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.