Industry News
Curated headlines from the trade show and exhibition industry's top publications, associations, and expert blogs. Stay current with exhibitor announcements, show openings, industry trends, and market news from across the events world. Whether you follow technology, healthcare, food, or manufacturing events, our news feed surfaces the stories that matter to trade show professionals, exhibitors, and event marketers.
UFI Central & South American Conference and Event Directors Summit head to Brazil in December
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is to take its Central & South American Conference and Event Directors Summit to São Paulo, Brazil, in December 2026. They will co-locate with Experience Expo. Hosted by UBRAFE (União Brasileira de Feiras e Eventos de Negócios), the UFI…
International Confex launches new venue trends and procurement research initiative
International Confex has launched two new cross-sector industry surveys designed to uncover how venues and organisers are adapting to the changing demands of the global events industry in 2026 and beyond. The surveys form part of a wider research initiative exploring the future of venue sourcing,…
EMECA points to revenue growth during General Assembly 2026 at Excel London
The European Major Exhibition Centres Association (EMECA) expects revenue growth, it was made clear at the association’s 2026 Spring General Assembly held at Excel London on 13 May. EMECA president Elżbieta Roeske underlined the strategic importance of the exhibition sector: “Based on the EMECA…
Olympia unveils new openings ahead of redevelopment programme
London’s Olympia site has announced a further wave of openings ahead of its £1.3bn redevelopment, including new hospitality, entertainment and hotel developments. The first phase of openings begins on 15 June. The venue is being repositioned as a mixed-use destination combining exhibition space,…
jwc appoints MD for Africa
Germany-based exhibition and conference industry management consultancy, jwc has appointed Daniel Mesfin as its managing director Africa. In this newly created role, Mesfin will drive jwc’s business development activities throughout the continent, working closely with venue operators, governments,…
EXPOLINE selected as authorised Korean partner of GES
South Korea-based global exhibition logistics and international freight forwarding company, EXPOLINE, has announced that it has entered into an official partnership with US-based GES (Global Experience Specialists), and has been selected as its authorised logistics partner in Korea. EXPOLINE will…
Italian Exhibition Group increases revenues 2.1% to €105m in Q1, as organic growth continues
The Board of Directors of Italian Exhibition Group S.p.A. (IEG) has approved its consolidated interim financial report, as of 31 March, 2026, with the results showing a small increase in revenues and organic growth continuing in the first quarter. CEO Corrado Peraboni said: “We are pleased with the…
The Soar Spot: The strange story of the broken light bulbs
By Phil Soar, Chairman of CloserStill Group and Nineteen Group I was in Warsaw in 1990 walking round a market with a Polish friend. We stopped at one stall which, strangely, appeared to be selling light bulbs which didn’t work – not broken, but just not working. My friend bought a couple, for…
CPHI & PMEC India 2026 expand to two venues in Delhi-NCR
India’s largest pharmaceutical platform by Informa Markets in India will enter its 19th edition with a dual-venue format, delivering on a bigger scale for the pharma value chain. The CPHI and PMEC India 2026 expansion reflects the growing scale, ambition, and evolution of India’s pharmaceutical…
The Unsung Hero: Nicole Smart
In this series, features and series developer Heather Nicholls speaks to the unsung heroes of the events industry to reveal what really drives their passion and the remarkable contributions we too often overlook. In this edition, we speak to Nicole Smart, project manager at WTM London. Smart first…
Emma Banymandhub named CEO of The Payments Association
The Payments Association has appointed Emma Banymandhub as chief executive as the trade body prepares to expand internationally following investment from Nineteen Group earlier this year. Banymandhub previously served as chief operating officer at the association, which represents more than 250…
IEIA marks 20 years amid India MICE push
The Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) marked its 20th anniversary at the 15th IEIA Open Seminar & Exhibition Services Expo 2026, an event that drew more than 1,200 delegates from across India’s exhibitions and MICE sectors. Held under the theme “When the Right Dots Meet, Industry…
EventsAir launches AI assistant suite for event planners
EventsAir has launched Air Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools built into its event management platform. The tools are designed to help planners access data and answer attendee queries faster, without having to manually pull reports or switch between systems. There are three assistants in the…
Europalco grows its logistics infrastructure in Portugal
Event logistics specialists Europalco has announced the expansion of its logistics infrastructure in Portugal, with larger facilities in Porto and a new warehouse in the Algarve. The company, which claims to be the largest provider of solutions for events and shows in Southern Europe, says the move…
Olympia Events hires Richard Harris as technology director
Olympia Events has appointed Richard Harris as technology director as the London venue continues its £1.3bn redevelopment. Harris will lead technology strategy across the business, overseeing areas including IT operations, cybersecurity, connectivity and data systems. The role comes as Olympia…
Bournemouth International Centre adopts AEV eGuide
Association of Event Venues has named Bournemouth International Centre as the 16th venue to formally adopt its eGuide operational standards. The eGuide, first introduced 18 years ago, sets out common operational guidance for venues, organisers, exhibitors and suppliers across the UK events…
Trivandi strengthens Saudi leadership to support event pipeline in the Kingdom
International design and advisory company for major events, venues and destinations Trivandi, has announced a significant expansion of its leadership team in Saudi Arabia. Leading the expansion are experienced industry leaders, Nick Randall, who joins as managing director, KSA, and Neal Beevers,…
Apollo Funds to acquire Emerald and Questex
Apollo (NYSE: APO) has announced, 11 April, that Apollo-managed funds (the ‘Apollo Funds’) have entered into separate definitive agreements to acquire Emerald Holding, Inc. and Questex, LLC, with the intention to combine the businesses to create a leading North American B2B experiential events and…
Sold out ITB China 2026 expands 20%
ITB China 2026, the B2B travel trade show focusing on the Chinese travel market, is set to grow by 20% in net exhibition space and is set to bring together more than 900 travel organisations and 1,700 buyers, generating over 46,000 pre-scheduled meetings. The show will take place 26–28 May 2026 at…
Fairfest Media appoints Simon Press to lead international expansion
Fairfest Media, one of India’s leading trade show organisers, has appointed Simon Press as managing director – international. The company is expanding into western markets, shown by its acquisition of WTE Miami. A major part of Press’s role will focus on scaling WTE Miami into a larger…