The UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2026 has successfully concluded at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), reinforcing Bangkok’s growing reputation as a leading destination for international MICE events.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Informa Markets, a leading global trade exhibition organizer.
The Dutch trade fair expert Ton Otten addresses the topic "Why trade fairs need smarter organizations" and presents answers.
Ifema Madrid has shown its 2025 financial results, following approval by its Governing Board, reporting revenue of 216.8 million euros and 18.7 million euros profit.
Just before Imex in May, the new issue of Trade Fairs International will be released. We'll once again take a look behind the scenes of the German trade fair industry, explore our European neighbors, and venture into Asia!
The 12th Chengdu International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts and Aftermarket Services (Capas) will be held in Chengdu from 21 to 23 May 2026.
Breast cancer, the most frequently diagnosed tumor among women worldwide, takes center stage this week in Barcelona for an international scientific debate on its challenges and opportunities.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse – Asia’s premier annual e-commerce and marketing events – will be held concurrently on 19 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
11.8 billion euros are spent by exhibiting companies on their trade fair appearances in an average trade fair year in Germany. Visitors to trade fairs in Germany spend an average of 3.9 billion euros during this period.
UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, has launched its new Strategy on Learning, setting out how professional learning and development will be supported across the organisation and the global exhibition community.
Petfood Forum Europe and the Interzoo Sustainability Conference will both be held on 11 May, setting the stage for the world’s leading trade fair for the pet supplies industry.
India’s furniture and interiors industry is entering a decisive growth phase driven by urbanisation, infrastructure expansion, premium housing, hospitality demand, and a sharp rise in global sourcing interest.
Senior business event decision-makers and place leaders are invited to the new IMEX Place Leaders Forum (formerly the Policy Forum).
The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) announces its 2026 World Summit in Dubai, embodying the theme: “Beyond Boundaries.”
Jwc – the renowned consultancy for the exhibition and conference industry – has published the latest edition of its annual Global Exhibition Industry Performance Review (GIPR).
Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) is fully set to welcome, for the first time, the 6th World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF 2026).
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by Legends Global, has unveiled Connect Create, a new in house content creation service that helps clients bring their stories to life.
The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), jointly organised by the Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) Government and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully today.
Next autumn, a new European event will be held in the Catalan capital that will showcase the latest innovations in batteries and energy storage systems for industrial applications and large infrastructures.
The trade fair industry in Germany contributes approximately 30 billion euros to the country's prosperity annually.
12.08.2025
Sophia Chong has been appointed executive director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) with effect from 1 October.
Ms Chong, currently an HKTDC deputy executive director, is succeeding Margaret Fong, who will retire. Frederick Ma, chairman of the HKTDC, described Ms Chong as an innovative, resolute and wise leader who has worked closely with SMEs over the years to enhance Hong Kong’s commercial and trade influence with remarkable achievements. “I firmly believe that she will lead the HKTDC to a new chapter upholding the enterprising spirit of innovation and pragmatism to further consolidate Hong Kong’s advantage as a global trading hub, helping enterprises seize and explore unlimited business opportunities,” he said.
Ma also expressed his gratitude to Ms Fong, the HKTDC’s retiring executive director, for her outstanding contributions. He praised Ms Fong for helping companies and industries expand their global reach, deepening international connections and overcoming various challenges to lay a solid foundation for the HKTDC.
Ms Chong, executive director (designate), said was honoured by the appointment. She added that she was fully aware of the responsibility on her shoulders, pointing to rapid changes within the global economy. “Together with the HKTDC team, I will continue to keep pace with the times and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a global hub, drive transformation through innovation and fully connect the local, mainland and international business communities,” Ms Chong highlighted. “This will create broader business opportunities for enterprises and inject inexhaustible impetus into Hong Kong’s economy.”
Ms Chong has already served HKTDC for more than 30
years. She was promoted to deputy
executive director in 2022, overseeing exhibitions and digital business. She has turned several exhibitions into
world-leading sourcing and marketing events, while leading the innovation of
digital commerce. She has also successfully created opportunities for SMEs,
connected global buyers and guided HKTDC to become a leading trade promotion
organisation.
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As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, exhibitions have evolved far beyond their traditional role as trade promotion platforms.
In the event world, it’s simply part of life if things don’t work out as planned.
Networking typically happens at real, in-person events. But it’s also possible to do it online; it just works a little differently. There are various options available to organisers.
New products and a well-conceived stand design are not the only drivers for a successful presence. Many other factors are also important, but trade fair planners often lose sight of them.
Trade fairs and trade fair companies need to constantly further develop, become more agile and flexible and offer services all year round. New, digital offerings are very important here. With its TrustedTargeting technology, Messe München offers its customers access to leading business-to-business decision-makers on the Internet.