The international live B2B events and digital services group Informa has made headlines with its latest trading update. Set to unfold ahead of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), this report aligns with an investor field trip to the prestigious Cannes Lions festival. It reflects the organization's positive trajectory as it continues to experience strong growth in 2025.
As we move through 2025, Hong Kong continues to build on the incredible momentum from 2024, when the territory received 1.42m overnight MICE visitors. This represented an increase of 10% year-on-year. The importance of the international market is clear: Last year, half of all visitors who came for MICE events came from overseas, highlighting the region's status as a vibrant hub for global trade shows.
The UFI Global Congress is recognized as the largest annual global gathering within the exhibition industry. It serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to engage, network, and discuss emerging trends that influence the future of exhibitions and events. In a major development, it has been announced that the congress will return to the Americas in 2027, taking place in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The exhibition and trade fair industry is on a path of transformation, driven by the necessity for businesses to adapt and evolve in a changing landscape. In 2025, the emphasis is shifting from merely managing operations to fostering an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship are paramount. This change signifies a call for businesses to integrate deeper partnerships and collaboration in their operational frameworks, aligning with the evolving market demands.
The events industry has long been associated with the consumption of alcohol, often seen as a central component of social interactions and networking opportunities. This practice raises concerns regarding inclusivity and wellness in an environment that seeks to be more accommodating to diverse participants. Increasing awareness of alcohol-related issues has prompted many to question the role of alcohol in professional settings.
The World Mining Congress is a prominent event in the mining industry, bringing together leaders, professionals, and stakeholders from various sectors of mining to engage in discussions, share knowledge, and discover new technologies and practices. In 2026, Lima, Peru, will host the 27th iteration of this congress amid ongoing issues related to informal mining practices in the region. This situation adds a layer of urgency and importance to the event, as it presents a platform to address these challenges and seek collaborative solutions.
The global trade exhibition landscape has been increasingly affected by economic factors, most notably tariffs. The ongoing complexities in trade policies and tariffs have emerged as significant challenges for exhibitors and organizers alike. At the recent UFI’s MEA Conference held in Cairo, Dr. Barış Onay shed light on these pressing issues and their implications for the trade show sector.
Bangkok Land Company Limited, the operator of Thailand’s IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd, has announced a marketing initiative aimed at expanding into the Indian and Chinese markets. This move is part of a broader strategy to establish IMPACT as a premier event and entertainment destination in Asia. The event landscape in Thailand is thriving, with the country ranked fifth in Asia for international meetings and holding the top position in the ASEAN region.
The exhibition and trade-fair industry has been undergoing significant changes as companies look to strengthen their portfolios through strategic acquisitions. One notable recent development is the acquisition of Generis Group by Emerald Holding. This marks Emerald's fifth acquisition of 2025, showing a clear trend toward consolidation in the space.
Events Venture Group (EVG), a US-based coalition of seasoned entrepreneurs and event operators, has made strides in shaping the future of events. Since its inception in May 2024, EVG has focused on fostering a top-tier network within the global event ecosystem, comprising over 35 influential leaders. The group has assessed more than 130 ventures, aiding in cultivating the next generation of event entrepreneurship.
