TCEB launches MEET Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen

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Thailand, 13th August: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced the launch of MEET Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen, taking plan on 9th to 10th September 2026, at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre (SZCEC) in Shenzhen. The event will cover an exhibition and meeting space of 7,500 m2, expecting to attract 1,500 participants, with the theme of “Thailand: Meet for More”, aiming to introduce a new dimension of overseas business events marketing focused on the Chinese market.

The event will bring some 100 leading Thai organisations from the public sector, private sector and academia in the largest collaboration of its kind ever organised by TCEB, showcasing business opportunities across various industries to Chinese business participants. During the event, business matching appointments between Thai and Chinese companies will be held, as well as sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to strengthen Thailand-China business cooperation.

Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of the TCEB, said, “This is the first time TCEB has received such unprecedented support from leading economic agencies, private sector businesses and academic institutions, with around 100 organisations participating. Importantly, participation extends far beyond the traditional MICE sector to include trade, investment, tourism, technology, digital industries, education, food, healthcare and the creative economy. As a result, MEET Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen will be the largest and most comprehensive overseas market engagement platform ever organised by TCEB for Thai businesses across multiple sectors.”

918 MICE events held in Macau in first half

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Macau, 14th August: Last week, Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released its MICE statistics for the first half of 2026. Macau held a total of 918 MICE events in the six-month period, dropped six events compared with the first half of 2025. However, the total number of participants and attendees in the same period increased by 16% year-on-year, reaching 494,300.

Of the 918 events, 854 were meetings and conferences, down by 14 from the first half of 2025. The total number of participants at meetings and conferences grew by 29.9%, amounting at 102,700 participants. A total of 29 exhibitions were held in the first half of 2026, which was two more than the same period last year. The number of attendees was up by 12.5%, reaching 385,400.

DSEC also reported its MICE statistics for the second quarter of 2026. A total of 499 MICE events were held in Macau during the quarter, which remained the same as the second quarter of 2025. While the total number of participants and attendees jumped 37.6% year-on-year, amounting at 313,900.

Baidu’s revenues down 4% in Q2

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Beijing, 18th August: Earlier this week, Baidu, the leading Chinese language Internet search provider, announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2026. Revenues for the quarter were US$4.6 billion, down 4% from the second quarter of 2025. The company posted a profit decline of 68% year-on-year, down to US$342 million in the quarter.

Baidu General Business generated revenues of US$3.7 billion in the quarter, decreased by 4% year-on-year. While revenues from iQIYI were US$927 million, representing a decline of 5% from the second quarter of 2025.

Baidu also released its financial results for the six months ended 30th June. Revenues in the first half of the year were US$9.3 billion, dropped by 2.7% year-on-year. Profit in the six-month period decreased by 62%, amounting at US$850 million. Diluted earnings per share in the first half of 2026 were RMB 1.81 (US$0.27).

Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu, was quoted, “With AI-powered Business now firmly established as the core of Baidu, we are strengthening the foundations for our next phase of AI-driven growth. AI Cloud Infra sustained strong momentum this quarter, with GPU Cloud growth accelerating further off an already high base. Our AI Applications portfolio also continued to flourish, with stronger capabilities and increasingly diverse use cases. Apollo Go made steady progress with its global expansion, while further strengthening its safety and operational capabilities and enhancing the rider experience. While our online marketing business remains under pressure, the growing momentum in our core AI-powered Business reaffirms Baidu’s transition from an internet-centric company to an AI-first company, and strengthens our confidence in our long-term growth potential.”

GCCEC generates A$383m in FY26

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Gold Coast, 6th August: The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) reported the venue contributed an estimated A$383 million (US$248 million) to the Gold Coast economy in FY2026.

GCCEC continues to attract repeat business, with returning events accounting for more than 60% of its business, spanning a wide range of sectors. The venue hosts large-scale events ranging from concerts and sporting matches to conferences and exhibitions. According to GCCEC, business event visitors spend 57% more than leisure visitors, and also delivering significant benefits for accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions and businesses across the Gold Coast.

In the coming year, the venue welcome year of strong momentum, with a program of new and returning events secured, including several multi-year agreements.

Nick Jeffrey, General Manager of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, stated, “Business events are a powerful driver of high value visitation, bringing people to the Gold Coast with a clear purpose to connect, learn, collaborate and do business. Delegates are not just attending an event; they are experiencing the city. Delegates stay in our hotels, dine in local restaurants, visit attractions and experience the city first-hand, creating opportunities for return visitation, future investment and greater awareness of the Gold Coast as a business events destination.”

Quick takes

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Malaysia to welcome 3m+ visitors in FY2026

The Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), owned by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and managed by METCO Sdn Bhd, posted a strong record of international events, industry partnerships and economic contribution. In 2026, the management estimated the venue to welcome more than 3 million visitors.

502,000+ visits at HKTDC’s August fairs

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded five August trade fairs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), attracting a record of over 520,000 public visits. The five trade fairs were: Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delight Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, featured over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions. For the two trade exhibitions, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, drew some 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions.

Messe Frankfurt India concludes printing shows in India

Co-located shows, Print Expo Chennai and Media Expo Chennai, in collaboration with Sign India Expo, have run at the Chennai Trade Centre for three days, attracting 17,532 visitors from across 221 cities and 20 countries. The shows presented the latest development in commercial printing, digital printing, packaging, converting, signage, branding, automation, and finishing technologies, showcasing 185 exhibitors and over 250 brands, with more than 550 product innovations. Organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd, the co-located shows occupied over 11,000 m2 of gross exhibition space.