Asia Business Media: 2014

Friday, December 12, 2014

Record 4,900+ exhibitors at Automechanika Shanghai

News this week: Messe Frankfurt’s Automechanika Shanghai 2014 recently concluded a record-breaking edition at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). The four-day automotive trade show featured a total of 4,906 exhibitors from 39 countries and regions – a 6% increase over last year’s show. Gross exhibition space increased by 5% to 220,000 m² – reaching the full capacity of the venue’s 17 exhibition halls as well as an additional 10 temporary halls.

Running from 9^th to 12^th December 2014, Automechanika’s international exhibitors increased by 11% reaching 581. Local exhibitors were up 5% to 4,325. First time group pavilions from Argentina and Pakistan formed part of a total of 17 overseas pavilions which included France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the U.K. and U.S.

Jason Cao, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK), said, “The increased level of support for Automechanika Shanghai demonstrates the broad and deep influence the show has within the industry. Our strong efforts in promoting the show in emerging markets and extending our product line depth have been rewarded with gaining supporters from Hebei and Jiangsu in China as well as internationally in Turkey, which will have a positive impact on both exhibitors and visitors this year.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Suntec Singapore unveils 2015 line-up

News this week: This week, Suntec Singapore released its scheduled line-up of 100 key events for 2015 which included various B2B and B2C events with 18 serving the medical-related industries. The venue reported on a “very strong 2014 performance” since reopening in June 2013 after a period of renovations.

Trade exhibitions to be hosted at Suntec Singapore in 2015 include the Singapore Motorshow, ICMAT and JEC Asia, and new client events such as the CMBE South East Asia, Inside Bitcoins, Expo Inside 3D printing and Parcel-Expo Asia Pacific. The venue also recently launched an online customer portal which features virtual event planning and organisers’ real-time access to booking information.

Arun Madhok, CEO of Suntec, was quoted saying, “This has been a great year for us and we look forward to building on our momentum in 2015. We are pleased to host a growing number of new clients. It has been a pleasure to see the return of many of our existing partners to our new centre.”

Political instability hits Pico Thailand’s bottom line

News this week: Earlier this week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Pico Far East Holdings, released its results for the financial year ended 31^st October 2014. The company posted revenues of US$30 million, a year-on-year decrease of 19%. Pico Thailand recorded a net loss of US$156,000 this year, compared to a profit of US$1.3 million in the previous year.

Pico Thailand’s management attributed the drop in revenues to the downturn in the company’s event marketing business and government projects, and postponement of projects due to the country’s political uncertainty during the financial year.

Australian government assists business events industry

News this week: Last month, the Australian federal government entered into a partnership to assist the country’s business events sector during the bidding and event delivery process. Australia’s minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, recently unveiled a new framework, “Attracting Business Events to Australia: Role of Government Agencies”, to highlight international business events as part of the government’s economic agenda.

The framework will involve collaboration between the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and Tourism Australia, the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) and the wider business events sector to attract world-class events to Australia.

Lyn Lewis-Smith, president of AACB, commented, “This is a ground-breaking win for the sector. International business events offer high yield benefits beyond the event that drive prosperity for Australia and contribute to the visitor and knowledge economies. With the growth potential of Asian markets, government support and involvement is essential to ensure AACB is in the best-possible position to identify, bid for and win business events that align with the national priority areas, and better connect industry, academia, government and the private sector.”

MyCEB roadshow tours China

News this week: The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) recently organised a roadshow to China to promote the country’s business events sector. MyCEB toured several major Chinese cities from 28^th November to 5^th December 2014 which included Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai.

The roadshow featured a delegation of 17 MICE industry players including Resorts World Genting, YTL Hotels & Resorts, Sunway Lagoon, Sarawak Convention Bureau and the Sabah Tourism Board. The roadshow delegation held destination workshops focusing on Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.

Ms Ho Yoke Ping, general manager, Business Events, MyCEB, said, “Our roadshows to China have always been rewarding in terms of the events originating in China that we manage to attract to Malaysia. Besides the proximity of our two nations and the commonalities we share which have gone a long way towards understanding Chinese culture, Malaysia remains a perfect destination in terms of its multitude of offerings and diversity.”

MMI’s bauma China reaches 300,000 m2

News this week: bauma China 2014, the International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Construction Vehicles and Equipment, recently concluded occupying 300,000 m² of gross exhibition space (including outdoor space) at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). This year’s show gathered 3,104 exhibitors from 41 countries and regions – up 14% compared to the 2012 edition. The four-day event was held on 25^th to 28^th November.

Messe München International (MMI) reported the participation of more than 900 international exhibitors this year. The top five exhibiting countries from outside China were Germany, the U.S., Italy, Korea and Japan. bauma China also hosted nine national pavilions representing: Austria, Finland, Germany, Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey, the U.K. and U.S. New features this year saw the launch of a business matchmaking system to facilitate contacts between exhibitors and visitors.

The show attracted 191,000 visitors from 149 countries and regions despite a slowing economy. The number of international buyers were up by 12% this year, with the top overseas visitors originating from Russia, followed by Korea, Japan, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Friday, December 05, 2014

Alibaba Group looks to the Indian market

News this week: The Alibaba Group is turning its sights on the Indian market. The group’s founder and chairman visited India in late November, leading a large Chinese delegation.

In October, one of Alibaba’s largest shareholders, Japan’s Softbank, invested more than US$800 million in two Indian e-commerce companies (Snapdeal.com and Ola Cabs). Snapdeal has a similar model to Alibaba’s which aims to connect small businesses directly to buyers. The e-commerce market in India remains small. In 2013, it was valued at US$2 billion compared with US$300 billion in China.

Indian businesses are active on Alibaba’s network of e-commerce platforms. Indian businesses are second only to Chinese business on Alibaba’s sites. Approximately 400,000 consumers in China bought from Indian businesses last year according to Alibaba. While in India, Ma commented, “We will invest more in India, we will work with the Indian entrepreneurs going forward.”

ITE Group profits down, positive on Asia

News this week: This week, U.K.-based exhibition organiser, ITE Group, reported profit attributable to equity holders of US$53 million (£33.9 million) – down slightly compared with US$54.3 million (£34.7 million) the year before. Annual revenues were US$273.6 million (£174.8 million) compared with US$301 million (£192.3 million) the year before. Revenues from Asia increased 55% in 2014 rising from US$5.8 million (£3.7 million) in 2013 to US$8.9 million (£5.7 million) this year.

ITE’s CEO, Russell Taylor, highlighted the group’s expansion and success in Asia, commenting, “ITE has a portfolio of leading events which continue to perform well and helped to deliver a good trading performance this year despite currency headwinds and difficult trading conditions in Russia and Ukraine. The Group has continued to execute its strategy of diversifying its business into new geographical markets and this year has established a presence in China and Indonesia.”

The group entered the exhibition markets in both China and Indonesia in the past two years with 50% acquisitions of a coatings exhibition in China and a construction event in Jakarta. The ChinaCoat exhibition was held this week and covered more than 34,000 m². Management also stated that it has plans to expand ChinaCoat into Southeast-Asia.

KLCC’s 2014 Q4 expected to be strong

News this week: The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) will end 2014 on a high note. The venue reports that it will host a total of 21 medium- to large-sized events in October, November and December. These events will attract a total of 538,000 participants. Some of the larger events include: the PIKOM PC Fair, Malaysia International Jewellery Festival, Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition, International Baby Expo, Facon Education Fair and the HOMEDEC exhibition.

KLCC general manager, Alan Pryor, commented, “The loyalty afforded to us by our clients since opening has been second to none. We are grateful for their continuing support as returning clients attest to our continuing delivery of quality products and services with flexible, innovative and value-added solutions to meet their evolving needs.”

The venue opened in mid-2005, and since that time it has recorded a total of more than 16.8 million visitors to nearly 9,500 events with a reported economic impact of an estimated US$1.58 billion to the Malaysian economy.

MICE event numbers up in Macau in Q3

News this week: The Macau government has released its latest MICE data via the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). In the third quarter of this year, 240 MICE events were held in the city – a modest increase of 14 vs. last year. Revenues from exhibitions in the third quarter, however, were up 81% year-on-year and exhibition revenues in the first nine months of the year were up an impressive 94%.

Overall, there were nearly 725,000 participants at MICE events in the third quarter. That is an increase of more than 16%. It is worth noting that 90% of the 240 events held in the quarter were meetings.

However, exhibitions generated 96% of the MICE visitors in the quarter – a total of 695,456 participants including visitors and exhibitors. Exhibition revenues remained low at just US$4.6 million.

UBM Asia launches another Indian jewellery event

News this week: UBM Asia has announced the results of its inaugural Gujarat Jewellery and Gem Fair 2014 (GJGF). Held in late November at the Gujarat University Convention and Exhibition Centre, the exhibition was organised in cooperation with the Gem & Jewellery Trade Council of India (GJTCI).

The exhibition featured nearly 130 exhibitors from all 29 Indian states. Visitors and exhibiors covered a wide range of industry players: jewellery wholesalers, retailers, exporters, importers, manufacturers, diamond and gemstone suppliers and government trade organisations.

UBM’s managing director in India, Joji George, commented, “India is one of the world's largest and fastest growing gem and jewellery markets and Gujarat accounts for almost 80% of the diamonds processed in India; it is a business advantage that Gujarat has over other regions. UBM India is proud to partner with GJTCI to host our maiden show in Gujarat which will not only strengthen our dominance in the jewellery sector but also add to our India footprint with successful established shows in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.”

TCEB kicks-off new campaign in London

New this week: Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) organised a roadshow in London this week to promote its brand communications campaign, “Thailand CONNECTS The World”. The roadshow, held in London at a series of events, reportedly brought together more than 150 buyers, suppliers and media representatives.

Senior representatives from Thai Airways, the Ministry of Commerce, the Tourism Authority of Thailand as well as the Royal Thai Embassy all showed their support by participating. The U.K. and European markets are in the top 10 source markets for Thailand’s business events industry. Travellers from the U.K. to Thai business events increased 84% to 15,262 in first three quarters of 2014, compared to same period last year.

Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, vice president of Strategic and Business Development of TCEB stated that, “The strategic direction to promote Thailand’s MICE industry is in response to the government policy of reinforcing international confidence in Thailand, and especially boosting the vibrancy of the country’s MICE industry, which helps connect business events to global success. For 2015, TCEB has developed the ‘Thailand CONNECT The World: Global Businesses and Local Experts Link to Boost Business Events Success’ brand communications campaign, building on Thailand’s 2014 brand campaign.”

Friday, November 28, 2014

Alibaba to focus on e-commerce in rural China

News this week: The Alibaba Group announced this week that it has signed agreements with provincial governments in China’s western region, Xinjiang and Gansu, to promote the use of e-commerce amongst small- and medium-sized businesses.

Alibaba will work with local authorities to assist with the digitisation of government and public service sectors there. The group will also set-up verticals on some of its key platforms, 1688.com and Taobao.com, to promote products from the two countries.

In the company press release, Jack Ma was quoted, “We hope to use the Internet to spread knowledge to people in the countryside, and to make available the special products from these regions to consumers all over China.”

Messe Frankfurt forms new JV in Guangzhou

News this week: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Limited and the Guangdong Toy Association (GDTA) have announced that they have established a new joint venture named the Guangzhou Li Tong Messe Frankfurt Company.

The new company with organise two exhibitions beginning in 2015. Toy & Hobby China and Baby & Stroller China are concurrent events which will be held in April next year at the Poly World Trade Center in Guangzhou. Previous editions of these two events featured approximately 930 exhibitors and more than 38,000 visitors.

Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt Hong Kong commented, “We are happy to form this strong collaboration with GDTA. We believe, by merging our more than 25 years’ experience hosting international trade events in greater China and the local influence GDTA has in the toy industry in the country, these two fairs will expand steadily in the near future.”

CCID revenues and profits down

News this week: Hong Kong-listed consulting and media group, CCID Consulting, posted its results for the nine months ending 30 September 2014. In that period, revenues slipped 5% to US$15.1 million.

In the same period, CCID’s net profit fell by 12% to US$1.16 million. Earnings per share in the nine months were RMB 1.02 cents. CCID’s “Management and Consulting Services” generate the majority of its revenues - US$8.85 million (or 59% of revenues). Marketing Consulting Services accounted for 10% of revenues in the period and “Information Engineering Supervision Services” 31%.

In the past nine months, CCID organised a series of conferences and events including the 2014 China IT Market Annual Conference, the 2014 China Semiconductor Market Annual Conference and the Big Data World Forum. These events were held in a variety of cities including Beijing, Wuxi and Guiyang.

Cybermedia posts profit in Q2

News this week: Indian media group, Cybermedia, posted a net profit for the quarter ended 30^th September. Net profit in the second quarter of their financial year was a modest US$37,000. This is a considerable improvement over the loss of US$180,000 recorded in the same quarter in 2013.

Overall revenues were US$2.64 million – up 14% over the same quarter in 2013. Cybermedia’s Media Services Business grew by 38% and accounted for nearly 67% of total revenues. Cybermedia’s key businesses in this segment include: Cybermedia Research (IT & telecom research), TDA Group (content marketing agency) and Content Matrix (custom media solutions).

Cybermedia’s traditional media businesses recorded a 29% drop in revenues in the quarter compared with the same quarter last year. The group maintains 12 print properties and 30 online properties. Key properties include: PCQuest, DQIndia, DQChannels, CIOL, GlobalServices and CyberAstro.

Reed Exhibitions agree to cooperate with C-TOUCH

News this week: Earlier this week, Reed Exhibitions Greater China announced that it has signed an agreement to cooperate with Shanghai Kuozhan Exhibitions, the organiser of C-TOUCH.

Beginning in 2015, the China International Touchscreen Exhibition (C-TOUCH) will be jointly organised by Reed and Shanghai Kuozhan. C-TOUCH is held twice each year – in Shenzhen in November and in Shanghai in May. Launched in 2008, C-TOUCH features a wide range of components and materials that serve the touchscreen industry.

Nat Wong, Reed Exhibitions Greater China President, commented, “We’re delighted to collaborate with C-TOUCH. It is another leading electronics manufacturing industry show for Reed in Shanghai and Shenzhen, where we already host the highly influential NEPCON series of events.”

Cosmoprof Asia attracts 60,000 visitors

News this week: UBM Asia’s Cosmoprof Asia event was held in Hong Kong last week and it attracted more than 60,000 visitors – including 64% international visitors. The more than 38,000 visitors came from more than 100 countries. The top five visitor markets were China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Japan.

The exhibition also featured 22 major pavilions from a variety of markets worldwide. Cosmoprof Asia posted a new record in terms of exhibitors with a total of 2,362 exhibitors. That is a 9% increase compared with 2013. In terms of space sold, Cosmoprof Asia covered over 81,500 m² – a 7% increase compared with the 2013 edition of the event. The event also included an educational seminar featuring a series of 13 presentations over three days. The seminar attracted approximately 775 delegates.

Cosmoprof Asia, which is organised by a joint venture owned by UBM Asia and BolognaFiere Group, will next take place in Hong Kong on 11^th to 13^th November, 2015.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Global Sources’ Johannesburg show features 600 booths

News this week: Last week, NASDAQ-listed B2B media group, Global Sources, held the fifth edition of its China Sourcing Fairs in Johannesburg at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. The event took place from 13^th to 15^th November and hosted 600booths.

This edition of the featured a wide range of product categories including: Electronics, Fashion Accessories, Garments and Textiles, Gifts and Premiums, Hardware and Building Materials and Home Products. According to Global Sources, buyers attending the three-day trade show last year reached 8,500 and pre-registered buyers are up 22% during this year’s build-up.

Tommy Wong, president of Global Sources Exhibitions, said, “With the surge we have experienced in pre-registrations for the show, we are optimistic for a record turnout of buyers this year. China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for five consecutive years, with business growing to US$210 billion in 2013, up from US$166 billion in 2011. The success of our show reflects that trend.”

Online B2B apparel marketplace ordre.com launched

News this week: A new international B2B e-commerce platform, Ordre.com, was recently launched by Hong Kong-based The Lock Group featuring ready-to-wear apparel collections. Participation as a retail buyer on Ordre.com is by invitation only. The platform does not publically list its buyer network.

The Lock Group was founded in Australia in 1989. The company’s business portfolio includes organising annual apparel industry events in Australia and around the Asia-Pacific region. The sourcing platform currently features apparel from more than 20 fashion designers, including Chalayan, Emilia Wickstead, House and Holland and Jason Wu. The platform expects to feature apparel from around 60 designers in the near-term future.

Ordre.com is reportedly backed financially by a team of early-stage investors led by Michael Alexander, CEO of investment firm Jefferies Hong Kong Ltd. The investors are expected to contribute a total of US$10 million in this round of funding.

BOL’s revenues and profits up

News this week: Last week, Bangkok-based business information provider, Business Online (BOL), announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30^th September 2014. Revenues for the quarter were US$3.8 million, a jump of 42% over the same quarter last year. Net income in the quarter was up 21%, amounting to US$662,000.

BOL also released results for the nine months ended 30^th September. Revenues during this period were US$10.1 million, a 17% increase from the same period in 2013. Net income was up 18% year-on-year to US$1.8 million. Diluted earnings per share for the nine-month period were Baht 0.08 (US$0.0025).

TTG’s revenues up 28% in Q3, profits fall

News this week: Last week, Hong Kong-listed Sino Splendid (formerly China.com) reported its results for the quarter ended 30^th September 2014. TTG Media, a subsidiary focused on the travel media segment, recorded revenues of US$3.1 million – an increase of 28% compared to the same period in 2013. Net income in the quarter was down 48% to US$378,000.

Sino Splendid also released results for the nine months ended 30th September. Revenues during this period were US$7 million, a 17% decrease from the same period in 2013. The company recorded a net loss of US$464,000 during the nine-month period.

Reed’s in-cosmetics Asia draws 400 exhibitors

News this week: Reed Exhibitions’ in-cosmetics Asia recently concluded at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC). The three-day show ran from 4^th to 6^th November 2014, and featured more than 400 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions.

Reed reported a 10% growth in visitor attendance this year, which included close to 6,600 international visitors and brand representatives from the likes of Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Beiersdorf and L’Oréal. An increase in visitor numbers from India and Australia were highlighted this year, as well as a 30% increase of Japanese visitors. Reed hosted two conference sessions on topics covering regulations in the West and in Asia.

Sarah Gibson, exhibition director of in-cosmetics Asia, commented, “Thailand boasts 2,000 cosmetics manufacturers and they import 90% of their ingredients. 2015 is a particularly important year with the new ASEAN economic community set to open up new opportunities for the personal care industry in the region, so it’s no surprise that this year we hosted more ingredient suppliers than ever-before and the best educational programme thus far. I am very proud and excited to report that initial feedback is that this year’s exhibition was the best ever.”

HKTDC’s autumn fairs host 8,800+ exhibitors

News this week: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has organised seven trade shows in Hong Kong during the months of October and November 2014, hosting more than 8,800 exhibitors including overseas exhibitors originating from 54 countries and regions – an increase of 2% against the same period last year.

According to the HKTDC, more than 186,000 local and overseas buyers from 174 countries and regions attended the shows, down 6% year-on-year. Five out of the seven fairs were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), including the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia, Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), Hong Kong Optical Fair, and Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair. Eco Expo Asia and the Hong Kong International Building and Hardware Fair were both held at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE).

Benjamin Chau, deputy executive director of HKTDC, remarked, “According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, per capita spending of business overnight visitors was over HK$10,000 (US$1,290) during their stay. Based on this figure, the total amount spent by overseas buyers and exhibitors during the fairs would amount to more than HK$1.2 billion (US$155 million) to Hong Kong, not including earnings from trade orders and related business services. These findings prove once again the enormous economic contributions exhibitions and conventions make to the Hong Kong economy.”

Friday, November 14, 2014

Gurgaon plans US$5 bil venue through Indo-Sino partnership

News this week: According to Indian media reports, Gurgaon-based Indian real estate development company, M3M Group, and Guangzhou real estate firm, Xinji Group, have signed an MoU to build a US$5 billion convention and exhibition centre in New Delhi.

A signing ceremony took place in Guangzhou detailing plans which included land resources provided by M3M and its Chinese counterpart to provide the expertise to develop the venue. A tentative timeframe for the project is expected at round five years which will include other commercial real estate and hotels.

Pankaj Bansal, director of M3M Group, was quoted saying, “We plan to build a large scale exposition centre of the kind that India does not yet have. In Delhi, all we have now is Pragati Maidan for exhibitions, and there is a real void when you talk about world class, modern exhibition centres as you have in China like the world renowned Canton Fair in Guangzhou. We hope Gurgaon will have that.”

Diversified’s Seafood Expo Asia grows 10%

News this week: Space sold at Diversified Communications’ 5^th edition of Seafood Expo Asia grew by more than 10% this year with over 200 exhibitors showcasing their products and services from the fish and aquaculture industry. The three-day show ran from 2^nd to 4^th September 2014 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and the event attracted more than 8,600 visitors from 66 countries and regions.

According to Diversified, 18 group pavilions were hosted including those from Argentina, Australia, Greece, Italy, France, Britain, the Maldives, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada and the U.S. Product highlights included Scottish salmon, abalone from Australia and razor clams from Ireland, while key industry trends focused on sustainability and ocean-friendly initiatives.

Ms Terri Tsang, show director at Diversified Communications, said, “In Asia, green shoppers are still on a learning curve although sustainability considerations are definitely starting to impact and influence purchasing decisions. Consumers are continuing to show an increasing appetite for premium products from quality suppliers and Seafood Expo Asia is reacting to that demand.”

Tarsus’ interim results on track

News this week: Earlier this week, London-listed media group, Tarsus Group, released its interim results for the period 1^st July to 10^th November 2014. Tarsus’ management reported that third quarter results and outlook for the 2014 full year remains in line with the company’s expectations, with current like-for-like bookings adjusted for biennial cycling coming in 8% ahead of 2013.

Tarsus announced its annual Guangzhou auto-aftermarket exhibition, AAITF, will be relocated to Shenzhen beginning in 2015. The company’s management also highlighted its future strategy to focus on six key geographical areas which include the U.S., China, Southeast Asia, Dubai, Turkey and Mexico.

Douglas Emslie, managing director of Tarsus Group, commented, “We have had a very good third quarter with strong performances across the major brands: Zuchex, Sign, Labelexpo and Offprice. We expect solid performances from our remaining shows in 2014 and the Group remains confident of delivering a good performance for the full year. We continue to drive our “Quickening the Pace” strategy through organic growth, brand replications and small acquisitions that accelerate our strategic goals.”

HC International’s revenue and profit both rise

News this week: Earlier this week, Hong Kong-listed HC International reported its results for the nine months ended 30^th September 2014. Revenues in the period were US$118 million, a year-on-year growth of 21%. Profit attributable to equity holders in the nine-month period was US$26 million, a jump of 63% over the first nine months of 2013. The management attributed the growth in profit to the improvement in online revenues and better control of the company’s costs and expenses. Diluted earnings per share in the first nine months were RMB 0.2329 (US$0.0379).

The company’s largest business segment, online services, generated 85% of total revenues (US$100 million) – up 24% over the first nine months in 2013. The seminars & other services segment generated revenues of US$14 million or about 12% of the company’s overall – up 9% year-on-year. The remaining 3% of revenues were generated from the trade catalogues & yellow page directories business segment, and were down 15% compared with last year.

HC International also released its results for the quarter ended 30^th September. Revenues in the quarter were US$42 million, up 6% over the same quarter of 2013. The company posted a jump of 92% in profit attributable to equity holders during the quarter, which amounted to US$15 million.

Global Sources’ revenue and income down in Q3

News this week: This week, NASDAQ-listed Global Sources released its financial results for the third quarter ended 30^th September 2014. The company reported revenues of US$43 million, down 5% compared with the same quarter in 2013. Net income in the quarter was US$1.9 million, a drop of 65% from the third quarter last year.

Close to half of Global Sources’ revenues were generated from online services, amounting to US$20 million or an 8% decrease year-on-year. Exhibition revenues remained flat at US$18 million and accounted for 41% of the company’s total. Declining print revenues dropped 18% to US$2.8 million in the quarter and accounted for 6.6% of total revenues.

Global Sources also announced results for the nine months ended 30^th September. The company’s revenues were US$135 million, down 1.6% year-on-year. Net income in the nine-month period dropped 68% to US$9 million. Diluted net income per share was US$0.26.

HKTDC’s new director unveils new strategies

News this week: Newly appointed executive director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Margret Fong, has highlighted the council’s commitment to creating business opportunities for local companies while also focusing on attracting mainland Chinese and international enterprises to expand their business through Hong Kong.

Fong outlined three strategic directions the HKTDC will take to assist local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to seize global opportunities including: the “Hub Concept”, Hong Kong as Asia’s Business Centre, and Hong Kong’s IT edge.

The “Hub Concept” will see the HKTDC promote trade in products and services, while supporting Hong Kong companies looking to access new markets. Secondly, the council is to establish and promote the city as Asia’s business capital. Finally, the HKTDC will utilise developments in IT to improve and add value to its services for SMEs through its trade fairs, exhibitions and online channels.

Friday, November 07, 2014

UBM unveils “Events First” strategy

News this week: Earlier this week, U.K.-based media group, UBM plc, announced an “Events First” strategy to focus the company’s resources on its largest and most profitable shows for the next three to five years. The company targets to grow events-related revenues ahead of global GDP to provide for expansions over the medium term.

According to UBM, the company’s top 100 shows by revenue generated more than 96% of earnings before interest, taxes and amortisation (EBITA) for its events business in 2013. The company plans to invest US$40 million to US$80 million annually to acquire events businesses.

Tim Cobbold, chief executive of UBM, commented, “Events First recognises that the Events industry is a highly attractive, growing, global industry in which UBM is already a leading player… We will focus on our clear priorities: applying our resources to grow our largest and most profitable shows; effecting a step change in the efficiency and effectiveness of our operational performance; and investing in customer insight to enhance their event experience.”

HKTDC’s wine & spirits fair attracts 1,000 exhibitors

News this week: This week, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened the 7^th edition of the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The fair, running from 6^th to 8^th November, opened with more than 1,000 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions.

This year’s wine & spirits fair is themed “Leisure in Chateau”, and will be attended by more than 70 buying missions consisting of 2,000 international companies organised by the HKTDC. First-time exhibitors this year include those from Belarus, Colombia and Macedonia. A new addition this year is the “Whisky and Spirits Zone” where more than 90 exhibitors will represent the spirits sector.

According to the HKTDC, close to 30 group pavilions are hosted at the fair. There are four pavilions making their debuts this year, including the Australia In Vines Association from the Yarra Valley in Australia, Sichuan Provincial Economic and Information Commission from mainland China, Italy’s Rome Chamber of Commerce, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of the Republic of Macedonia.

SNIEC reiterates stay in Pudong

News this week: The Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) has released a statement to reiterate its stay in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area following recent rumours about the possibility of the venue’s removal. Earlier in April this year, the venue quashed rumours that it would be closed and redeveloped in the Lingang port district.

Opened in November 2001, the venue is jointly owned by the German Exposition Corp., a joint subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, Messe Düsseldorf and Messe München, and Shanghai Lujiazui Exhibition Development Co., Ltd. SNIEC has recently signed long-term agreements with more than 70% of its customers including a 10-year agreement with the organiser of Furniture China, UBM Sinoexpo.

SES names new chief executive

News this week: Event organiser Singapore Exhibition Services (SES), a member company of Allworld Exhibitions Alliance, has announced the appointment of Lindy Wee as the company’s new chief executive effective 1^st January 2015.

Ms Wee currently serves as deputy chief executive of SES and will succeed the outgoing chief executive, Stephen Tan, who has served as chief executive since 1989. Tan will assume the role of chairman of SES at the end of his tenure. Ms Wee has more than 30 years of MICE-related experience since joining SES in 1983.

Wee commented on her appointment, “The support and backing I’ve received from Stephen and the staff is heartening. We have come a long way since 1976, and today we are proud owners of Asia’s three largest trade events for the Communications, Hospitality and Oil & Gas sectors. Looking forward, I am thrilled to play a vital role in continuing to grow Singapore Exhibition Services at a time when Asian markets are leading world growth in trade and investment opportunities.”

Reed Exhibitions interim revenue up 8%

News this week: Media group, Reed Elsevier, reported its interim results for the first nine months ended 30^th September 2014. The group’s exhibitions organising arm, Reed Exhibitions, reported underlying revenue growth of 8% year-on-year, or 7% excluding biennial cycling.

Management highlighted the company’s shows in the U.S. and Japan remained strong. In China, strong growth continued in certain industry sectors with more modest growth recorded elsewhere. Reed Exhibitions’ overall revenue growth trends are expected to continue for the full year. Management expects the positive impact of biennial cycling to contribute around 2% to underlying revenue growth in 2014.

Baidu’s Q3 revenue jumps 52%

News this week: NASDAQ-listed Baidu, the leading Chinese language Internet search provider, has announced its results for the third quarter ended 30^th September 2014. Revenues grew to US$2.2 billion, a jump of 52% compared with the same quarter in 2013. Net income attributable to the company was up 27% from last year to US$632 million. Diluted earnings per share were RMB 11.00 (US$1.79).

As of 30^th September, Baidu’s active online marketing customers rose year-on-year by 11% to about 516,000. Revenue per online marketing customer this quarter jumped to US$4,220 – a growth of 36% compared with the third quarter of 2013.

Robin Li, chairman and CEO of Baidu, said, “We had another very strong quarter as we continued to leverage our tremendous assets, especially in mobile. This quarter, mobile traffic surpassed PC traffic and mobile revenue contributed 36% of our total revenue. We are particularly pleased with the progress we have made in connecting people with services through innovative O2O initiatives like Baidu Connect — a better way for businesses to connect with their targeted consumers on mobile devices.”

Alibaba’s B2B revenues reach US$324 million in Q3

News this week: China’s largest e-commerce company, Alibaba Group, released its first quarterly financial results for the three-months ended 30^th September 2014 since completing its public listing on the New York Stock Exchange in September. The company recorded revenues of US$2.74 billion – up 54% over same period in 2013. Net income was US$494 million, down 39% from the US$807 million recorded in Q3 2013.

Revenues from Alibaba’s China B2B business, primarily generated from 1688.com, jumped 40% to US$129 million in Q3 2014. The company’s international B2B business, primarily consisting of Alibaba.com, generated revenues of US$195 million – up 24% compared to Q3 2013. In total, B2B revenues for the quarter amounted to US$324 million or 12% of overall revenues.

Separately, Alibaba’s domestic B2B-focused 1688.com announced its opening to overseas suppliers with the addition of 24 food & beverage related brands from South Korea. Previously in August this year, the platform launched a “Direct From Overseas Markets” programme to accepted its first foreign suppliers originating from Taiwan.

Friday, October 31, 2014

2,500 exhibitors feature at HKTDC’s autumn lighting fair

News this week: Earlier this week, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organised the 16^th edition of the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The fair was held from 27^th to 30^th October and attracted 2,500 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions.

According to the HKTDC, first-time exhibitors originating from Lithuania, Mexico and Portugal were in attendance. The HKTDC also organised 73 buying missions consisting of around 5,900 international buyers from 4,000 companies. The International Lighting Fair showcases the latest in lighting products, technologies and smart lighting solutions.

Major product zones featured in this edition included: advertising lighting, smart lighting & solutions, commercial lighting, household lighting, outdoor lighting, testing, certification & inspection, trade service & publication and lighting accessories, parts & components.

Global Sources’ fashion fairs host 1,300 booths

News this week: NASDAQ-listed B2B media company, Global Sources, recently hosted 1,300 exhibitor booths at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). The organiser’s co-located events included China Sourcing Fairs: Fashion Accessories, Garments & Textiles and Underwear & Swimwear, as well as India Sourcing Fair: Garments & Accessories.

The four-day trade show was held from 27^th to 30^th October. Global Sources reported the participation of many high-profile buyers this year, including representatives of Bestseller Fashion Group, Carrefour, Folli Follie, Giorgio Armani, Landmark Group, Le Chateau, Li & Fung, Nitori, Ralph Lauren, Samsonite, Sears, Triumph, Target Sourcing, Tesco, Wiley Accessories and Woolworths.

Tommy Wong, president of Global Sources Exhibitions, was quoted saying, “Buyers love the ease of sourcing many product lines under one roof. We have Asia’s largest selection of scarves, a new sportswear pavilion and fast growth in our finished-garment and fabric lines. Some lines have double-digit growth since our show last October. This mirrors the robust state of the global apparel industry which is expected to be worth more than US$1,560 billion by 2017.”

Revenue and profit down for Made-in-China.com

News this week: Shenzhen-listed Focus Technology, the operator of Made-in-China.com, has released its results for the quarter ended 30^th September 2014. Revenues were US$21 million, down 5% from the same quarter last year. Net income in the quarter was US$3.6 million, a drop of 44% compared with the same period in 2013.

The company also reported its results for the nine months ended 30^th September. Revenues in the period were US$64 million, an increase of 2% over the 2013 figure. Net income was US$15 million, a 12% year-on-year increase. The company attributed the drop in revenues and profit to uncertainties facing the recovering global economy and rising operational costs. Diluted earnings per share were RMB 0.80 (US$0.13) in the first nine months of 2014.

As of 30^th September 2014, Made-in-China.com had 13,275 registered members, of which 12,550 were registered on the company’s flagship English language site and just 725 on its Chinese site.

Netsun’s net income up 10% in Q3

News this week: Shenzhen-listed online sourcing platform, Zhejiang Netsun, announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30^th September 2014. Revenues were US$5.9 million, representing an 11% decrease over the same period in 2013. The Hangzhou-based company posted a net profit of US$1.5 million, a 10% rise compared with the third quarter of 2013.

Netsun also released its results for the nine months ended 30^th September. Revenues amounted to US$20 million, a drop of 23% compared with the first nine months of 2013. Net profit was US$4.8 million, a 4% increase over the same period last year. Earnings per share were RMB 0.14 (US$0.0228).

New MICE venue opens in Zhuhai

News this week: The new Zhuhai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (ZICEC) recently opened to add 30,000 m² of exhibition space to the Pearl River Delta region in southern China. With an initial investment of US$1.1 billion, the venue was developed by Zhuhai’s leading state-owned enterprise, Huafa Group, and managed by Beijing’s China National Convention Center (CNCC).

ZICEC’s exhibition space is spread across six 5,000 m² column-free halls. Additionally, ZICEC features a 4,500 m² divisible grand ballroom, a 2,000 m² plenary hall, opera theatre, concert hall and 35 meeting rooms. The venue is currently supported by the on-site Zhuhai Huafa Sheraton Hotel with 550 rooms. The adjacent 63-storey St. Regis Zhuhai Hotel is expected to open in 2016.

Three co-located events were recently held running from 16^th to 18^th October. ZICEC hosted 453 exhibitors and 13,000 trade visitors from the printing industry trade show which included the RemaxAsia Expo. The venue’s next event, the inaugural Zhuhai International Automobile Exhibition, will take place from 30^th October to 2^nd November 2014.

MCEC expansion plans approved

News this week: The Victoria State Government of Australia has approved the proposed expansion plans of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Reportedly Australia’s largest and busiest convention and exhibition centre, MCEC posted record results over the previous 12-month period hosting 1,030 events and close to 1.5 million visitors.

MCEC’s expansion proposal of the South Wharf precinct includes new retail space, additional car parks, hotel accommodation and multi-purpose convention and exhibition facilities. According to the venue’s management, the expansion could include additional exhibition and banquet space, smaller meeting rooms, new plenary options and networking and entertainment space.

Bob Annells, chairman of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, said, “The expansion business case has been in the pipeline with the Victorian State Government and stakeholders for some time and we are grateful for their support. The investment supports the ongoing work MCEC conducts with the Melbourne Convention Bureau to attract business events to Victoria which are worth around A$1.2 billion (US$1.1 billion) each year and generate 22,600 jobs.”

Friday, October 24, 2014

Automotive show attracts 1,500 exhibitors to NECC Shanghai

News this week: Earlier this week, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) – NECC Shanghai – successfully concluded its inaugural event attracting some 1,500 exhibitors. Previously held in Beijing, the China International Auto Products Expo (CIAPE) ran from 19^th to 21^st October 2014.

NECC Shanghai is Asia’s largest purpose-built exhibition centre. CIAPE utilised the venue’s entire north hall covering 106,000 m² of indoor and outdoor exhibition space in total. CIAPE was divided into 10 product segments covering the likes of finished vehicles, auto parts, tuning products, motorcycles and accessories. According to NECC Shanghai, the three-day show attracted some 130,000 visitors.

NECC Shanghai is situated in Hongqiao district on the west side of Shanghai. The Shanghai Metro opened two exits at the East Xujing station to cater to the travelling public. NECC Shanghai is expected to be fully operational by 2015, and will provide 400,000 m² of indoor exhibition space over 13 large halls (28,800 m² each) and three smaller-scaled halls (10,000 m² each).

Record number of exhibitors joins Messe Düsseldorf’s wire & Tube China

News this week: German trade show organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, reported the participation of 1,461 exhibitors from the wire, cable and tube processing industries at the wire & Tube China in Shanghai. The twin shows took place from 24^th to 27^th September 2014 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).

Jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) and the Shanghai Electric Cable Research Institute, more than 38,000 trade visitors attended the shows. The organisers reported strong participation from China and other overseas regions including Germany, Austria, France, Italy and North America.

Werner M. Dornscheidt, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, said, “Messe Düsseldorf, Messe Düsseldorf China and their local partner MC-CCPIT and SECRI are very satisfied with the outcome of the fair. With the rapid growth of wire & Tube China, we managed to not only exceed the visitor and exhibitor results from 2012 but to also strengthen our position as Asia’s leading wire, cable and tube trade fair.”

Alibaba.com partners Australia’s Bigcommerce

News this week: Alibaba Group’s B2B e-commerce platform, Alibaba.com, has teamed up with Sydney-based Bigcommerce to launch an integrated sourcing service. Vendors on Bigcommerce will now have direct access to Alibaba’s suppliers from its own platform.

Bigcommerce vendors will also be able to access other Alibaba.com services including its payment protection program and quality control inspection. Bigcommerce is an e-commerce platform serving small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and operates offices in Sydney, San Francisco and Austin. According to the company, it currently has a user base of more than 55,000 retailers.

Michael Lee, director of global marketing and business development at Alibaba.com, commented, “We are partnering with Bigcommerce to make it easy for our customers to do business anywhere in the world. Alibaba.com and Bigcommerce together are building an integrated ecommerce ecosystem and helping introduce more small- and medium-sized merchants and online stores to the global market.”

Global Sources holds gifts and home show at AWE

News this week: Earlier this week, B2B media company Global Sources held two co-located China Sourcing Fairs: Gifts & Premiums and Home Products at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) from 19^th to 22^nd October. A new “Olympic Sourcing Zone” featuring sports-related merchandise was launched at the Gifts & Premiums event this year.

Separately, Global Sources announced the completed launch of its new industry vertical – “Mobile Electronics”. Global Sources launched its China Sourcing Fairs: Mobile Electronics in 2014, which is complement by other industry-specific content offered through its online marketplace, magazine, sourcing alerts and mobile app. The inaugural April 2014 Mobile Electronics trade fair featured 1,050 booths.

Spenser Au, CEO of Global Sources, said “Mobile electronics is a multi-billion dollar with strong growth across all categories and geographies – nearly 2 billion mobile phones will be sold during 2014. Meanwhile, the wearables category is set to explode reaching US$8 billion by 2018. Our services were developed to help buyers in this industry make the right decision – at the right time – by delivering products, suppliers and intelligence through the channels of their choice.”

UBM signs long-term agreement with SNIEC, releases Q3 results

News this week: One of UBM Asia’s joint venture companies in China, Shanghai-based UBM Sinoexpo, has signed a ten-year strategic cooperation agreement with the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) effective from 2014 to 2023.

UBM reports UBM Sinoexpo’s operations have grown by an average of 10% annually – with exceptionally high growth rates of 23% and 38% recorded in 2007 and 2011 respectively. In 2014, UBM Sinoexpo rented a total of 880,000 m² of exhibition venue space across China versus total net space sold of 433,451 m²from trade fairs – for an average utilisation rate of 49.3% during the year.

Separately, UBM plc reported its third quarter interim results ended 30 September 2014. Management expects underlying performance to remain on track for the full year, and highlighted the strong performances of several Greater China-based trade shows. During the quarter, UBM invested US$11.9 million in its events business, which included the acquisition of U.K.-based Seatrade Communications earlier this year.

Diversified Communications acquires HRM Asia

News this week: Last week, U.S.-headquartered Diversified Communications announced the acquisition of Singapore-based media company HRM Asia. HRM Asia’s 27 staff members will continue to be led by HRM Asia’s general manager Kaveri Ayahsamy. Terms of the deal were not undisclosed. The deal was assisted by exhibition specialist brokers Mayfield Media Strategies.

The acquisition of HRM Asia will see the additions of HR Summit, the HRM Congress series, HRM Magazine and HRM Online to Diversified’s portfolio of more than 175 events, eMedia products and print magazines. According to Diversified, its global operations of 850 staff now extends to eight countries and regions including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Thailand, the U.K. and U.S.

Matt Pearce, Diversified’s international director, commented, “We are acquiring HRM Asia because it fits well with our model of working across a variety of touch points within a community. We see the opportunity to expand the business both locally and internationally.”

Friday, October 17, 2014

HKTDC’s electronics show draws 4,100 exhibitors

News this week: Earlier this week, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) held two co-located electronics trade shows at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) with a combined attendance of 4,100 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions.

According to the HKTDC, more than 130 buying missions consisting of 9,900 trade buyers from 68 countries and regions were invited to the twin shows. The Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) focuses on finished electronic products with new product zones this year highlighting wearable technology, health monitoring gadgets and 3D printing.

Co-organised with MMI Asia Pte Ltd, electronicAsia showcases electronic components and production technologies including printed circuit boards, display technologies and solar photovoltaic technologies. Both trade shows took place from 13^th to 16^th October.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Friday, December 05, 2014

Friday, November 28, 2014

Friday, November 21, 2014

Friday, November 14, 2014

Friday, November 07, 2014

Friday, October 31, 2014

Friday, October 24, 2014

Friday, October 17, 2014

Feedblitz

Blog Archive

Links

About Me

Labels