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.