Informa appoints inD CEO

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Dubai, 16th April: The international B2B events, digital services and academic markets group, Informa, announced the appointment of David Lynn as its inaugural Chief Executive of inD, the Dubai-based partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Mr Lynn has extensive international executive experience to bring to inD. Effective from 4th May 2026, Mr Lynn will take new role and focus on effectively combining the DWTC and Informa B2B event brands and business within inD to create a single operating business with a clear growth plan for 2027 to 2029.

inD is targeted to further strengthen its position within the UAM as the leading B2B events group and continue to expand into the wider IMEA region through new launches, brand extension and brand syndication.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa, said, “We are delighted to confirm David’s appointment as inD’s inaugural CEO. The appointment of an experienced international media and content executive underlines inD’s ambition and the significant growth opportunity for high quality B2B brands in the IMEA region and beyond.”

Messe Frankfurt launches smarteX Malaysia

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Kuala Lumpur, 16th April: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt, announced a partnership with C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd (C.I.S Malaysia), to launch smarteX Malaysia, a new specialised exhibition co-locating with ARCHIDEX 2026 (25th International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition), a leading architecture business event in Asia.

The new show will run from 29th July to 1st August 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. Under the theme of “Smart Technology for Life. Work. Space.”, smarteX Malaysia will showcase IoT, automation, sustainability and smart infrastructure solutions, fusing digital innovation tailored for smart building and facility management.

Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of Management, Messe Frankfurt Group, was quoted, “Joining Messe Frankfurt’s portfolio of some 20 Building Technologies events worldwide, the debut of smarteX Malaysia will bring the company’s global expertise to the ASEAN region. With the countries in the region investing heavily in intelligent, future-ready infrastructure, there is a clear and growing demand for practical, adaptable smart space solutions. By pairing our global resources and network of technology providers with C.I.S Malaysia’s local expertise and ARCHIDEX’s community, we are putting international solutions directly in front of the players delivering these projects on the ground, while giving domestic stakeholders a gateway for global expansion.”

RX expands WTM portfolio to India

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India, 18th April: RX Global, a global event organiser, will expand its World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio into South Asia, by launching a new B2B travel marketplace in India, WTM Spotlight India, which is designed to connect international travel suppliers with India’s travel and tourism market.

The new show, WTM Spotlight India 2027, is scheduled to be held from 2nd to 4th March 2027, running at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre). The show will bring international destinations, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality brands, travel technology providers and curated India buyers. The show will also include a conference-led approach, featuring leadership discussions, market intelligence sessions and strategic forums.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director of Travel at RX, commented, “WTM Spotlight India represents a strategic evolution of the World Travel Market portfolio. India is no longer just a high-growth market – it is becoming a defining force in global travel. This platform is designed to bring structure, clarity and commercial focus to that growth, enabling the industry to connect with the right partners and unlock long-term opportunity.”

Quick takes

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Hong Kong welcomes over 14m visitors in Q1

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Hong Kong welcomed 14.31 million visitors in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 17% year-on-year. During the quarter, Chinese Mainland visitors grew 20%, mainly due to promotional campaigns targeting the Chinese Mainland’s extended Lunar New Year holiday. Meanwhile, long-haul visitor arrivals were up by 19% over the same quarter in 2025. The HKTB also reported 4.35 million visitors were recorded in March 2026, an increase of 14% year-on-year.

Sydney to host 2030 Asia Pacific ophthalmology congress

Business Events Sydney partnered with RANZCO won the 2030 Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress, a large-scale medical meeting in the region. The congress will take place at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) and hosted by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Focusing on clinical advancements aimed at preventing blindness and restoring sight, the congress will feature 5,500 medical professionals, researchers and clinicians, generating A$21 million (US$15 million) in direct expenditure for the visitor economy, supporting jobs across tourism, hospitality and events sectors.

HKTDC electronics fairs attract 88,000+ buyers

Last week, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its InnoEX and Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) (EFSE), welcoming over 88,000 buyers from 155 countries and regions. InnoEX showcased innovation and cutting-edge technology solutions, while EFSE presented three major areas: Smart Home & Solutions, Health Tech & Gadgets, and Pet Intelligence.

Global Sources opens Hong Kong Shows Phase II

Global Sources opened its Phase II of the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows from 18th to 21st April 2026, at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). With four major professional trade shows: Mobile Electronics Show, Smart Home, Security & Home Appliances Show, Lifestyle Show, and Home & Kitchen Show, the shows featured over 2,000 quality suppliers occupying some 4,000 booths, presenting about 150,000 new products of mobile devices, smart wearables, AR/VR, smart home solutions, personal healthcare, pet products, etc.