TCEB expands MICE City network

Thailand, 22nd September: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced six new destinations as MICE Cities, bringing the total number of MICE Cities in Thailand to 16 under the “2026 MICE City: 16 Destinations” initiative.

The six new destinations are: Krabi (an Andaman MICE destination), Chiang Rai (a Creative and Cultural MICE Destination), Nakhon Si Thammarat (a Cultural and Religious MICE hub), Rayong (an industrial MICE hub supporting the Eastern Economic Corridor), Ubon Ratchathani (a southern Isan MICE gateway to the Mekong subregion), and Hua Hin-Cha-am (a MICE destination combining the strengths of the two coastal resort areas and their event venues to support seamless large-scale events and major events).

The 10 existing MICE Cities are: Bangkok (Thailand’s primary MICE hub), Chiang Mai (the MICE hub of northern Thailand and host of MICE City Summit 2027), Khon Kaen (the primary MICE hub of northeastern Thailand), Phuket (a world-class tourism and incentive hub in southern Thailand), Pattaya (Chon Buri) (a key MICE city in the Eastern Economic Corridor), Nakhon Ratchasima (a MICE city driving economic connectivity across northeastern Thailand), Udon Thani (a MICE city connecting Thailand with the Indochina region), Songkhla (a model city for sustainable MICE), Surat Thani (a high-potential MICE destination in southern Thailand), and Phitsanulok (a MICE and tourism hub in the lower northern region).

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, said, “With six new MICE Cities, Thailand is expanding the choices available to event organisers while creating more opportunities for destinations across the country to participate in the MICE economy. Each city has its own Destination DNA, and our role is to help transform these distinctive strengths into meaningful MICE experiences and lasting economic impact.”

United Expo acquires International Café and Beverage Show

Malaysia, 21st September: United Expo, a Malaysia-based exhibition organiser, announced the acquisition of the International Café and Beverage Show (ICBS).

The acquisition strengthens United Expo’s footprint in Malaysia’s jewellery and healthcare exhibition sectors. After the acquisition, United Expo has appointed industry veteran, Alun Jones, to drive ICBS’s strategic development and expansion. Jones will bring his experience in the café and beverage sector, working closely with United Expo’s current team.

The next ICBS will be held in May 2027.

Connie Soh, director of United Expo, was quoted, “ICBS has a strong foundation and a loyal community behind it. We see real potential to grow it further and bring even more value to its stakeholders and the wider trade ecosystem.”

Messe Berlin announces strategic partnership in Singapore

Singapore/Germany, 25th September: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and international exhibition organiser, Messe Berlin, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reinforcing their shared commitment to the continued growth of Messe Berlin’s presence in Singapore and Asia Pacific.

Under the MOU, the two organisations will deepen collaboration in four strategic areas: Business Development; Digitalisation & Sustainability; Talent & Manpower Development; and Experience Development.

In Singapore, Messe Berlin organises ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia, Travel Tech Asia, and Smart Health Asia today. Messe Berlin’s portfolio will expand significantly in 2027 with the launches of InnoTrans Asia, CMS Asia and Smart Pharma Asia, making the total portfolio to seven events across travel and tourism, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, mobility, and environmental solutions.

Dr Mario Tobias, Chief Executive Officer, Messe Berlin, stated, “Singapore has been Messe Berlin’s home in Asia Pacific for almost two decades, providing the world-class environment and standards that international business events demand. What began with ITB Asia has developed into a major pillar of Messe Berlin’s international growth strategy. This strategic partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board reflects our long-term confidence in Singapore as a key regional hub and our shared ambition to create globally recognised business event brands that connect industries, drive innovation, and facilitate international trade across Asia Pacific.”

Quick takes

UFI releases winners of its awards

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the winners of its awards: CES®, organised by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, as the winner of the 2026 UFI Marketing Award; Better Stands, the winner of the 2026 UFI Sustainable Development Award; and Fira Barcelona, the winner of the 2026 UFI Operations & Services Award. The 2026 UFI Award winners will be recognised at the 93rd UFI Global Congress, taking place from 2nd to 5th November 2026 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

4.4m+ visitor arrivals to Macau in August 2026

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released its latest number of visitor arrivals in August 2026, increasing by 6.1% year-on-year, reaching 4,478,073. Same-day visitors rose by 11.7%, at 2,853,011; however, overnight visitors dropped by 2.4%, amounting at 1,625,062. The average length of stay of visitors shortened by 0.1 day, down to 1.0 day.

Messe Düsseldorf strengthens its portfolio in India

Messe Düsseldorf India, the Indian subsidiary of international exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with the Plastics Machinery Manufacturers Association of India (PMMAI) for the further development of PLASTFOCUS, a trade fair for the plastics industry in India. From 2027, PLASTFOCUS will be jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf India and PMMAI, becoming part of the K Alliance, the global plastics and rubber portfolio of Messe Düsseldorf. The upcoming edition of PLASTFOCUS will run from 23rd to 26th June 2027, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), and will be scheduled to be held biennially.

Messe Frankfurt signs MOU in China

International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt GmbH, announced to sing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the China Electricity Council (CEC) to develop events specialising in power and energy, with Messe Frankfurt offering extensive industry resources and deep expertise in the technology towards the global energy transition across its diverse global event portfolio. Under the cooperation, the two organisations will utilise their respective strengths to bring together key government representatives, professional institutions, industry organisations, upstream and downstream enterprises, technology providers, and global buyers.