critical to Australia’s energy transition. This event will showcase Brisbane’s global capabilities and foster collaboration that drives innovation and sustainable solutions for the future of energy.”

Messe Stuttgart posts €134m of turnover in FY2025

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Germany, 9th July: International exhibition organiser, Messe Stuttgart, released its result for 2025 financial year, reporting a turnover of €134.6 million (US$158 million), and an operating loss (EBITDA) of €2.9 million (US$3.4 million), which the company performed considerably better than predicted.

The company organised 39 of its own events and hosted 20 guest events, attracting a total of 16,030 exhibitors and 1,064,518 visitors.

Roland Bleinroth, President of Messe Stuttgart, concluded, “The figures from 2025 have shown that, even under challenging conditions, we can be relied upon to deliver.”

For the 2026 financial year, the company predicts considerably higher event and turnover figures due to a strong event schedule. The company will develop new products, with three new formats adding to the portfolio in the course of the year.

Quick takes

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Messe München closes 2 shows

Messe München Shanghai concluded electronica Shanghai and ISPO Shanghai recently. electronica Shanghai, a platform for technological iteration and industrial transformation, featured 2,065 exhibitors and 79,026 professional visitors, occupying an exhibition area of 120,000 m2. While ISPO Shanghai gathered nearly 500 sports and outdoor brands from over 20 countries and regions, covering 30,000 m2 of exhibition space, and attracted over 26,000 professional visitors and sports enthusiasts from 99 countries and regions.

HKTDC opens concurrent summer events

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened its 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, 9th Sports and Leisure Expo and 6th World of Snacks at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running from 15th to 21st July 2026. The public and tourist will be able to attend the events combining the joy of reading, sports and leisure, and tasty snacks from around the world with one ticket. More than 770 exhibitors will present at the concurrent events. The Book Fair will feature eight themed seminar series, Sports and Leisure Expo will offer a diverse range of sports experiences, and World of Snacks will be presented under six themed zones.

Messe Frankfurt acquires LiGHT Expo London

International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt announced the company has acquires LiGHT Expo London from [d]arc media, to strengthen its presence within the international lighting and building technology sector. Launched in 2022, LiGHT is one of the UK’s leading events for the lighting specification community, bringing together architects, interior designers, lighting designers, engineers, specifiers and leading international lighting brands. After the acquisition, LiGHT will add to Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building portfolio, which has events in Frankfurt, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Las Vegas, Mumbai, New Delhi, Shanghai, and Tashkent. No financial details of the acquisition have been released.

Informa TechTarget parters to launch Perner Demand Assurance

Informa TechTarget will launch Partner Demand Assurance (PDA), a partner engagement and enablement solution delivered in collaboration with UK-based partner marketing agency The Sherpa Group. The partnership will help B2B technology companies both maximize and prove ROI from their partner program investments. PDA will combine permissioned data from Informa TechTarget’s proprietary audience ecosystem and proven demand generation capabilities with The Sherpa Group’s partner enablement expertise and EdisonAI platform.

UFI: limited impact of the current situation in the Middle East

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Paris, 8th July: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has recently released its latest edition of the flagship Global Exhibition Barometer report, showing limited impact of the current situation in the Middle East.

Due to the current situation in the Middle East, only 14% of companies worldwide, and 10% outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated a strong negative effect on business. 27% of the surveyed companies stated to expect revenue growth above 5% annually, while 38% anticipate stable revenues.

AI is becoming increasingly widespread, Global AI adoption in the exhibition industry is also steadily increasing, with 91% of companies now reporting the use of AI, a 4% increase from the previous report.

Chris Skeith OBE, Managing Director and CEO at UFI, commented, “Our barometer indicates that there is no real evidence of a significant knock-on effect from the current Middle East disruption outside the GCC, and positive trends remain around the world, despite concerns about the state of national economies in some locations. Within the GCC, there is an understandable impact from the conflict, but the situation has positively evolved since our survey, and we are confident that the industry will bounce back quickly.”

This 37th edition of the bi-annual industry report was concluded in June 2026, which was based on data from 466 companies in 59 countries and regions. It also includes outlooks and analyses for 20 focus countries and regions: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and the USA, as well as five additional aggregated regional zones.

Deutsche Messe organises 81 events in 2025

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Hannover, Germany, 2nd July: International exhibition organiser, Deutsche Messe AG, concluded its 2025 financial year, with revenue of €305 million (US$358 million) and a net profit of €18 million (US$21 million).

In 2025, the company organised a total of 81 trade fairs and exhibitions in Germany and abroad, featuring some 26,000 exhibiting companies and attracting about 3.4 million visitors from more than 150 countries. Of the 81 events, 48 were held abroad, including several new additions.

Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG, said, “The 2025 financial year demonstrates that our international portfolio, strong event brands, and clear strategic direction have positioned us well for the future. Especially in economically challenging times, our trade fairs continue to prove their value for companies around the world. At the same time, we are making important strategic decisions to secure the long-term future of our business by expanding our international operations, launching new event formats, and further developing our exhibition grounds in Hanover.”

In the coming, the company will launch 10 new international events to develop its international portfolio and strengthen global demand for its industry-leading exhibitions.

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.