Quick takes

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Easyfairs Nordic acquires 100% in Nordic Live Expo

Easyfairs Nordic announced the company has taken full ownership of Nordic Live Expo to further strengthening its commitment to the business and its portfolio of events. Easyfairs Nordic has already been a shareholder and long-term strategic partner in the company, the acquisition will increase its commitment to Nordic Live Expo and its future development.

Messe München posts best-ever result in FY2025

Messe München, a world’s leading exhibition organiser, posted best-ever results for the financial year 2025, generating consolidated sales of €594 million (US$698 million). The annual net income was €99 million (US$116 million). The company’s trade centre hosted a total 18 own events in 2025, and 74 guest events, featuring about 34,600 exhibitors and attracting over 2.5 million visitors. The company organised a total of 42 events outside Germany, with a total of 17,000 exhibitors and more than 1.8 million visitors.

Koelnmesse’s growth driven by strong brands and global portfolio

International exhibition organiser, Koelnmesse, released its financial results for 2025, with a turnover of €455.5 million (US$535 million), and a consolidated result of €62 million (US$73 million). In 2025, the company organised a total of 79 events worldwide, welcoming about 2.5 million visitors from 214 countries, over 43,800 exhibiting companies from 120 nations.

Informa posts strong growth in B2B Live Events

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London, 18th June: Informa Group PLC, a leading international B2B Live Events, B2B Digital Services and Academic Markets Group, released its latest trade update, with five-month underlying revenue growth of 6.4%. The company estimated its full year group revenues to be US$4 billion traded, booked or visible through subscriptions, recurring revenues and forward booked contracts.

For the first five months of 2026, Informa’s B2B Live Events (Informa Markets / Connect / Festivals) posted underlying revenue growth of 7.6%. Strong growths were recorded in the America, Greater China, ASEAN, Europe and IMEA. The full year underlying revenue growth will be over 7% with more than US$1.5 billion traded.

The company continues its “2025-2028 One Informa”, a four-year programme to maximise the B2B growth platform building momentum, focused on Data-led Marketing, Customer Experience, the group-wide deployment of AI technology and driving efficiency, productivity and product innovation.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive, Informa, said, “The depth and breadth of Informa’s portfolio, both geographically and by market category, continues to deliver growth, international expansion and product and brand innovation. We have momentum in both our businesses, B2B Live Events and Academic Services, and are reconfirming full year earnings guidance.”

WTCMM announces expansion project

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Philippines, 17th June: The World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) in Philippines announced its expansion project of three billion Philippine pesos (US$49.7 million).

The expansion is scheduled to complete in 2028, the venue will double its indoor footprint to 20,000 m2, with preserving 7,000 m2 of outdoor space for flexible activations. The new facility will feature advanced multi-hall configurations and seamless indoor-outdoor integration to accommodation highly complex event structures.

Pamela D. Pascual, chairman and CEO of WTCMM, was quoted, “This expansion is an investment in the future of the Philippine exhibitions and events industry. It reflects our confidence in the market, our commitment to helping our partners scale, and our determination to ensure that the Philippines remains competitive in attracting major regional and international events.”

Informa Markets & MCH Group join force

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Basel, Switzerland, 18th June: Informa Markets and MCH Group, two of the world’s powerhouses in global trade events, announced to collaborate for the first time.

Under the collaboration, the two organisations will launch Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair in April 2027 in Hall 2 of Messe Basel. It is estimated to feature more than 400 exhibitors, and gather manufacturers, designers, brands, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and sourcing specialists.

Margaret Ma Connolly, President and CEO of Informa Markets in Asia, stated, “Partnering with MCH Group was a natural choice. Both of our organisations are leaders in creating platforms where business thrives and meaningful connections are made. Together, we are building a global event that responds to the industry’s evolving needs while celebrating the diversity that makes it so dynamic.”

Quick takes

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SACEOS elects new EXCO

The Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) has elected its Executive Committee (EXCO) for the 2026-2027 term. The new committee’s President will be Richard Ireland, and will consist of event organisers, venues, suppliers, and educators to represent the local business event ecosystem.

BaliCEB’s new leadership

The new executive board of the Bali Convention and Exhibition Bureau (BaliCEB) for the 2026-2031 term, with Ketut Jaman as its General Chairman. BaliCEB provides complimentary support, including destination insights, site inspection, bidding support, and local coordination, to international associations, corporations, and meeting planners.

Macau welcomes 3m+ visitor arrivals in May 2026

Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released the latest number of visitor arrivals in May 2026, amounting at 3,487,994, representing a 3.4% increase year-on-year. Same-day visitors grew by 7.9%, while overnight visitors dropped by 3.0%. The average length of stay of visitors was 1.0 day, down by 0.1 day.

UFI celebrates 11th GED

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Paris, 11th June: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, celebrated its 11th edition of Global Exhibition Day (GED) on 3rd June 2026, under the theme of “Exhibitions Drive Opportunities” and a newly refreshed campaign logo.

Three key messages were highlighted in GED 2026: how exhibitions drive opportunities for people, by fostering skills, careers, and face-to-face connections; for the planet, by accelerating sustainable innovation and responsible industry practices; and for performance, by powering business growth, opening new marketing, and enabling direct customer engagement.

Panittha Buri, UFI President, said, “Seeing Global Exhibitions Day celebrated worldwide is a reminder that our industry is in the business of making connections happen.  People, ideas, opportunities & businesses crossing borders – it’s networking on a global scale, with measurable results.”

GED 2026 was supported by over 75 national and international industry associations.

Informa Markets launches Hongqiao Tech Week in November

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Shanghai, 11th June: The leading exhibition organiser worldwide, Informa Markets, announced to launch Hongqiao Tech Week, under Informa Markets China, running from 20th to 22nd November 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

The new show will provide a platform for global enterprises, visionary leaders, startups, investors, and technology solutions providers to unlock growth opportunities and foster China-focused partnerships.

The inaugural edition will be themed as “Where Global Tech Ambition Meets Chinese Scale”, featuring six thematic content stages: AI, Future Mobility & Energy, Digital Infrastructure, Industry 4.0, Life Sciences & Health, and Startup.

Ms. Athena Gong, Vice President of Informa Markets Asia, was quoted, “Hongqiao Tech Week is more than an event. It is a gateway to the future – where international businesses discover China’s tech economy, innovators find inspiration, and ambitious pioneers shape the next decade of technological progress.”

Thailand unveils tourism strategy

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Thailand, 11th June: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has recently outlined its latest tourism strategy at Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2026, with the theme Healing is the new luxury: Define your new luxury; discover unforgettable experiences.

Wellness and restorative travel are the key highlights for the new strategy, offering through five pillars: Retreats, Rituals, Reels, Rhythms and Relations. With the new strategy, Thailand will be positioned as a destination where travel supports well-being through nature, culture, hospitality, gastronomy, wellness and local connections.

TAT deputy governor for marketing Nithee Seeprae, stated, “Travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer comfort, balance, and peace of mind. Thailand provides meaningful experiences, genuine hospitality, and the healing power of nature and culture.”

TAT expects total tourism revenue of 2.65 trillion baht (US$81 million) from domestic and international tourism in 2026, with an expected 33 million international arrivals.

Quick takes

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UFI opens registration for 93rd UFI Global Congress

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has opened the registrations to all UFI members for the 93rd UFI Global Congress, taking place from 2nd to 5th November 2026, in the Kingdom of Bahrain, hosted by Exhibition World Bahrain and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).

SCIIF 2026 welcomes 120,000+ professional visits

Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai, Deutsche Messe’s subsidiary in China, concluded its 2026 South China International Industry Fair (SCIIF) on 12th June, at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, showcasing over 800 exhibitors and welcoming 120,249 professional visits. The event featured eight core themed sections, covering an exhibition area of 80,000 m2. It is also supported by a complete ecosystem spanning policy guidance, technology implementation, industrial applications and ecosystem upgrading, AI is moving deeper into the industrial core. The next edition of the South China International Industry Fair will return to Shenzhen, running from 16th to 18th June 2027.

Messe Düsseldorf launches 10 new shows in 2025

International exhibition organiser, Messe Düsseldorf Group, released its financial results for 2025, generating revenue of €374.4 million (US$440 million) and a profit after taxes of €44.4 million (US$52 million). In 2025, the company organised 81 trade shows worldwide, 55 were international and 26 were base in Düsseldorf, bringing 23,695 exhibitors and more than one million visitors to Düsseldorf. The company added 10 new trade shows last year: five in Düsseldorf and five worldwide.

UFI elects new Regional Chapters leadership

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Paris, 10th June: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has elected its leadership positions in the five Regional Chapters worldwide.

The newly elected Regional Chapter Chairs are:

·       Asia-Pacific: Rita Chu, Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd, Hong Kong

·       Europe: Stefan Rummel, Messe München GmbH, Germany

·       North America: Joyce Leveston, Javita Center, USA

·       Central & South America: Fernanda Gorbarán, Messe Frankfurt Argentina, Argentina

·       The Middle East & Africa: Mohammed Al Hussaini, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, Saudi Arabia

Regional Chapter Vice-Chairs are also elected. The role of Regional Chapters focuses on addressing key regional issues and developing ideas relevant to the region, while fostering collaboration and engagement among members. In addition, the Regional Chapters support the promotion of UFI within the region by encouraging new organisations to join and participate.

The elected industry leaders will begin their three-year mandate after the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026.

UFI President, Panittha Buri, commented, “Our Regional Chapters are at the heart of what UFI does: connecting our global community and ensuring our members’ voices are heard in every corner of the world. I warmly congratulate all newly elected Chairs and Vice-Chairs, and extend my sincere thanks to those stepping down for their dedication and service. I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to strengthen our industry together.”

TCEB launches marketing activity

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Thailand, 10th June: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) launched a promotional event under the MaxiMICE Thailand campaign, in collaboration with Gaysorn Village.

During the event, TCEB presented key tools and services, which have been developed to facilitate seamless travel, provide exclusive privileges, and event participants from around the world. The initiatives included the Thailand MICE VISA Card, JerGan Application, E-Visa Facilitation, and MICE Fast Track Services.

Pico Thailand narrows net loss

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Bangkok, 5th June: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, released its results for the quarter ended 30th April 2026. Revenues in the quarter were US$6.7 million, representing a year-on-year decrease of 6.1%. However, the company narrowed its net loss from US$887,000 last year, down to US$241,000.

For the six-month period ended 30th April, the company’s revenues amounted to US$13 million, which dropped by 22% year-on-year. During the reported period, the company posted a net loss of US$651,000, compared with a loss of US$647,000 in the same period of last year.

The company attributed the decrease in revenues to a slowdown in public sector revenue in the result of the post-election government formation process, together with ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, affecting economic conditions and led some customers to postpone their decision to organise events. The narrow in net loss was mainly due to the decrease in expenses, in the result of an expected credit loss from account receivable was recognized.

Business Events Australia expands India team

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Australia, 8th June: Business Events Australia will expand its team to India, by appointing Sharmishtha Patange as Business Events Manager – India, effective 8th June 2026.

Under the new role, Sharmishtha Patange will support the implementation of Business Events Australia’s distribution strategies and partnerships across India’s MICE sector. She will also work with customers and stakeholders to drive business events and incentive travel to Australia.

Quick takes

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UFI European Conference 2026 breaks record

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, concluded its UFI European Conference, running from 3rd to 5th June 2026. Hosted by İZFAŞ in İzmir, Türkiye, this year’s edition was the largest UFI regional conference, with over 400 delegates. The next edition of the UFI European Conference will be held from 2nd to 4th June 2027, taking place in Rimini, Italy, and will be hosted by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG).

83,000+ visitors at DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2026

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2026 concluded at the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC), attracting 83,887 visitors from 27th to 29th May. Positioned as the largest the most influential dedicated flooring event on the global stage, the event presented the resilience of the global carpet and flooring industry, creating business opportunities for industry professionals worldwide. International attendance reached a record of 18,302 visitors from 146 countries. The next edition of the event will return at the NECC, running from 26th to 28th May 2027.

Jaarbeurs acquires food & agri innovation platform

Jaarbeurs, active worldwide in the agri and food sector for over 40 years through VIV Worldwide, announced to acquire the innovation platform, Foodbytes, from Rabobank. Foodbytes, an international hub for startups, corporates, and investors active in the agri and food sectors, brings together stakeholders working on areas. No financial details of the acquisition were released.

UFI elects President for 2027-28

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Paris / Izmir, 3rd June: UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the UFI Board of Directors elected Said Al Shanfari (CEO, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre) as the UFI President for the 2027-28 term.

The UFI Presidential Trio for the November 2026 – November 2027 term (effective at the conclusion of the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026) will be:

·       Wolfram Diener (President & CEO, Messe Düsseldorf Group), President

·       Panittha Buri (Vice-Chairperson, Bhiraj Buri Group), Outgoing President

·       Sais Al Shanfari, Incoming President

Al Shanfari will bring experience in marketing, destination development and venue management across the Middle East & Africa. He has served as UFI’s Middle East & Africa Chapter Chair, and the appointment will bring a regional perspective and renewed energy to UFI’s global leadership.

Chris Skeith OBE, UFI CEO and Managing Director, commented, “Said has been a familiar and much-valued face at UFI events for many years, and his dedication to our community has never wavered… As Chair of UFI’s Middle East and Africa Chapter for the past three years, he has been an active and passionate advocate for the region and for our industry. I am delighted to welcome him as UFI’s Incoming President and look forward to working closely with him as we advance UFI’s mission.”

TCEB launches Thailand’s first digital MICE platform

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Thailand, 28th May: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) launched “JerGan” (meaning “Let’s meet” in Thai), Thailand’s first digital MICE platform, under its MaxiMICE Thailand.

The “JerGan” application will connect MICE travellers with local businesses, to expand income distribution across the boarder MICE value chain. It will establish a MICE Behavioral Data Infrastructure to support more targeted and effective marketing strategies.

The platform will develop through three integrated pillars: 1) Data-Driven MICE Intelligence, transforming customer pain points into a Behavioral Data Infrastructure capable of driving actionable industry strategies; 2) MICE Ecosystem Connector, integrating venues, communities, food and beverage services, transportation, and local experiences into one connected ecosystem; and 3) MICE Economic Booster, expanding MICE traveller spending beyond venues into surrounding local economies and communities.

JerGan targets both Thai and international MICE travellers across three primary user groups: 1) International MICE Travelers, 2) Conference Organizers, and 3) Thai exhibitors participating in domestic trade exhibitions.

Dr. Jaruwan Suwannasat, Vice President of the TCEB, explained, “JerGan serves as a strategic solution that systematically addresses the evolving demands of MICE travellers. The platform enhances the overall MICE experience while enabling spending to flow more effectively across the wider industry value chain and related sectors. It also supports the sustainable growth of Thailand’s MICE economy and ecosystem. In addition, the platform provides venues and operators with valuable insights into traveller behaviour – including how delegates spend their time outside events and their pre- and post-event spending patterns. JerGan will therefore become a powerful data platform that can help shape more personalized and effective MICE experiences in the future.”