Meorient applies listing in Hong Kong

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Hangzhou, 25th December: On 24th December 2025, Zhejiang Meorient Commerce & Exhibition Inc. submitted an application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) for the issuance of overseas listed shares (H shares) and listing on the Main Board of the HKEX.

According to Meorient, the listing will need be approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), HKEX, and also relevant government departments, regulatory agencies. The process remains uncertainty due to the requiring consideration of market conditions.

RX Greater China’s leadership realignment

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Shanghai, 23rd December: Chinese subsidiary of international exhibition organiser, RX Global, RX Greater China, announced the realignment of its leadership structure to strengthen its leadership bench for the long term while enhancing speed, decision-making, and agility across its key portfolios and growth platforms.

The subsidiary will expand responsibilities within its leadership team. Lanny Zhang, Thomas Huang, Alex Wang, Maria Zhang and Chris Zang will take on enhance roles, with a new General Manager will be appointed in 2026 to further strengthen leadership capacity. The company will build a resilient, future-ready organisation and accelerate progress through the realignment.

Michael Cheng, President, RX Greater China, said, “As we enter 2026, these changes position us to deliver even greater impact and value for our customers and partners. We are investing in leadership strength and agility to ensure we can move faster and adapt to a rapidly changing market.”

Messe Frankfurt joins Automation Expo in Thailand

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Pattaya, 19th December: International exhibition organiser, Messe Frankfurt, has expanded its portfolio of Electronics & Automation Technologies events in the Southeast Asia, by co-organising Automation Expo with GMTX Co Ltd.

The upcoming edition of Automation Expo will run from 25th to 27th February 2026, at the Nongnooch International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICE) in Pattaya. The collaboration will extend Messe Frankfurt’s presence in Thailand to connect the region’s manufacturers with the international expertise and resources of the global network.

The event is expected to feature some 150 exhibitors and attract a professional audience of company owners, investors, factory managers, system integrators and engineers, covering 7,500 m2 of exhibition space. The event will present technologies across every stage of the production cycle, from factory floor systems to enterprise-level infrastructure. Conference programme be held alongside with the exhibition, offering technical insights across more than 50 topics.

Mr Wolfgang Marzin, President & CEO of Messe Frankfurt Group, was quoted, “Messe Frankfurt currently organises 11 events and conferences worldwide as part of its Electronics & Automation Technologies portfolio, covering smart and digital automation, intelligent motion and power electronics, alongside energy management solutions. With this new addition, we are reinforcing our commitment to supporting Thailand’s manufacturing sector through the next phase of digital transformation, ensuring that both local SMEs and multinational enterprises benefit from the same high standards and international connections found in our events worldwide.”

New intelligent manufacturing show in Southeast Asia

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Bangkok, 29th December: International exhibition organiser, Deutsche Messe, will launch a new show, Intelligent Manufacturing Expo Southeast Asia (IME 2026), focusing on intelligent manufacturing and advanced technologies.

The new show will be jointly organised by Shanghai Industry & Commerce Exhibition Co., Ltd. of DLG Exhibitions & Events Co., Ltd., and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd. (HMF China), the subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, showcasing innovative products and technologies across 12 major sectors.

Running from 22nd to 24th July 2026, at the IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand, IME 2026 will provide a platform for global companies to connect with the Southeast Asian market. It is planned to occupy an exhibition area of 10,000 m2 and attract 200 exhibitors from China and overseas. Four industry forums and one China-Thailand technology exchange and equipment trade matchmaking event will be held during the exhibition, to promote cooperation and resource sharing across the industrial value chain.

Quick takes

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Baidu to spin-off and separate listing of Kunlunxin

Baidu, the leading Chinese language Internet search provider, announced the company proposed to spinoff and separate listing of the H shares of Kunlunxin (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., a non-wholly owned subsidiary, on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). It will show Kunlunxin’s value to attract investor focused on the AI chip sector and support the effort to unlock the value of Baidu’s AI-powered businesses.

Macau visitor arrivals up 18% in November 2025

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reported its number of visitor arrivals in November 2025, with 3,345,683 visitor arrivals, a year-on-year increase of 18.1%. Same day visitors (2,035,555) grew 31.5%, while overnight visitors (1,310,128) were up 2.1%. However, the average length of stay dropped by 0.2 days year-on-year, down to 1.0 day, due to the growth in the proportion of same-day visitors in the total number of visitors; while the figure of overnight visitors remained unchanged at 2.3 days.

HKTDC to open three trade fairs

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will open three trade fairs on 12th January 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The 52nd Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, and the 17th Hong Kong Baby Products Fair are organised by the HKTDC, while the 24th Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair is jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. The three trade fairs will feature more than 2,6000 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions, with a newly launch pavilion, “Pop & Play”, bringing about 150 trendy IPs.

Thailand recovers from pandemic

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Thailand, 15th December: Thailand stated its exhibitions sector has returned to full performance before the COVID-19 pandemic, within three years, ahead of the original forecast of five-year recovery.

According to media release, participation and revenues will have surged to 135% of 2019 levels, by 2025.

Dr Duangdej Yuaiwarmdee, Director of the Exhibition Department at the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), stated the rapid rebound was due to strategic planning and strong collaboration between the Government and the private sector.

Thailand’s “High-Value Destination” strategy continues to leverage its geographical advantage as a gateway to the ASEAN market, and several international events will be held in the country in 2026.

Besides exhibitions, Thailand is also pushing traditional trade sectors, targeting to become “Mega City of Art & Design”, by promoting art and design exhibitions. The country will strengthen its exhibition ecosystem by enhancing operator capabilities and prioritising workforce development, to support the expansion.

Nearly 13,000 professionals at Cosmoprof India 2025

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Mumbai, 12th December: The 2025 edition of Cosmoprof India concluded with 12,977 professionals, a 17% increase over the previous edition. Organized by Cosmoprof India Ltd, a joint venture between BolognaFiere Cosmoprof and Informa Markets India, the beauty show was held from 4th to 6th December 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

This year’s Cosmoprof India featured 359 exhibitors and 800 brands from 23 countries and regions, occupying an exhibition area of over 24,815 m2. To showcase distinctive innovations and heighten the international dimension of the event, a total of nine international Country Pavilions were presented.

In addition to the exhibition, the event also featured the newly launched Cosmo Academy – EmpowHER in Beauty, a social initiative addressing the widening skills gaps in India’s beauty and wellness sector; Cosmoprof India and Cosmopack India Awards; and Runway by Cosmoprof India, bringing beauty innovation to the stage through a fusion of fashion and creative artistry.

The next edition of Cosmoprof India will return to Mumbai, running from 10th to 12th December 2026.

2,200+ exhibitors present at Marintec China 2025

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Shanghai, 17th December: Organised and managed by Informa Markets and Shanghai Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SSNAME), Marintec China 2025 recently concluded at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), showcasing more than 2,200 companies from over 40 countries and regions, resulting the event to become one of the largest and most influential maritime exhibitions in the world.

Running from 2nd to 5th December 2025, the event attracted a total of 101,829 professional visitors from more than 100 countries and regions. Covering an exhibition area of 110,000 m2 across 11 halls, 16 national and regional pavilions presented the truly international nature of the industry.

Senior Maritime Forum was held alongside with the exhibition, providing a high-level platform for industry players. Under the theme of “Smart Navigation, Green Symbiosis, Convergent Innovation”, the forum featured sessions on shipbuilding and ocean engineering, shipping and ports, marine finance and law, and equipment technology.

Energytec Zone, a newly launched section in 2025, dedicating to alternative energy sources and their supply chains, covering hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, electrification, nuclear power, and renewable sources.

The next edition of Marintec China is scheduled to take place from 30th November to 3rd December 2027.

Quick takes

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Saudi Arabia’s EIF and Legends Global JV announcement

Saudi Arabia’s Event Investment Fund (EIF) and Legends Global announced a joint venture to support the vision and investment in the venue industry in Saudi Arabia. Under the JV, Legends Global will deliver Management Services exclusively for the EIF-developed venues in Saudi Arabia, to help the venues to host world-class events in the culture, entertainment, tourism, and indoor sports sectors. EIF, a Saudi public investment entity, develops, owns and operates permanent venues for sports, culture, tourism and entertainment, while Legends Global operates and management venues internationally, including stadiums, arenas, theatres, and convention and exhibition centres.

Excel London appoints Chief People Officer

Excel London has appointed Helene Sharrock as its Chief People Officer, a newly created Executive role, which continues to invest in further strengthening its industry-leading teams. In her new role, Helene Sharrock will play a central role in driving the venue’s people strategy, supporting organisational development, and helping to shape a workplace culture that supports its purpose mission and values.

IFSEC India 2025 features 350+brands

IFSEC India 2025, a leading and most influential security, safety and surveillance exhibition and conference in the South Asia, opened its 18th edition, from 11th to 13th December 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Over 150 exhibitors and 350 brands presented products and services, showcasing physical security, smart surveillance systems, AI-enabled analytics, drone technology, cybersecurity solutions, and indigenous manufacturing innovations.

9,700+ visitors attend GTE–2025

The Garment Technology Expo (GTE-2025) concluded at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, featuring some 225 brands, occupying an exhibition area of 5,000 m2. In its 38th edition, the event ran from 7th to 9th November 2025, positioning as South Asia’s most comprehensive platform for garment machinery, accessories, and allied services. More than 9,700 business visitors attended the show, including exporters, garment manufacturers, procurement teams, buying houses, and MSMEs.

CEIR: modest decline for exhibition industry

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U.S., 9th December: The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released its latest Q3 2025 Index Report, showing the exhibition industry declining moderately.

According to the report, the CEIR Total Index was 11.1% below Q3 2019, and 10.7% down from Q3 2024.

The Total Index consisted of four components: Exhibitors, Net Square Deet, Attendees, and Real Revenues. Compared with Q3 2019, Exhibitors was down by 5.0%, Net Square Feet decreased by 8.3%, Attendees dropped 12.3%, and Real Revenues declined the most of 18.2%.

CEIR Vice President of Research Nancy Drapeau, IPC, said, “The Q3 2025 results reflect an exhibition industry navigating a complex transition from policy-focused concerns to broader macroeconomic challenges. While we’ve seen a modest pullback in overall performance, the increase in events surpassing pre-pandemic levels demonstrates that many organizers are successfully adapting to current conditions. The shift toward economic and inflationary concerns underscores the need for strategic planning that accounts for both market dynamics and policy influences.”

Pico Thailand posts decrease in revenues and profits in FY2024-2025

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Bangkok, 4th December: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, announced its full-year financial results for the year ended 31st October 2025. Revenues in the financial year were US$40 million, a moderate decrease of 1.9% year-on-year.

The company posted a drop of 28% of its net profit from the previous year, amounting at US$678,000. Earnings per share of the financial year were Baht 0.091 (US$0.0028).

The company attributed the decrease in revenues to the income decrease from the Exhibition business, Learning center & Museum business and the Knowledge Communication business. However, the company also recorded an increase in income from the Event marketing business to offset part of the decrease in other businesses.

The Selling and administrative expenses posted an increase due to the expected credit loss from trade accounts receivable, in the result of the decrease in profit.

Messe Frankfurt expects sales over €766m in 2025

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Frankfurt, 4th December: In the financial year 2025, Messe Frankfurt expected sales will be over €766 million (US$896 million).

By the end of 2025, the company will host a total of 346 events worldwide, featuring some 95,500 exhibiting companies, with an estimated of 4.9 million visitors. Bookings for Messe Frankfurt’s guest event business recorded more than 200 trade fairs, conferences, congresses and other events being held during the year, with over 150 events have already been contractually confirmed for 2026.

In Asia, Messe Frankfurt has more than 60 events in the region. The company added five new events to its consumer goods portfolio in India.

The company will add 25 new events to its portfolio worldwide by 2027. It opened a subsidiary and launched new formats in Saudi Arabia.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, commented, “Financial year 2025 shows once again that our worldwide events are the economic engine for sectors, giving them a valuable boost. In times of ongoing geopolitical and economic crises, we are aiming to strengthen our resilience and market presence. The high international component at our Frankfurt base increases range and traction – which in turn has measurable effects on the growth of our events outside Germany.”

Messe München to record revenues of €600m in 2025

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München, 5th December: International exhibition organiser, Messe München, expected the company to have record revenues of about €600 million (US$702 million). At the headquarters in Munich, it is expected the company to generate revenues of around €520 million (US$608 million).

According to Messe München, in 2024, the company organised 16 events in Munich, 93 guest events and 47 events abroad. The events in Munich featured 32,000 exhibitors and 1.3 million visitors, while the events abroad attracted 22,500 exhibitors and 1.2 million visitors. Outside Germany, China and India are Messe München’s two most important markets, with China hosting 26 events at six locations, and India hosted 19 events at five locations.

In 2025, a total of 18 events were held by Messe München’s trade fair centre, with some 21,000 exhibitors and 73 guest events with around 13,000 exhibitors, attracting 2.5 million visitors. In terms of international business, the company organised 42 events abroad, attracting 1.8 million visitors and 18,000 exhibitors.

For the coming year, the company expects to make a larger contribution to revenue from abroad, especially from China and India, driven by the major technology trade fairs.

The two CEOs of Messe München, Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel, were quoted, “2025 was a year of superlatives for Messe München. Not only did we demonstrate the strength of our portfolio at the Munich location, but we also showed how important trade fairs are as a platform for innovation and international exchange. This record year is a tailwind for our strategic investments and the further development of Munich as a trade fair location.”

Quick takes

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Nyaal Banyul to open in July 2026

Nyaal Banyul, a new exhibition venue in Australia, will open in July 2026. The venue brought the “One Year to Go” celebration for guests moving through the spaces, tasted dishes shaped by local producers and connecting with the stories of Geelong and The Bellarine. The venue also announced four confirmed events in 2026, with more to announce in the future.

Messe Düsseldorf’s JV appoints new GM

Hannover Messe Ankiros Fuarcılık A.Ş., a joint venture (JV) between Messe Düsseldorf GmbH and Deutsche Messe AG, has appointed Ozan Hünler as its new General Manager, effective 1st December 2025. The company organises international trade fairs for the metallurgical, foundry, and aluminium industries. Established in 2024, the JV opened Messe Düsseldorf’s portfolio to the Eurasian market. It is expected to further drive the JV’s growth through Ozan Hünler’s appointment.

Koelnmesse appoints new President and MD

International exhibition organiser, Koelnmesse, announced the appointment of Darrin Stern as its new President and Managing Director, succeeding Mette Petersen, who will retire on 30th June 2026. Darrin will assume the new role from 1st January 2026, Mette will continue in an advisory capacity through the first half of 2026 to ensure a smooth handover, mentoring team members and supporting key initiatives with Koelnmesse’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany.

43,000+ visitors at 10th swop

Organised by Messe Düsseldorf China (MDC), the Shanghai World of Packaging (swop), concluded on 27th November 2025, welcoming 43,090 trade visitors and buyers from 122 countries and regions. In its tenth-anniversary edition, swop 2025 featured 950 exhibiting companies, showcasing the entire packaging value chain. During the three-day event, the event spanned over 70,000 m2 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).

92nd UFI Global Congress welcomes 600+ delegates to Hong Kong

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Paris/Hong Kong, 25th November: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, concluded its annual event, 92nd UFI Global Congress, in Hong Kong, running from 19th to 22nd November 2025.

This year’s congress, themed “Shaping the Future”, was hosted by AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), welcoming over 600 delegates from 47 countries.

During the congress, the Main Stage delivered future-focused programme highlighting the forces reshaping the global exhibitions industry; The Insight Series sessions gathered UFI Award winners and Working Groups for interactive discussions; delegates could also join lively discussions and exchanged insights at the Bate-Papo Corner, which is a new format side stage.

Chris Skeith OBE, CEO of UFI, said, “This Congress was a milestone in UFI’s history. As we celebrated 100 years of connecting people globally, we were also looking ahead and building the foundations for the next century of our industry… It was a powerful reminder of what this community can achieve when we come together with purpose, passion, and momentum.”

Panittha Buri, Vice Chairperson of BHIRAJ BURI GROUP, will be UFI’s new President for the 2025-26 year. UFI Trio for 2025-26 will include Panittha Buri; outgoing President, High Jones (CEO of RX); and incoming President, Wolfram Diener (CEO of Messe Düsseldorf).

The next edition of the congress, the 93rd UFI Global Congress, will take place from 2nd to 5th November 2025, in Manama, Bahrain, hosted by Exhibition World Bahrain.

Alibaba posts decrease in profit for September Quarter

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Hong Kong, 25th November: Last week, the Alibaba Group, a leading e-commerce company in China, released its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2025. The company recorded total revenues of US$35 billion, up 5% year-on-year.

However, Alibaba posted a decrease of 35% in its net profit, down to US$2.9 billion. The company attributed the decline to the investment in quick commerce, user experiences, and technology.

In terms of Alibaba’s B2B business, revenues from the “China commerce wholesale” business, under its Alibaba China E-commerce Group, primarily generated through 1688.com, were US$947 million, representing an increase of 13% year-on-year. Revenues from its “International commerce wholesale” business under Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, primarily operating through Alibaba.com, increased by 11%, reaching US$945 million.

In addition, Alibaba also released its financial results for the six months ended 30th September, with revenues of US$70 billion, an increase of 3% year-on-year. Net profit in the six-month period dropped 7%, amounting at US$8.8 billion. Diluted earnings per share in the first half of the financial year were RMB 3.34 (US$0.47).

Revenues from the “China commerce wholesale” business rose 13% year-on-year, reaching US$1.9 billion; while revenues from its “International commerce wholesale” business were US$1.8 billion, up 12%.

Eddie Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group, was quoted, “We have entered into an investment phase to build long-term strategic value in AI technologies and infrastructure and a consumption platform integrating daily life services and e-commerce. With our significant strategic investments in these areas, our two core businesses of AI + Cloud and consumption continued to deliver strong growth this quarter. Robust AI demand further accelerated our Cloud Intelligence Group business, with revenue up 34% and AI-related product revenue achieving triple-digit year-over-year growth for the ninth consecutive quarter. In our consumption business, quick commerce continued to scale with significant improvement in unit economics and drove rapid growth in monthly active consumers on the Taobao app.”