Aug 2026

Proud Media Partner of: Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations

Aug 2026 Vol 12 Issue 08

Voice of Asia’s Exhibition & Convention Industry

SUSTAINABILITY Paperworld Middle East Partners with FSC to Champion Responsible Sourcing

REPORT IMEX Releases New White Paper: "Place Leadership and the Business Events Sector”

TEX '

Transforming India s TextilE Story DR. RAKESH KUMAR Chairman , IEML & Core Committee Member, Bharat Tex 2026

madhvi@novatechexpo.com

+91 9910441933

India’s Moment to Lead...

India’s exhibi ons, business events and MICE industry today are entering a defining moment. The findings presented in the KPMG and EEMA report on the socio-economic impact of India’s events and experiences industry show that this is no longer simply a sector built around gatherings. It is emerging as a powerful economic engine for tourism, employment and des na on development.

The report es mates India’s organised MICE economy at ₹46,739 crore, making it an important component of the event economy overall. The study also assigns MICE an implied economic mul plier of 2.03x. This demonstrates how the value generated by a business event extends well beyond the venue, benefi ng hotels, food and beverage businesses, local transporta on, retail, workforce and the wider des na on economy.

The visitor profile reinforces this impact. The report finds that 54.6 percent of event visitors travel from outside the host city. Their spending creates a wider footprint through accommoda on, travel, dining and local experiences. Business events are also des na ondevelopment pla orms.

This sits within a larger transforma on. KPMG projects India’s experience economy to reach $59.2 billion by 2029-30, as global events expand through rising demand for live and immersive experiences. Technology, sustainability and stronger MICE ecosystems are reshaping des na on compe on.

I have seen this evolu on across the industry. My visit to Goa for URJATVA and ONGC’s Urja Bharat Conven on Centre reinforced the poten al of integrated des na ons that combine exhibi ons, conferences, hospitality, learning and experiences.

This remarkable month, well beyond AMTEX, Fastener Fair India, BIOFACH INDIA, HYROX, Gi s World Expo, IBET, IHE Expo & many more, the exhibi on floor is increasingly becoming a pla orm for investment, innova on, sourcing, networking and business growth.

But growth brings responsibility. Infrastructure alone will not define India’s leadership. We need stronger collabora on, skilled talent, technology and AI adop on, sustainability, risk management and smarter des na on ecosystems.

This is also the thinking behind Exhibi on Showcase’s upcoming EDEC 2026 in Mumbai and ALAS 2026 in New Delhi.One thought stays with me: infrastructure builds capacity; collabora on builds des na ons.

India is no longer merely preparing to par cipate in the global business-events economy. We are building the capability, confidence and ecosystem to lead it.

At Exhibi on Showcase, our responsibility is to document this transforma on, ques on its direc on and bring you the people and ideas shaping the industry’s next chapter.

The opportunity is here. Now is the me to build on it.

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WORLD MAP

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INDUSTRY IN PICTURES FROM THE WORLD OF SOCIAL MEDIA

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QUICK BYTES

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Edinburgh visitor levy comes into effect

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NEWS BUZZ

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ONGC Unveils URJATVA & Urja Bharat Convention Centre in Goa as Premier MICE Destination

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Pharma Pro&Pack Expo 2026 Sets New Milestones in Scale, Innovation and Industry Engagement

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Verifair Dubai and Radeecal Exhicon India Sign Strategic Joint Venture to Launch Two Major Industrial Events in India

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INTERVIEWS

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Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML & Core Committee Member, Bharat Tex 2026

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Himani Gulati, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd.

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Priyank Jain, CEO, Tulip 3p Media Pvt. Ltd.

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Deepak Raj, Country Head, HYROX India

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PEOPLE MATTER

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GLOBAL NEWS

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Easyfairs Launches Digital Accountancy Show USA, Bringing the UK’s Standout Acounting Event Experience to Austin, Texas

FEATURE

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SUSTAINABILITY

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Paperworld Middle East Partners with FSC to Champion Responsible Sourcing across the Region's Paper and Stationery Industry

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ACQUISITIONS

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Apollo Funds Complete Acquisitions of Emerald and Questex

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FOCUS REGION - MIDDLE EAST

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FESPA Middle East Announces New April 2027 Dates

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INSIGHTS

Washington, D.C. The Events Industry Council, in partnership with Oxford Economics, has released the full 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, providing a comprehensive examination of the scale, reach and broader value of the global business events sector.New research finds business events generated US$3.1 trillion in total business sales, contributed US$1.8 trillion to global GDP and supported 24.2 million jobs in 2025. Each US$1.00 in direct business event spending generated an additional US$1.37 in indirect and induced expenditures throughout the global economy.

Hamburg DVW e.V., the German Association for Geodesy, Geoinformation and Land Management, and Hamburg Messe und Congress have laid the groundwork for a longterm cooperation partnership to organise future INTERGEO events. The two companies signed a ten-year agreement in Hamburg on 16 July 2026 that will take effect in 2028. The new partnership marks a change of venue concept for INTERGEO to better meet the industry’s needs: instead of convening at the same place every year, the world’s leading exhibition and congress platform for geodesy, geoinformation and land management will take place in Hamburg in odd years (starting in 2029) and take turns between two other leading German trade fair cities in even years as of 2028.

CAIRO The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities announced a new Digital Visa-on-Arrival System, a key step forward in modernizing entry procedures for international travelers. The system replaces the traditional paper visa sticker with a Visa QR Code, offering a faster, seamless arrival that reflects Egypt's commitment to smart, traveler-friendly experiences. The pilot phase of the new system will begin on 1 August 2026 at Cairo International Airport (all arrival terminals). After the Cairo pilot, the government will extend the system to other airports in stages, with dates announced in advance.

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Daman The Union Territory of Daman has entered a new era of air connectivity with the commencement of commercial flight operations from the newly developed NAMO Airport. On July 16, 2026, Alliance Air operated the airport’s first scheduled commercial service on the Daman–Delhi–Daman route, marking the region’s first-ever direct air link with the national capital. Direct air connectivity between Daman and the national capital is expected to give a major boost to tourism, trade, and investment in the region. Developed by the UT Administration at a cost of 124 crore on a 25-acre site, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation reimbursing 88 crore towards the project, the terminal spans 3,700 square metres and can currently handle 14 ATR flights a day, with a capacity of 3.67 lakh passengers annually.

Sharjah Amid rapid geopolitical, technological and economic change, the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026) will bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders and economic experts from the UAE and around the world to explore the future of investment and the role of adaptive economies in driving sustainable growth. Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment, the forum will take place on October 14–15 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre under the theme "Building Adaptive Economies."

Cairns New economic impact data released by Cairns Convention Centre to mark its 30th anniversary shows how the Centre has helped transform Cairns from a seasonal tourism destination into a globally recognised business events hub, attracting international and national conferences typically reserved for Australia’s capital cities, welcoming some 3 million delegates across close to 2,500 conferences and events, generating 2.9 million room nights. The Centre’s $176 million expansion, funded by the Queensland Government and completed in 2023, has significantly increased its capacity to host larger conventions and multiple concurrent events, strengthening its ability to attract more business events.

Disclaimer: Map is for representation purpose only

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Industry In Pictures From

AsiaWorld-Expo welcomed 17,000 global delegates for the 108th Lions Clubs International Convention, bringing together the global Lions and Leos community for five inspiring days of dialogue, cultural exchange and fellowship. #AsiaWorldExpo

The China Daily-use Articles Trade Fair (CDATF) recently concluded with 200,000+ sqm of exhibit space, 5,000+ exhibitors and 100,000+ trade visitors. A long-standing platform connecting homeware and consumer product manufacturers with buyers across global markets. (SNIEC)

The machines ran. The conversations happened. The decisions were made.

AMTEX - Asian Machine Tool Exhibition 2026 delivered on every promise and this floor has been the stage for some of the most important moments in Indian manufacturing this year. #AMTEX

The “Bengal Roars Ahead” pavilion at Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav 2026 was inaugurated by Shri Dipak Barman, showcasing West Bengal’s MSME and textile strength, market opportunities and industrial growth potential. #ASSOCHAM

Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau held the Momentum Building Meeting for The General Assembly of The Japan Medical Congress.

The meeting called various representatives from economic organizations and private companies to foster cooperation and publicity for the upcoming 2027 congress. #osaka

The Confederation of Indian Industry supported the Scotland India Business Forum in Glasgow on 30–31 July. Indian and Scottish business leaders explored opportunities for collaboration, CETA, and long-term partnerships across manufacturing, life sciences, food & drink, and technology. #CII

CHEMEXCIL, in association with MDoNER & FFDC Kannauj, organised the India’s Premier Industry Summit on “Prospects & Export of Agarwood Oil from India”, bringing key stakeholders together to explore the sector’s export potential. #CHEMEXCIL

Marking another milestone in the expansion of our global network, our new daily service connects Riyadh with Mumbai, one of India's most vibrant commercial and cultural hubs, making it the 8th destination we now fly to and opening the door to even more journeys. #RiyadhAir

BIOFACH India 2026 showcased Indo-German collaboration in sustainable agriculture, focusing on climate-smart solutions, farmer markets, investment and global opportunities for Indian organic products. #German Embassy New Delhi

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The World Of Social Media

IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 officially opened at JWCC, bringing together leading voices from the global jewellery industry. The inauguration was graced by Chief Guest Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra. #IIJSBharatPremiere2026

CHINA DIECASTING & CHINA NONFERROUS successfully concluded, connecting China with global markets and showcasing innovative solutions across the die casting industry. Congrats on another successful edition! (SNIEC)

Gartex Texprocess India 2026 Delhi welcomed industry professionals from across the sector. With busy and packed aisles the show floor became a meeting point for innovation, sourcing, and business growth. #GartexTexprocessIndia

Koelnmesse APAC Offsite 2026 brought together teams from across the region in Penang, Malaysia, including Indonesia for the first time. Two days of workshops focused on AI, collaboration and strengthening crossmarket teamwork-with one key takeaway: we’re stronger when we work together as one regional team. #Koelnmesse

FEBI has launched its new Working Group on Sustainability, strengthening its advocacy alongside 11 sectoral committees. Aligned with the EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, the group will focus on advancing green and clean transition and sustainable business collaboration. #FEBI

The momentum continued at the ACMA Mobility Foundation Tech Show at SML Mahindra, Punjab, with the exhibition floor buzzing as OEM teams from Purchase, R&D, Manufacturing and Leadership engaged with the supplier community throughout the day. #ACMA

EMAX 2026 officially opened at Setia SPICE Convention Centre, alongside PMAX, SMAX, ASFAX and the inaugural CirTech 2026. A strong showcase of electronics, semiconductor, manufacturing and sustainable factory solutions. #PCEB

India Pavilion Inaugurated at Sourcing at MAGIC, Las Vegas. The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Shri Kulwant Singh, Consul, Consulate General of India, Los Angeles, in the presence of Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC. #AEPC

HIPLEX 2026 was officially inaugurated at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, with Shri Sridhar Babu Duddilla, Hon’ble Minister, Government of Telangana, as Chief Guest and Dr. Raju Desai, President, Plastindia Foundation, as Guest of Honour. #plastindia Foundation

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August 2026

HML celebrates successful conclusion of LEAP East 2026 at HKCEC

Kazakhstan Trade Mission opens new doors for Indian jewellery exporters The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) successfully concluded the Kazakhstan leg of its three-country trade mission to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The initiative was aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations and creating new business opportunities for Indian jewellery exporters in the Central Asian and CIS markets.A networking event in Almaty brought together more than 45 representatives from the jewellery industry, along with officials from the Embassy of India, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, trade associations and government bodies. The Indian delegation was led by Sohil Kothari, SEZ Convener, GJEPC, as part of the Council’s three-country trade mission to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan from 13 to 19 July 2026, highlighting India’s strengths as a global jewellery manufacturing hub.

LEAP East 2026-the historic Asian debut of Saudi Arabia's premier technology conference brand, LEAP, concluded successfully. Staged over three days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the inaugural event utilised over 35,000 square meters of rentable space across Hall 1 and Hall 3. Positioned right on the Victoria Harbour waterfront, the landmark summit served as a global bridge, bringing 300 startups and 600 investors-collectively representing more than US$6.5 trillion in assets under management--under one roof. The summit's drawing power was significant, attracting over 25,000 professionals, policymakers, and investors, with a mix of 55% international and Chinese Mainland and 45% local participation.

Legends Global joins the U.S. Food Waste Pact Legends Global is the latest company to join the U.S. Food Waste Pact, a joint initiative led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund to reduce food waste throughout the supply chain. Legends Global joins other hospitality signatories, as well as a cohort of producers, manufacturers, distributors, foodservice operators, and grocery retailers dedicated to cross-sector collaboration on high-impact solutions to food waste.

Through Legends Global Acts, the company is committed to advancing more sustainable food systems by increasing local sourcing, reducing food waste, and improving waste diversion across its operations, while creating lasting value for the communities it serves and the clients it supports. By joining the Pact, Legends Global will collaborate with industry peers and partners to share best practices, drive innovation, and accelerate progress toward these commitments, helping build a more circular, resilient, and community-focused food system.

TIWF 2026 returns as ASEAN's premier woodworking and furniture industry event The Thailand International Woodworking & Furniture Exhibition 2026 (TIWF 2026) is preparing for its highly anticipated return as Thailand's largest international trade exhibition dedicated to the woodworking and furniture industries. Organized through a strategic joint venture between IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. and IEC Messevertriebs GmbH from Germany—both globally recognized exhibition experts—the event serves as a premier platform connecting entrepreneurs, manufacturers, designers, distributors, and industry professionals from across Thailand and the ASEAN region. Scheduled to take place from September 16–18, 2026 at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, TIWF 2026 will showcase the latest innovations, advanced technologies, machinery, materials, designs, and manufacturing solutions.

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August 2026

Abu Dhabi's largest property event IREIS returns to ADNEC To be held from17th to 19th September, IREIS 2026 will return to ADNEC as the emirate's largest real estate sales exhibition, bringing together the UAE's leading property developers, investors, financial institutions and homebuyers on one platform to drive investment and property sales across the country. IREIS 2026 will highlight investment opportunities not only in Abu Dhabi but also across Dubai, Sharjah Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and other fast-growing emirates. The exhibition reflects the increasing trend of Abu Dhabi-based investors diversifying their property portfolios across the UAE, while developers from every emirate recognise the capital as one of the country's strongest investment markets.

Edinburgh visitor levy comes into effect

Sydney secures Sustainable Aviation Fuel Summit for next three years Sydney has been selected to host the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) APAC Summit in a landmark three-year deal that will anchor the event in the city from 2027–2029. Having previously been held in Melbourne, the summit was secured by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) from 2027 under the new agreement. An official signing ceremony took place at ICC Sydney on 10 July with the NSW Government, Leader Associates, BESydney, and ICC Sydney present to cosign the three-year agreement. The summit will be hosted at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), with the first event to take place in July 2027. Commencing with approximately 3000 participants over two days, the summit is expected to deliver an estimated $2.3 million in direct expenditure to the local economy each year.

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The UK’s first city-wide visitor levy scheme will officially apply to paid overnight stays in Edinburgh starting from 24 July 2026. A 5% fee will now apply to the cost of all paid overnight accommodation in Scotland’s capital city, capped at five nights in a row. The levy is charged at the same rate every day of the year. The scheme was formally agreed in January 2025 and has applied to all advance bookings made since 1 October 2025 for stays taking place on or after 24 July 2026. The levy is projected to raise up to £50 million a year to invest in sustaining, supporting and enhancing Edinburgh’s worldwide appeal as a place to visit and live.

SOTC Travel launches dedicated Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) & Exhibitions Division SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company, has expanded its business events portfolio with the launch of its dedicated Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) & Exhibitions Division. Building on its established expertise in MICE, the new business vertical is a strategic extension of SOTC's offerings, enabling the company to deliver specialized end-to-end conference, association and exhibition management solutions. The new division will offer a comprehensive suite of services including end-to-end conference management, medical and scientific congress management, association conferences, delegate registration and attendee management, speaker and faculty management, abstract and poster management, sponsorship and exhibition management, venue sourcing, travel and accommodation, visa facilitation, event technology solutions, hybrid and virtual event management, and end-to-end on-ground operations. The division will serve as a single-window solution, delivering seamless, technology-driven, and world-class conference experiences for clients and participants alike.

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News Buzz

August 2026

ONGC Unveils URJATVA & Urja Bharat Convention Centre in Goa as Premier MICE Destination

he Urja Bharat Convention Centre (UBCC) at ONGC Advanced Training Institute, Betul, Goa, was officially unveiled during the Grand Showcase held on 18 & 19 July 2026, drawing an enthusiastic response from more than 100 industry leaders, event managers, PCOs, PEOs, venue operators and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) professionals from across India.

Spread across a sprawling 250acre integrated campus, the newly introduced convention destination combines state-ofthe-art convention infrastructure, exhibition facilities, premium accommodation, training spaces and hospitality services, positioning itself as one of India’s emerging venues for business events.

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Located within ONGC's Advanced Training Institute (ATI) campus in Sancoale, the International Convention & Expo Centre (ICEC) is Goa's largest and most advanced convention centre. Developed by ONGC, this world-class facility strengthens the state's capability to host international conferences, exhibitions, energy summits and large-scale business events.

Prithvi - Convention Centre: Capacity of over 3,500 + PAX Vayu - Exhibition Hall: 7,200 m² of column-free exhibition space Akash - 8,353 m² of built-up area, featuring a 150-seat auditorium, eight classrooms, eight syndicate rooms and dedicated conference facilities Designed to achieve a GRIHA 5-Star rating for sustainable practices, the Convention Center will set new standards for India’s event infrastructure.

The venue has already demonstrated its operational capabilities by successfully hosting India Energy Week, one of India’s premier global energy events, reinforcing its ability to accommodate large-scale conferences, exhibitions and international gatherings.

Speaking during the showcase, Mr. Saket Gupta, Executive Director, ONGC ATI, highlighted the vision behind URJATVA and ONGC UBCC, emphasising the institute’s commitment to supporting India’s growing business events ecosystem through world-class infrastructure and sustainable development.

Inspired by regional Kaavi art, its climate-responsive facade and grand triple-height lobby create a strong architectural identity. A 12,000-square-metre Exhibition Hall offers flexible, high-volume space for expos, trade shows, and industry showcases. Its exceptional infrastructure includes:

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News Buzz

August 2026

India Mobile Congress 2026 Returns with Theme 'Scale Without Boundaries’ he Department of Telecommunicatios (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) have officially unveiled the theme “Scale Without Boundaries” for the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, scheduled to take place from October 7–10, 2026, at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre), New Delhi.

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The theme was announced by Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at the theme launch event, which was also attended

by Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and

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Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Secretary Amit Agrawal.

The 2026 edition of IMC will be built around four thematic pillars: Ÿ Srishti – Building the Future, focusing on innovation and next-generation digital infrastructure. Ÿ Suraksha – Strengthening Trust, highlighting secure and resilient digital ecosystems. Ÿ Sashakt – Expanding Opportunities, aimed at leveraging technology for inclusive growth and wider digital access. Ÿ Samvardhan – Fueling Growth, showcasing the role of digital technologies in driving investment, entrepreneurship, job creation and India’s emergence as a global technology leader.

IMC 2026 will showcase innovations across technologies including 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud and edge computing, satellite communications, electronics manufacturing, quantum technologies and green technologies. It will also feature technology demonstrations, product launches, industry collaborations, investment opportunities and policy discussions. The flagship startup programme ASPIRE will continue to provide startups with opportunities to connect with investors, incubators, accelerators and industry leaders. According to the Ministry of Communications, the previous edition attracted more than 140,000 visitors, featured 860 exhibitors from 101 countries, showcased 1,500 technology use cases, hosted 465 startups, and included 918 speakers across 113 sessions, including keynote addresses, roundtables and panel discussions.

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News Buzz

August 2026

Pharma Pro&Pack Expo 2026 Sets New Milestones in Scale, Innovation and Industry Engagement harma Pro&Pack Expo 2026, jointly organised by Messe Muenchen India and the Indian Pharma Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (IPMMA), concluded at HITEX, Hyderabad, after three days of technology showcases, product launches, business meetings and industry knowledge exchange. Held from 9 to 11 July 2026, the standalone edition of the exhibition was also its largest to date. It attracted 19,206 visitors, brought together 353 exhibiting brands and occupied more than 35,000 square metres across all seven halls of HITEX. There was participation from over 30 countries, including Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, South Korea, Thailand, Nepal,

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Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Pharma Pro&Pack Expo 2026 brought together pharmaceutical processing machinery, packaging systems, watertreatment solutions, automation, quality-control solutions, cleanroom technologies, digital technologies, software platforms and production infrastructure. The expanded format allowed visitors to move from technology discovery to detailed technical evaluation and supplier discussions during the same visit.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers, production and packaging teams, engineers, procurement professionals and business leaders could compare multiple solutions, examine equipment and engage directly with suppliers on ongoing and upcoming projects.

The conference programme was held under the theme “Future of Pharma Manufacturing: Trends Transforming the Industry” and added a strong knowledge component to the exhibition experience.

India to Host Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 in New Delhi from November 2–5 ndia will host the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo (BRE Summit & Expo) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 2 to 5, bringing together global policymakers, industry leaders, investors and technology innovators to accelerate cooperation in the clean energy sector.

(ISA) Assembly, and the 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH).

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Announcing the event at its curtain raiser, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said the summit will, for the first time,

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bring together three major international renewable energy events under a single platform – the BRE Summit & Expo 2026, the 9th Session of the International Solar Alliance

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the summit will bring together the entire renewable energy value chain, including renewable energy developers, technology companies, manufacturers, battery storage firms, green hydrogen companies, financial institutions, international organisations and investors.

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News Buzz

August 2026

SATTE Introduces AI-Powered Visitor & Buyer Qualification Framework to Enhance Business Matchmaking ATTE (South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange), South Asia’s leading travel and tourism exhibition, has announced the introduction of its AIPowered Visitor & Buyer Qualification Framework, making it among the first travel trade exhibitions in India to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance visitor qualification, buyer intelligence and business matchmaking. As the business events industry evolves, exhibitors are increasingly looking beyond visitor numbers and focusing on meaningful business outcomes.

Responding to this shift, SATTE has introduced an intelligent visitor qualification framework that will help create more relevant business connections and improve the overall quality of engagement across the

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exhibition.The AI-powered framework intelligently analyses visitor profiles to better understand business relevance and buyer intent, enabling more meaningful exhibitor-buyer interactions while supporting a smarter, more personalised event experience.

enabling year-round engagement, stronger business networking and continuous relationship building across the travel ecosystem.

Integrated with SATTE 365, the initiative extends the value of the exhibition beyond the show floor by

Messe Muenchen India Partners with mac. brand spaces Singapore Pte. Ltd. and meplan GmbH o strengthen services for international pavilion organisers and exhibitors, Messe Muenchen India has signed a strategic MOU with mac. brand spaces Singapore Pte. Ltd. and meplan GmbH. From translating global brand guidelines into effective exhibition spaces to managing build requirements, logistics and execution on the ground, mac. brand spaces Singapore Pte. Ltd., a creative and livecommunication specialist, and meplan,

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an agency for brand spaces and stand construction will independently manage and provide the specialist support required for smooth participation across trade fairs.

The alliance combines the international expertise of both organisations with strong local execution capabilities to provide a comprehensive service ecosystem for exhibitors.

A key feature of the collaboration is the introduction of sustainabilityfocused modular stand solutions, supported by cost-efficient planning and clearly defined delivery timelines.

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News Buzz

August 2026

Verifair Dubai and Radeecal Exhicon India Sign Strategic Joint Venture to Launch Two Major Industrial Events in India create industry-leading exhibitions that not only serve the Indian market but also attract international participation.

Mr. Maanuj Desai CMO, Radeecal Exhicon India Powerelec Bharat and ProPaper Bharat will provide a comprehensive platform for innovation, investment, and business collaboration while supporting the growth of India’s manufacturing ecosystem.”

erifair Dubai and Radeecal Exhicon India have officially signed a strategic Joint Venture Agreement to jointly organise two focused industrial exhibitions in India, strengthening their commitment to creating worldclass business platforms for the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

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Under this partnership, the companies will jointly launch

The partnership combines Verifair’s international business events expertise with Radeecal Exhicon’s strong presence and execution capabilities in the Indian exhibition industry. The objective is to create highly focused B2B platforms connecting manufacturers, technology providers, distributors, government bodies, and industry professionals from India and

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across the globe.

Mr. Jeen Joshua, Managing Director, Verifair Dubai, said: “India continues to be one of the world’s fastest-growing industrial economies, presenting exceptional opportunities across the power, electrical and paper sectors. Our partnership with Radeecal Exhicon is built on a shared vision of delivering international-quality exhibitions that facilitate business growth, technology exchange and global networking. We are confident that Powerelec Bharat and ProPaper Bharat will become benchmark events for their respective industries.”

Mr. Maanuj Desai, CMO, Radeecal Exhicon India, said: We are delighted to partner with Verifair Dubai in this strategic venture. By combining our strengths, we aim to

Powerelec Bharat is set to take place at CIAL Trade Fair Centre, Kochi, Kerelam, India from 8th to 10th April 2027 and Pro Paper Bharat is set to take place at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India from 8th to 10th June 2027, with participation expected from leading national and international companies, industry associations, and government stakeholders. The joint venture marks another significant milestone in expanding international exhibition collaborations and reinforcing India’s position as a preferred destination for specialised B2B trade exhibitions.

About Verifair Dubai: Verifair Dubai is an international exhibition organiser known for developing specialised business events that connect global industries and facilitate cross-border business opportunities.

About Radeecal Exhicon India: Radeecal Exhicon India is a leading exhibition organiser focused on creating sector-specific trade exhibitions and conferences that promote industrial growth, innovation, and international business partnerships across India and overseas.

Globally Leading Media Platform For MICE Industry

Feature

August 2026

Positioning India as Asia’s Next Convention Powerhouse: Chander Mansharamani, Vice Chairman, ICPB ndia’s MICE industry is entering a new phase of growth, driven by world-class infrastructure, connectivity, technology and a strong knowledge economy. At the heart of this momentum is the 15th Conventions India Conclave (CIC 2026), bringing together destinations, convention centres, hotels, event service providers, buyers and industry stakeholders.

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According to Mr. Chander Mansharamani, Vice Chairman, India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), the ambition is to develop CIC into a signature national MICE event within three years and gradually build its international identity, with a larger vision of positioning it as Asia’s preferred MICE platform.

India already has a strong infrastructure advantage, with venues such as Yashobhoomi, Bharat Mandapam, India Expo Mart, Jio World Convention Centre and HITEX. However, greater policy support and financial incentives are needed to help Indian organisers bid for international conferences and attract global events.

India’s knowledge economy is another major strength, spanning IITs, IIMs, medicine, science, technology and space. Combined with emerging destinations and smart technologies, CIC can help showcase India’s capabilities and strengthen its position in the global MICE landscape. See you at CIC 2026.

The MICE platform the world cannot miss

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Sustainability

August 2026

Austria Center Vienna Invests in Future Resilience with New Photovoltaic System ustria Center Vienna (ACV) has commissioned a new photovoltaic system that will generate part of its electricity on site.

Approximately 1,340 solar panels covering an area of 2,700 square metres will produce around 575,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy annually. The project represents the largest single measure implemented to date as part of Austria Center Vienna’s ongoing transformation programme. The photovoltaic installation comprises approximately 1,340 modules with a total installed capacity of 603 kWp across around 2,700 square metres of roof space.

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The system will cover approximately 8.5 per cent of the venue’s electricity demand. The energy generated will be consumed directly on site, signifi-

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cantly reducing Austria Center Vienna’s reliance on externally sourced electricity.

“Sustainability is increasingly shaping competition for international congresses and conventions. Today, organisers expect tangible measures rather than declarations of intent.

With this photovoltaic system, we are investing in the long-term competitiveness of Austria Center Vienna while reinforcing Vienna’s position as one of the world’s leading congress destinations,” says Susanne Baumann-Söllner, Spokesperson of the Management Board and Board Member for Congress Management of the Austria Center Vienna.

underway. As Austria’s first Green Conference Centre, Austria Center Vienna has, since 2021, been feeding waste heat from its cooling systems into Vienna’s district heating network in cooperation with Wien Energie.

Together, these initiatives are creating an infrastructure that combines sustainability with technological innovation and strengthens the longterm competitiveness of Austria Center Vienna.

The photovoltaic system is the largest single measure within a broader transformation programme currently

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Sustainability

August 2026

Paperworld Middle East Partners with FSC to Champion Responsible Sourcing across the Region's Paper and Stationery Industry aperworld Middle East, the region's leading trade show for paper and stationery products, taking place from 13–15 October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, has announced a strategic partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The collaboration reinforces the event’s commitment to responsible sourcing while supporting the long-term development and transformation of the paper and stationery industry across the Middle East. The collaboration reflects growing demand from businesses and public-sector organisations for internationally recognised sustainability standards as they seek to strengthen procurement frameworks, improve supply chain transparency and meet evolving environmental objectives. Beyond visibility, FSC’s approach supports a broader shift in business practices by enabling organisations to integrate responsible sourcing into their operational culture and decisionmaking processes.

The partnership marks an important milestone for the 15th edition of

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Paperworld Middle East, where sustainability will be embedded throughout the exhibition through knowledge sharing, industry collaboration, and increased exposure for FSC-certified exhibitors and responsibly sourced products.

Throughout the 2026 edition, FSCcertified exhibitors and products, including IPM, Main Paper and The Navigator Company, will be showcased, enabling visitors to discover and access responsibly sourced solutions from around the world. It also signals a forward-looking commitment to shaping more resilient, transparent, and responsible value chains across the sector.

forestry, FSC promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable forest management through its globally recognised certification system. The new partnership with Paperworld Middle East will bring this expertise to the region's leading international trade platform for paper and stationery products, creating new opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and responsible procurement. The exhibition wil serve as a strategic trade platform, as demand continues to grow, with the global paper and stationery markets projected to reach US$294 billion and US$268 billion, respectively, by 2034, according to Fortune Business Insights.

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Report

August 2026

IMEX Releases New White Paper: "Place Leadership and the Business Events Sector” new white paper released

by IMEX, following the Place Leaders Forum held during IMEX Frankfurt 2026, highlights the urgent need for convention bureaus to redefine their role as destinations face increasing global competition for talent, investment, innovation, business events, and residents. Titled "Place Leadership and the Business Events Sector," the report is authored by Professor Greg Clark CBE FAcSS and Borane Gille of The Business of Cities.

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The paper argues that convention bureaus can no longer operate solely through a tourism-focused approach.

Instead, they must adopt an integrated place leadership strategy that aligns business events with broader goals such as economic development, innovation, talent attraction, sustainability, and community well-being. Drawing on research and case studies from 27 cities and countries, the report demonstrates how business events can become powerful catalysts for long-term local value creation. According to the authors, the traditional distinction between visitors and residents is rapidly disappearing. Today, a congress delegate may later become a resident, investor, entrepreneur, or student.

Likewise, advances in hybrid working, remote employment, digital nomad lifestyles, and greater global mobility have fundamentally changed how people engage with destinations. As a result, cities are no longer competing only for tourists but simultaneously for skilled professionals, research, capital, innovation, and international events.

The report stresses that convention

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bureaus should move beyond simply securing event bids and increasing hotel occupancy. Instead, they should become strategic partners in shaping and communicating their destination's long-term vision. The most successful destinations, it argues, will focus on attracting events that strengthen priority industries, foster innovation ecosystems, support workforce development, and generate lasting community benefits long after delegates have returned home.Several destinations are already demonstrating this approach.

Copenhagen integrates business events with its globally recognized life sciences sector, Auckland closely aligns convention activities with regional economic development objectives, while Barcelona emphasizes event legacy by connecting international congresses with local social and community priorities.

The white paper outlines seven key recommendations for the global business events sector. These include embedding convention bureaus within economic development structures, aligning event portfolios with strategic destination priorities, improving intelligence-sharing with governments, measuring long-term legacy and community impact more effectively, and reforming funding models to reflect the broader economic and social value created by business events.The findings are particularly relevant for destinations participating in international trade shows such as IMEX America, taking place October 13–15, 2026. As association and corporate buyers increasingly seek destinations that demonstrate sustainability, innovation, sector expertise, and measurable impact, convention bureaus embracing place leadership will be better positioned to attract and retain future business. Many of the report's themes will be explored further during the Place Leaders Forum at IMEX Frankfurt 2027, reinforcing the growing importance of business events as strategic drivers of destination competitiveness and long-term prosperity.

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Report

August 2026

New Freeman Trends Report: Attendees Want More Event Learning to Happen Outside the Session Room sessions neutrally or positively when sponsorship is clearly disclosed, while only 16% view them negatively. Topic relevance matters far more than who sponsors the session.

reeman, the global leader in events, has released the second installment of its Learning Report series, revealing that attendees increasingly view the entire event environment as a learning experience, not just conference rooms and keynote stages. The report surveyed more than 3,300 attendees and exhibitors across conferences and trade shows to better understand how professional learning is evolving at inperson events.

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The new Freeman Trends Report, Unpacking XLNC: The Future of Adult Learning at Conferences and Trade Shows, Part Two, found that attendees would ideally spend 54% of their learning time outside traditional session rooms. At trade shows, that number rises to 64%.Research reveals attendees place equal value on learning from exhibitors, peers and the expo floor, challenging traditional event design. While organizers continue to invest heavily in conference sessions and keynote programming, attendees increasingly value learning that happens through

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peer conversations, exhibitor interactions, hands-on demonstrations and informal exchanges throughout the event. Key findings from the report include: Ÿ The classroom has expanded beyond the conference room.

Attendees say they would ideally spend more than half of their learning time outside traditional sessions, with trade show attendees preferring nearly two-thirds of their learning to happen elsewhere. Ÿ Peer conversations and exhibitor interactions rival formal sessions.

Attendees rate learning from networking and exhibitor engagement as slightly more valuable than traditional conference sessions, signaling that the most meaningful insights often come through discussion, demonstration and shared experiences.

Ÿ Younger audiences are accelerating the shift. Two-thirds of emerging generations say they want more learning opportunities outside traditional conference rooms, reinforcing the need for more flexible, interactive, and experiential learning environments.

The report also reinforces findings from Freeman’s previous Commerce research, with attendees continuing to place greater value on hands-on demonstrations, access to subject matter experts and practical takeaways than short-form content or passive presentations. Only 19% of attendees cite continuing education credits as a primary reason for attending events.

The findings suggest that event organizers, education leaders and exhibitors have an opportunity to rethink how learning is delivered by treating expo floors, exhibitor activations, peer exchanges and sponsored sessions as intentional learning environments.

Ÿ Attendees are open to sponsored learning when it is transparent and delivers value. Eighty-four percent of attendees view sponsored

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Acquisitions

August 2026

BolognaFiere Cosmoprof Completes Acquisition of Beauty to Business olognaFiere Cosmoprof has completed the acquisition of a 70% stake in Beauty to Business, the event held in Bergamo and dedicated to the Italian and international cosmetics manufacturing supply chain. The transaction is part of the Group's growth strategy. As the organizer of Cosmoprof-branded events worldwide, BolognaFiere Cosmoprof aims to further support the development of the global cosmetics supply chain. At the same time, the acquisition strengthens Beauty to Business' market positioning, enhancing its appeal to

for approximately 6.3% of the total global exports of finished cosmetic products, ranking the country fifth worldwide.

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the industry while creating new business opportunities for companies, brands, and supply chain professionals. The transaction will also play a key role in supporting the international expansion of Italy's cosmetics manufacturing industry.

According to data released by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA/ICE), Italy's manufacturing clusters account

Following the transaction, the current Beauty to Business management team will continue to oversee the event's operations and strategic development, ensuring continuity in both its vision and industry relationships. The 2025 edition of Beauty to Business welcomed more than 80 exhibiting companies and over 2,600 industry professionals. The next edition will take place on October 21–22, 2026, at the Bergamo Exhibition Centre.

Hyve Establishes AI SuperVertical with Acquisition of RAISE Summit, MACHINA Summit and Signal Week yve is expanding its presence in high-growth technology sectors with the addition of RAISE Summit, MACHINA Summit, and Signal Week to its portfolio.

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The move establishes a dedicated AI SuperVertical, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem, while also enhancing itsintech portfolio through specialist crypto and blockchain expertise alongside Fintech Meetup. RAISE Summit and Signal Week will join Hyve's Acquisitions and Best Practice division, led by Lisa Milburns. The newly launched

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MACHINA Summit event will join the Global Ventures division, led by Katy Fryatt, where it will receive specialist support in its early phase of growth and establishment.

RAISE Summit is Europe's leading AI event, attracting more than 9,000 attendees from over 90 countries. The event is distinguished by the seniority of its audience, with almost a third of buyers coming from the C-suite of leading global businesses.

founders, researchers, investors and policymakers shaping the next generation of intelligent machines.

Signal Week (formerly Paris Blockchain Week) is Europe's flagship blockchain and crypto event, welcoming more than 10,000 attendees from over 100 countries.

MACHINA Summit is Europe's leading event dedicated to physical AI and robotics, bringing together

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Acquisitions

August 2026

Apollo Funds Complete Acquisitions of Emerald and Questex pollo (NYSE: APO) has announced that Apollomanaged funds (the “Apollo Funds”) have completed the acquisitions of Emerald Holding, Inc. and Questex, LLC. The transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a leading B2B experiential events and media platform with enhanced scale, expanded capabilities, and a strong foundation for growth. As previously announced, Paul Miller has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, and Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of

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senior advisor to the combined company. In addition, the combined company has made Executive Leadership Team Appointments.

“This transaction combines two market leaders with iconic brands, deep customer relationships, and differentiated capabilities, to create a scaled platform positioned to

accelerate organic growth, invest in innovation, and deliver even greater value for customers, employees and other stakeholders,” said Shahid Bosan, Managing Director at Apollo.

“We look forward to supporting and working closely with the leadership team as they build a leading B2B events and media business.” The two companies will be fully integrated over the coming months. With the completion of the acquisition, Emerald’s common stock has ceased trading and will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Emerald stockholders are receiving $5.03 per share in cash.

GL events Acquires MCO Congrès to Strengthen Healthcare Events Portfolio L events has completed the acquisition of MCO Congrès, a Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) specializing in the planning and management of scientific and medical events, conferences, and congresses. This acquisition strengthens the Healthcare vertical within GL events Exhibitions by expanding its expertise and capabilities in organizing healthcare-focused events. Founded in 1990, MCO Congrès is a Marseille-based Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) employing 33 people and generating annual revenue of € 14 million.

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With more than 35 years of experience and over 1,500 congresses

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organized, MCO Congrès joins the Health & Science division, whose expertise is also widely recognized across the healthcare sector as a major professional congress organizer in France and internationally.

This combination is driven by a shared ambition to foster growth, ensure continuity and create synergies between the agency and GL event’s integrated business model dedicated to supporting industry, territories and the advancement of knowledge sharing. A

landmark venue dedicated to science and medicine, Villa Gaby will remain MCO Congrès' headquarters and will continue to host symposiums, congresses, executive seminars, strategic meetings, committee meetings and masterclasses for learned societies, professional associations and corporate clients.

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Focus Region – Middle East

August 2026

IEG Arabia Appointed to Organise the Fire & Safety Expo and the Health & Wellness Expo EG Arabia, a subsidiary of IEG Middle East and organiser of Dubai Active and Dubai Muscle Show, has secured the organisation and staging of the Fire & Safety Expo and the Health & Wellness Expo, which will be held from 6 to 8 November 2026 at Dhahran Expo, Al Khobar, in Saudi Arabia, as part of the 16th World Firefighters Games 2026. The World Firefighters Games 2026 will run from 5–13 November 2026 and is set to become the largest edition in the event's history, welcoming more than 7,000 athletes, 200,000 spectators, and participants from over 70 countries competing across 56 sporting disciplines.

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The two Expos will provide a unique platform for the international community of Firefighters, fostering networking, business development, product discovery and industrial collaboration, while promoting best

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practices in firefighter health and wellbeing. As the organiser of the largest health, fitness and wellness events in the Middle East, IEG Arabia will leverage its extensive industry experience and international exhibitor network to create two world-class trade fairs dedicated to the health, wellness, safety and performance of firefighters.

The Expo is expected to attract tens of

thousands of visitors, industry professionals, athletes and delegates throughout the Games, showcasing the latest products, services and innovations designed to improve the fitness, endurance, safety and overall quality of life of firefighters.

Francesco Santa, CEO of IEG Middle East, explained: "We are honoured to have been chosen to organise the Firefighter Health & Wellness Expo at the World Firefighters Games 2026. It is one of the most important global events for the firefighting community and a platform that aligns with our experience in organising large-scale events dedicated to health, fitness and wellness. We will bring together the world's leading brands, organisations and innovators to support the health, performance and well-being of firefighters, while creating a dynamic environment that promotes collaboration, innovation and industry connections”.

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Focus Region – Middle East

August 2026

FESPA Middle East Announces New April 2027 Dates ESPA Middle East has announced that its 2027 edition will take place from 27–29 April 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), marking a significant new chapter for the region’s leading exhibition dedicated to speciality print, signage, visual communication and textile decoration. The announcement follows extensive consultation with industry stakeholders across the Middle East and North Africa, with the timing reflecting an understanding of current market conditions and the wider regional business landscape.

explored at the 2026 conference included leadership, sustainability, automation, artificial intelligence, workflow optimisation and business transformation, with strong engagement from attendees seeking strategic guidance alongside technology investment opportunities.

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2026 edition attracted 3,593 visitors representing 72 countries and featured more than 150 global brands. The

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event welcomed senior decisionmakers from across the GCC, wider MENA region and international markets, reinforcing its position as a vital bridge between global innovators and one of the world’s fastest-growing print markets. The event also delivered 31 educational sessions led by 21 international experts, creating comprehensive learning programmes available to the industry. Topics

Education will remain a cornerstone of FESPA Middle East 2027. Building on the success of previous editions, visitors will gain access to expert-led conference sessions, market intelligence, practical business insights and real-world case studies designed to help print and signage businesses improve profitability, embrace innovation and future-proof their operations.

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Association Buzz

August 2026

Guide to Future-Ready Resource Management in the Exhibition Industry Published he newly published "Guide to Future-Ready Resource Management in the Exhibition Industry: Refuse – Reuse – Return’, a joint publication by the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) and the Federal Association of the German Events Industry (fwd:) offers practical recommendations for the resource-efficient use of materials in the exhibition sector.

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The guide combines industry expertise and practical experience and translates current requirements for resource efficiency, material transparency and the circular economy into concrete measures for practical application. It supports exhibition companies, exhibition organizers, exhibitors and service companies in integrating resource management at an early stage

into planning, procurement, implementation and dismantling. In addition to technical fundamentals and classifications, the publication contains numerous tools for day-to-day work: checklists, communication templates and guidance on wording for tenders and purchase orders. In addition, a concise one-pager on resource management is available in 14 languages – from Arabic to Turkish.

The guide is thus intended to provide guidance whilst also facilitating

collaboration across the entire value chain of the trade fair and events industry. With this guide, AUMA and fwd: are sending a joint signal in favour of greater resource efficiency and the circular economy. The exhibition industry can harness its innovative strength, creativity and capacity for cooperation to use resources more effectively, strengthen material cycles and make sustainable transformation economically viable. The guide is available for download in German and English at auma.de and forward.live.

ESCA Introduces ESCA 3.0: A New Strategic Framework to Guide the Exposition Services Industry’s Next Chapter he Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) has introduced ESCA 3.0, a refreshed set of strategic priorities designed to guide the exposition services industry into its next chapter.

The framework was unveiled by ESCA President Randy Pekowski, President and CEO of The Expo Group, at the association’s Summer Educational Conference in Banff, Canada, in June 2026. The framework is organized around four core priorities: Ÿ Advocacy & Industry Voice –

practices, and operational efficiency. Ÿ Community & Connection – Enhancing collaboration and networking across the exhibition industry.

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Strengthening industry representation and policy advocacy. Ÿ NextGen & Workforce Development – Recruiting, training, mentoring, and retaining future industry professionals. Ÿ Industry Standards & Safety – Promoting common standards, safety

Alongside the ESCA 3.0 rollout, the ESCA board named Pekowski as its representative on the board of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the exhibition industry’s leading advocacy organization. The appointment continues ESCA’s longstanding representation on the ECA board.

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Insights

August 2026

Two defining moments: The Global Congress and the UFI Central & South American Conference

Chris Skeith OBE, CEO, UFI

here is genuine excitement in the air. As we move through autumn later this year, the exhibition industry is preparing for two significant gatherings that represent both the strength of our sector and its forward momentum.

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The 93rd UFI Global Congress takes place in the Kingdom of Bahrain from 2 to 5 November. This is our flagship annual event, bringing together hundreds of senior professionals from across the globe to connect, share insights, and explore the trends shaping our industry.

Bahrain offers an active gateway to one of the world's fastest-growing exhibition regions. Exhibition World Bahrain, an award-winning venue spanning 309,000 square metres, provides the ideal setting for international dialogue. The Kingdom's strategic location, world-class hospitality, and strong commitment to trade and exhibitions create the perfect environment for a global gathering of this scale.

The Congress theme, "Stronger Connections, Smarter Futures," reflects what we have learned in recent years. The exhibition industry has proven its strength not just by withstanding disruption, but by evolving through it. We will explore how organisations are maintaining momentum, making confident decisions, and identifying new opportunities in an increasingly complex environment.

Sessions will address resilience, innovation in business models, the integration of

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technology and AI, and the embedding of sustainability. Some have asked whether we would proceed with the Congress given the broader geopolitical context. I want to be direct: the UFI Leadership has carefully assessed this decision. We have listened to our hosts, our members, and key stakeholders across the region. The result is clear. The exhibition industry operates with confidence. We are proceeding as planned, as long as it is safe to do so. This reflects the resilience of our industry, the commitment of our members, and our hosts' unwavering dedication to creating an exceptional experience.

A first time in Brazil In early December, the exhibition industry turns its attention to Latin America. For the first time in UFI history, we are hosting a regional conference in Brazil. The UFI Central and South American Conference takes place from 1 to 3 December in São Paulo, co-located with Experience Expo.

Brazil's market power is substantial. The country generates 4.5 million net square metres of exhibition space sold annually, with 140,000 exhibiting companies and 11 million visitors. São Paulo is Latin America's business capital. For the exhibition industry, it represents genuine opportunity and potential. The conference brings together organisers, venue operators, service providers, and tourism and association leaders. An impressive 85% of attendees are decision-makers, meaning genuine business conversations

happen here. This is a platform where the region's exhibition community meets its global peers, where partnerships are forged, and where strategies are shaped.

The event will take place across three of São Paulo's leading venues: Frei Caneca Convention Centre, Expo Centre Norte, and District Anhembi. This demonstrates the scale and sophistication of Brazil's exhibition infrastructure.

What unites both the Global Congress and the Central and South American Conference is their fundamental purpose: bringing people together. In a world of digital saturation, the power of face-to-face gathering remains unmatched. These events create space for genuine dialogue, trust-building, and the shared challenges we face to be tackled collectively.

The exhibition industry thrives when we invest in these moments. These events are not distractions from business operations.

They are core to how our industry functions and evolves. They are where we connect globally and regionally, where we learn from each other, and where we position ourselves for future success. Mark these dates in your calendar. The best events are those where people leave energised, inspired, and connected. We are working to ensure both the Global Congress in Bahrain and the Central and South American Conference in São Paulo deliver exactly that experience. I look forward to seeing you at one or both of these pivotal industry gatherings.

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Cover Interview

August 2026

FROM WORLD-CLASS

VENUES TO GLOBAL TRADE PLATFORMS DR. RAKESH KUMAR Chairman, IEML & Core Committee Member, Bharat Tex 2026

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Cover Interview

August 2026

ES. Bharat Tex 2026 has created a remarkable impact in just its third edition. From your perspective, what made this edition such a defining moment for India's textile and exhibition industry?

Dr. Rakesh Kumar. I would say Bharat Tex 2026 was an amazing experience and, more importantly, an important moment for the entire textile industry. This was only the third edition of Bharat Tex, but the scale that we achieved was comparable to, and in some respects larger than, exhibitions that have been running internationally for 20–25 years.

ES. You have spent more than three decades working with SMEs, handicrafts, exports and the exhibition industry.

Looking back, which experiences have shaped your journey the most, and how have they influenced your vision for India's exhibition sector?

Dr. Rakesh Kumar. It has been a long journey, and when I look back, I realise that every stage has been connected to the next. I started by working closely with the SME and handicraft sector, focusing on helping businesses grow, find markets and become more competitive internationally.

We worked with handicraft clusters such as Jodhpur, Jaipur, Uttar Pradesh and the North-Eastern regions. This eventually led to initiatives like the Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair, which grew into a major international platform for the sector.

Over time, I realised that market access alone was not enough. The industry also needed better design, product development, skills and stronger institutions. This led to initiatives such as the National Centre for Design & Product Development, the Handicrafts & Carpet Sector Skill Council, the Buying Agents Association and systems such as VRIKSH.

This edition brought together more than 1,600 exhibitors, with participation from 16 countries, while buyers and visitors came from 130 countries. We had more than 6,000 overseas buyers, over 1,20,000 trade visitors, and nearly 20,000 product lines representing different segments of the textile industry. But for me, the numbers are only one part of the story. What was more important was the completeness of the platform. We had everything—from yarn, fabrics and accessories to apparel, fashion, technical textiles and home textiles.

Sustainability was also a major focus. We had knowledge sessions, masterclasses, roundtables, investor summits and international business engagements taking place alongside the exhibition. The response from the industry was extraordinary. Every inch of Bharat Mandapam was sold out.

We had to use the upper floors of halls that are not normally used by many exhibitions. We created additional hangar spaces, including Hall 1A and another temporary space at the helipad ground, simply to accommodate more exhibitors.

Even after all this, there were many who could not be accommodated. That created what I would call a genuine FOMO effect. Whether you were an exhibitor, buyer or visitor, you felt that you should be part of Bharat Tex. That is a very important stage for any exhibition to reach.

When we established India Exposition Mart in 2006, the thinking remained the same. We wanted to create world-class infrastructure that could connect Indian businesses with international markets. Today, IEML has evolved beyond being a venue into a larger ecosystem of exhibitions, hospitality, services and market access. The biggest lesson from my journey is that you cannot build an industry by looking at only one part of it. You have to understand the entire ecosystem and identify what is missing. After more than 30 years, I still believe there is much more to do, and every change in the industry creates a new opportunity to build something better.

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Cover Interview

August 2026

We also generated serious business enquiries of more than US$2.8 billion, apart from thousands of one-to-one business meetings. So, Bharat Tex has gone beyond being an exhibition. It is creating a new image of India as a major global sourcing destination for the textile industry, and I believe its impact will be longlasting.

ES. You have been associated with India's exhibition ecosystem for many years, including the establishment of IEML in 2006. How do you see the journey of IEML, and how has its role evolved over these two decades?

Dr. Rakesh Kumar. When India Exposition Mart was established in 2006, the primary objective was to create worldclass exhibition infrastructure. At that time, our role was essentially that of a venue provider. But the industry has changed significantly over the last 15–20 years, and we also realised that IEML had to change with it. Today, we have much more than a venue. While our strength remains hosting third party events, we have also developed different verticals to support our growth. One is our own exhibitions, where we create and operate our own intellectual properties. The India International Hospitality Expo is one example, and the UP International Trade Show is another important platform. We also have several other IPs in the pipeline.

The second vertical is providing professional services to other organisations. There are large exhibitions where organisers need a strong professional team to manage the scale and complexity of the event. We work with such organisations and provide large-scale event services. The commercial model can vary- sometimes it is revenue sharing, and sometimes it is a feebased structure. The third area is venue development outside

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our existing campus. We are now working on new venues in different parts of the country. Mohali is one of the projects that is coming up, and we are working there in partnership with another company.

There are several more destinations in the pipeline, and over the next couple of years, you will see IEML's presence expanding to four or five additional venues. And next is hospitality and hotels segment where we have created significant strides in the last two years & we are very bullish about its potential.

So, the journey has really been from being a venue provider to becoming an integrated business events and exhibition ecosystem. And I think that evolution is necessary because the future of the industry is not only about how many square metres of exhibition space you have. It is about what ecosystem you can create around that space and what value you can deliver to organisers, exhibitors and buyers.

ES. Your work has historically been closely connected with SMEs, handicrafts and exporters. How important is it for you to ensure that this wider ecosystem benefits from the growth of exhibitions and business events?

Dr. Rakesh Kumar. This is actually very close to my heart because my association with the SME and handicraft sector goes back many years. We have around 900 permanent ExpoMarts, and these are an important backbone for the handicraft, handloom and cottage sectors. Most of these businesses are exporters, and their requirement is not only to participate in an exhibition. They need support in reaching international markets and building a reliable supply chain.

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Cover Interview

August 2026

That is why we have started looking at the complete journey beyond the exhibition itself. We have established warehouses in the United States and Europe, particularly in Holland, and we have showrooms in countries such as Holland, Germany and Switzerland. We also started a supply chain management company in the UK around the time the UK FTA was being flagged off. This activity comes under our Expo Bazaar India Curated model. The idea is very simple: if a small or cottage-sector exporter has a good product, we should not only help him exhibit it-we should also help him reach the market. That is where I believe the real strength of our ecosystem lies. We understand the handicraft, handloom, cottage and SME sectors because that has been our core mandate for many years. We are now taking that strength and applying it to other areas. At the end of the day, whether we are talking about exhibitions, hospitality, supply chains or international market access, the soul remains the same: working for the sector, working for SMEs and creating opportunities for businesses to grow.

ES. Hospitality and supporting infrastructure are increasingly becoming integral to the success of an exhibition destination. What is the larger ecosystem you are building around IEML? Dr. Rakesh Kumar. I have always believed that an exhibition venue cannot operate in isolation. If you want to build a successful MICE destination, you need hotels, hospitality, food and beverage, logistics, business services and other

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supporting infrastructure around it. That is why hospitality has become an important vertical for us under Indeva Hotels.

We have developed different brands, including Expo Inn Suites & Convention, which is our five-star hotel within the India Expo Mart complex. We also have other hospitality properties and brands in close proximity to the exhibition centre, and further developments are coming up in other destinations.We are also looking at complementary businesses such as coffee and food-and-beverage concepts because when you create an exhibition destination, the experience of the organiser, exhibitor and visitor goes beyond the exhibition hall. So, we are trying to build a complete ecosystem.

The same philosophy applies to our expansion strategy.

When we go to a new destination, we don't want to think only about putting up exhibition halls. We have to look at the complete business environment around those halls.This is also why I see such a large opportunity for the exhibition sector in India. There is enormous potential not only in organising exhibitions but also in hospitality, venue development, event services, logistics and all the related activities that support the business events industry. Our objective is to use the experience and strengths we have developed through IEML and extend that ecosystem to other parts of the country.

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Interview

August 2026

“ Innovation, sustainability, and customisation are redefining the Gifting Industry

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Himani Gula , Director, MEX Exhibi ons Pvt. Ltd. ES. Gifts World Expo has completed more than two decades of successfully serving the gifting industry. Looking back, what have been the defining milestones in the show's journey?

Himani Gulati. Gifts World Expo's journey has been one of steady evolution. It began in 2003 with just 25-30 exhibitors displaying diaries, pens, desk accessories, and keychains.

That small footprint quickly proved there was appetite for a dedicated platform, and the show broke away to become a standalone B2B exhibition for the gifting industry, one of the earliest signals in India that gifting had matured into a specialised business category.

One milestone I'm particularly proud of is the sheer breadth the show has built over the years. Gifts World Expo today is the only exhibition that brings every gifting category under one roof be it Corporate Gifts & Promotional Solutions, Celebration & Festive Gifts, Wedding & Trousseau Gifting, Luxury & Premium Gifts, Awards & Rewards, Houseware & Kitchen Appliances, Electronic Gadgets, Handicrafts & Home Décor, Wellness & Beauty, and Branding & Customization Machineries, among others. No other platform in India offers this level of category in a single show, and that comprehensiveness is what has made it a true onestop sourcing destination rather than a niche vertical event.

Since then, the growth has been consistent and, honestly,

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gratifying to watch. As we head into our 31st edition, Gifts World Expo is set to host 750+ exhibitors, 5,000+ brands, and over 25,000 products on display, with 176 new entrants joining this edition, reflecting that the platform continues to attract fresh energy year after year. The show has also expanded geographically, from Delhi to Kolkata, Bengaluru, and recently Mumbai under a strategic partnership with Messe Frankfurt India, while expanding its international footprint, including participation from a dedicated China Pavilion this year.

Another significant milestone has been our strategic partnership with Messe Frankfurt India. Now, Gifts World Expo is being jointly organised by MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. and Messe Frankfurt India. Under this joint venture, Gifts World Expo and Paperworld Delhi are jointly organised and co-located exhibitions. Earlier, Paperworld was held only in Mumbai. This year, alongside Gifts World Expo Delhi, it marks its inaugural edition in New Delhi, bringing the gifting, stationery, and office essentials categories under one roof for the first time in the capital. It's an evolution of the show and building on this evolution, this time, Gifts World Expo Delhi has introduced hall-wise product segregation. Each hall has specific product categories, making it easier for buyers to navigate the exhibition, plan their sourcing journey, and connect with their target exhibitors more efficiently.

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Interview

August 2026

ES. Corporate gifting, festive gifting, luxury gifting and personalized merchandise are all witnessing rapid growth.

Which of these segments do you believe will shape the industry's future?

Himani Gulati. The gifting industry has evolved into one of the most dynamic and diverse market segments. Today, there is a gift for every occasion, every budget, and every purpose, reflecting the growing depth of the industry. This expansion is being driven by changing consumer preferences, greater demand for personalisation, thoughtful design, and valuedriven purchasing decisions. At Gifts World Expo, we are witnessing a clear shift from conventional, one-size-fits-all gifting to solutions that are purposeful, well designed, and personalised. Today, it's no longer about the gift itself; it's about the message and values it carries. That said, festive and wedding/trousseau gifting also remain strong volume drivers in India, and luxury and premium gifting is growing rapidly as consumers seek higher-value offerings. What ties all of these together and what I believe will define the industry's future is customisation. Whether it's a corporate buyer sourcing branded merchandise at scale or a consumer shopping for a festive hamper, the expectation now is that the product feels considered and personal.

ES. Today's buyers are looking beyond products - they seek innovation, sustainability and customization. How are exhibitors responding to these changing market expectations?

Himani Gulati. This is exactly why we've introduced dedicated spaces into the show rather than leaving these conversations to happen organically on the floor. Our Start-Up & Innovation Hub gives visitors direct access to fresh, scalable ideas from emerging brands, while the Discovery Hub is where marketready innovations take centre stage. Sustainability, in particular, has moved from being a buzzword to a genuine sourcing criterion for corporate buyers, which is why we introduced the Sustainable Innovation Hub- a space entirely dedicated to responsibly made, well-designed gifting solutions.

On customisation, we've expanded our Branding & Customization Machineries segment considerably, giving corporate buyers direct access to the technology and processes behind personalization, not just the finished product. And through Gift Talks, we're creating a forum for industry experts to unpack these shifts directly with attendees because increasingly, buyers want context and insight alongside the

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sourcing opportunity.

ES. International participation has been steadily increasing in Indian trade exhibitions. How is Gifts World Expo attracting overseas exhibitors and buyers?

Himani Gulati. International participation has grown meaningfully, and this edition reflects that we have a dedicated China Pavilion featuring leading international exhibitors across distinct categories, alongside strong representation from our top Indian exhibitors like Everwear, Vinod Cookware, PM Overseas, Swayam, Welspun, Xech, Pikmee, Luggero, Karachi Bakery, Renee Cosmetics, and Fuzo. Messe Frankfurt India’s global exhibition network combined with our expertise and deep understanding of the Indian gifting and sourcing landscape, has allowed us to open new international channels far more effectively than either organisation could alone.

ES. As organisers with decades of experience in delivering successful trade exhibitions, what are the key factors that have contributed to the sustained growth of Gifts World Expo?

Himani Gulati. A few factors have consistently driven the success of Gifts World Expo over the years. First, we have always evolved with the market, ensuring the exhibition reflects changing gifting trends, sourcing needs, and buyer expectations.

Second, our expansion has been strategic. We entered markets like Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Mumbai only when the timing and market potential were right, focusing on sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion.

Equally important are the strong partnerships we have built with our association bodies such as the National Jute Board, CGAI, HHEWA. Most importantly, the exhibition has earned the trust of the industry. Leading brands return year after year because they generate quality business and meaningful connections, while buyers keep coming back to discover new products, reliable suppliers, and fresh business opportunities.

That continued confidence from both exhibitors and visitors is the strongest measure of our success.

The evolution of the gifting industry is clearly reflected in the evolution of the show. Today, almost every leading brand has a dedicated division catering to B2B gifting, backed by institutional sales teams. This itself is a strong indication of how significantly the gifting market has grown and evolved into a strategic business category.

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Interview

August 2026

“PLATFORM BUILT BY TUBE & PIPE FAIR: A

“

THE INDUSTRY, FOR THE INDUSTRY

ES. Tube & Pipe Fair has witnessed remarkable growth in a short span of time. What inspired Tulip 3P Media to launch a dedicated exhibition for the tube and pipe industry, and what has been the response from the market?

Priyank Jain. Tube & Pipe Fair was born out of observation rather than ambition alone. Through our publication- Tube & Pipe India, we had a ringside view of how the tube and pipe industry was evolving. The tube and pipe sector in India has been witnessing a strong momentum due to sectors like- infrastructure, oil & gas, water management, renewable energy, construction, railways, automotive and industrial manufacturing.

Manufacturers were investing in new products, automation, capacity expansion, product quality was improving, export ambitions were growing, and end-user industries were becoming far more demanding. Yet, there wasn't a dedicated platform that reflected this evolution or brought together the entire ecosystem in a meaningful way. We felt the industry had reached a stage where it deserved an event designed specifically around its priorities, not as a subset of a broader manufacturing exhibition, but as a platform where conversations around technology, raw materials, processing, sustainability and market opportunities could happen with depth.

Tube & Pipe Fair is renowned for showcasing product innovations and cutting-edge technologies in the tube and pipe industry. The Hyderabad edition has doubled in size, expanding from one exhibition hall in 2024 to two halls in the upcoming edition. Similarly, the Delhi edition has witnessed remarkable growth, with exhibition space increasing from approximately 1,800 square metres at its inaugural 2023 show to nearly 4,000 square metres in 2025. Building on this strong momentum, we are expecting even greater growth for the 2027 Delhi edition as more exhibitors and industry stakeholders choose the show as their preferred business platform.

PRIYANK JAIN CEO Tulip 3p Media Pvt. Ltd.

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This steady evolution reflects the industry's confidence in Tube & Pipe Fair as a trusted platform for innovation, business networking and meaningful industry collaboration. It is India’s dedicated platform showcasingtube & pipe manufacturing machinery, raw materials – steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, finished tubes & pipes, welding, forming & cutting technologies, tools, dies & accessories, testing, inspection & measuring solutions, surface treatment & finishing and automation & industry 4.0 solutions.

Globally Leading Media Platform For MICE Industry

Interview

August 2026

The response has validated that thinking. What has encouraged us most isn't simply participation; it's the quality of engagement. Companies are looking beyond visibility, they're looking for partnerships, technology collaborations and market intelligence. That shift tells us the exhibition has begun to serve as a business platform rather than just a marketplace.

ES. Coming from a strong B2B publishing background with magazines like Tube & Pipe India; Wire & Cable India; how has your media expertise helped in building successful exhibition brands?

Priyank Jain. Publishing teaches you to listen before you build. A magazine has an array of insights put together and each insight helps you have a nuanced understanding of the industry. It enables you to read in-between the lines. For years, our conversations with manufacturers, plant heads, technology providers and industry associations have helped us understand not only what is happening in the market, but why it is happening. That perspective has shaped the way we approach exhibitions.

We don't see them as isolated annual events; we see them as an extension of an ongoing industry dialogue. The themes we cover editorially, whether it's technological advancement, policy developments, capacity expansion or changing customer expectations, often influence how we curate the exhibition experience. It also means we understand that today's exhibitors expect more than

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footfall. They want access to the right audience, meaningful conversations and measurable business outcomes. Our publishing background has helped us build that ecosystem because trust is established over time, not during the few days of an exhibition.

ES. Tube & Pipe Fair is co-located with Bharat Metal Expo. How does this integrated format create greater value for exhibitors and visitors across the manufacturing ecosystem?

Priyank Jain. Manufacturing no longer operates in silos.

Decisions around materials, processing technologies, automation and downstream applications are increasingly interconnected. The co-location with Bharat Metal Expo reflects this reality, particularly given the growing significance of steel and other metals across the tube and pipe value chain. Rather than asking visitors to look at one segment in isolation, the integrated format allows them to understand how different parts of the manufacturing value chain interact. For exhibitors, it creates opportunities to engage with customers they may not have traditionally targeted but whose businesses are becoming increasingly relevant to their own. More importantly, it encourages conversations across industries. Innovation today often happens at the intersection of sectors, and exhibitions should facilitate those intersections rather than reinforce traditional boundaries.

Globally Leading Media Platform For MICE Industry

Interview

August 2026

providing visibility to companies that are investing in more responsible manufacturing technologies. Just as importantly, we encourage discussions around practical implementation because every organisation is at a different stage of its sustainability journey. We also believe organisers have a responsibility to lead by example. Digital engagement, responsible resource utilisation and thoughtful event practices are all part of creating exhibitions that are aligned with the industry's broader sustainability goals.

ES. International participation is becoming increasingly important for Indian industrial exhibitions. What strategies are helping Tube & Pipe Fair attract global technology providers and buyers?

Priyank Jain. International participation is no longer just about increasing the number of overseas exhibitors. The real objective is to create an environment where meaningful collaboration happens. Now is the time when the spotlight is on India, the world is looking at it not just as a market place but for product quality, sourcing, manufacturing, capacity expansion, innovation, talent and exceptional growth. Our country has the recipe for what is required right now, and that changes the nature of conversations taking place at exhibitions. Our approach has therefore been to build longterm relationships with international industry bodies, technology companies and trade organisations while ensuring that the exhibition delivers genuine business value through curated networking, knowledge exchange and high-quality industry participation. When participants leave with new partnerships, technology insights or market opportunities, internationalisation becomes sustainable rather than transactional.

ES. Looking ahead, what are your expansion plans for Tube & Pipe Fair and Tulip 3P Media's exhibition portfolio in India and internationally?

Priyank Jain. Our ambition is not simply to make our exhibitions bigger; it is to make them more relevant. We want to be a part and parcel of the industry and contribute to the overall growth by providing a premier platform for business engagement. The manufacturing landscape is changing rapidly, influenced by digitalisation, evolving supply chains and increasing global integration. Our exhibitions need to evolve alongside these changes by creating more opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology demonstrations and business matchmaking. Going forward, we will continue strengthening our presence in India while expanding international engagement through strategic collaborations and industry partnerships. At the same time, we remain committed to our original philosophy, that specialised platforms create deeper conversations and stronger business outcomes than generic events. Ultimately, the objective is to build platforms that contribute meaningfully to industrial progress by connecting ideas, technology and people. If we continue to achieve that, growth will be a natural outcome rather than the primary goal.

ES. Sustainability is gaining importance across manufacturing and exhibitions alike. How is Tube & Pipe Fair encouraging innovation in sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies and responsible event practices?

Priyank Jain. Sustainability is increasingly becoming a measure of competitiveness rather than compliance.

Whether it's energy efficiency, resource optimisation or circularity, manufacturers recognise that these are now business priorities. As an exhibition platform, our role is to facilitate conversations around these developments while

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Globally Leading Media Platform For MICE Industry

Interview

August 2026

“

India is becoming a proof point, not a peripheral market, in HYROX's global growth story."

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Deepak Raj Country Head, HYROX India ES. What inspired you to bring HYROX to India, and how has the response exceeded expectations?

generation engages with sport.

ES. How does the Indian market contribute to HYROX's global expansion strategy?

Deepak Raj. Having experienced a HYROX event firsthand, the energy was unlike anything I had seen in the fitness space.

The high it delivered, the sense of community it built, and the clear gap it could fill in the Indian market made the decision straightforward. India had the fitness culture and the ambition. It needed a platform that matched both. When we launched in May 2025 with 1,600 participants, the appetite was clear. By September 2026, we will have 15,000 people at a single event. That is not just growth, that is a movement.

The love and support from the community has been our biggest validation.

Deepak Raj. India is becoming a proof point, not a peripheral market. Growing from 1,600 to 15,000 participants in roughly 16 months is a data set the global organisation takes seriously. The Indian athlete is ambitious, community driven, and willing to invest in meaningful fitness experiences, a profile that maps perfectly to HYROX. We are actively informing global strategy, not just receiving it.

India's growth trajectory is one of the strongest in the HYROX network worldwide.

ES. How is HYROX redefining the sports events landscape in India?

ES. What opportunities exist for India to become a key destination on the global HYROX calendar?

Deepak Raj. HYROX is not a race with a start line and a medal. It is a full day experience, content rich, visually compelling, and accessible to every fitness level simultaneously. The format is instantly understood by spectators, which drives conversion. We see year one spectators becoming year two athletes consistently. That is the clearest proof the format works beyond just competition. It is experiential, it is social, and it is built for the way this

Deepak Raj. Three things need to be consistent: scale, experience quality, and infrastructure. On scale, we are clearly there. On experience, community feedback has been strong. Infrastructure is where we are being deliberate. We are evaluating venues and cities carefully to ensure expansion does not dilute product quality. International athletes should arrive at an India HYROX event and find it world class in every dimension. That is the standard we are holding ourselves to.

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Globally Leading Media Platform For MICE Industry

Interview

August 2026

ES. How important is community engagement in building long term event loyalty?

Deepak Raj. It is everything. Our HYROX Gym Affiliate network has been the operational backbone of growth in India. These are not just training partners. They are cultural anchors within local fitness communities, the reason people show up prepared, committed, and already connected to the HYROX identity before they even reach the start line. India did not have an established functional fitness race format before HYROX. People are discovering a new category together, and that shared discovery creates loyalty no marketing budget can replicate. We are deeply grateful for every gym, coach, and

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athlete who has made this their own.

ES. What is the long term vision for HYROX in India?

Deepak Raj. To make HYROX a permanent fixture on India's sporting calendar, across multiple cities, with a world class product at every location. City expansion will be deliberate, evaluated on infrastructure maturity, gym affiliate density, and community readiness, not just population size. On brand partnerships, the upside is clear: a content friendly format, engaged aspirational audiences, and growth few sporting platforms in India can match. The roadmap is one we are genuinely confident about. The community has earned that confidence for us.

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People Ma er

August 2026

Marie Browne RX and ReedPop have announced the appointment of Marie Browne as Senior Vice President, Head of ReedPop. Since joining RX nearly 25 years ago, Browne has held a number of senior leadership roles spanning strategy, portfolio growth and business development. Most recently, as Senior Vice President, she helped shape RX US's growth strategy by expanding the Functional Fabric Fair portfolio, supporting the evolution of PGA into a global brand and leading the development of RX's Conferences business.

Sudeep Samarendra Sarcar India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML) has appointed Mr. Sudeep Samarendra Sarcar as Executive Director (Corporate) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Bringing over three decades of experience in the exhibitions and events industry, Sudeep Samarendra has played a significant role in strategic business development, venue operations, infrastructure expansion and large-scale event management.

In his new role, he will be responsible for driving the organisation’s strategic direction, business growth and operational excellence. His extensive experience in managing major exhibitions, developing industry partnerships and strengthening IEML’s capabilities is expected to further advance the organisation’s growth and reinforce its position within India’s rapidly evolving MICE ecosystem.

Sudhir Dhavan R.E. Rogers India Pvt. Ltd. has appointed Sudhir Dhavan as its new Managing Director, following approval by the Board of Directors at its meeting on July 18, 2026. With over 30 years of experience in the logistics industry, Dhavan has also served as Chairman of the International Exhibition & Event Logistics Association (IELA). In his new role, he will work closely with the company’s leadership team, including COO Sushil Upadhyay, COO (Defence & Aerospace) Manoj Kumar, and CFO Lalita Singh. Ravinder Sethi will continue as Executive Chairman, remaining actively involved with the Board and the company. Board members Kiran Sethi and Raj Sharma will also continue in their existing roles, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategic direction.

Deepak Choudhary The Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), India’s leading industry body representing the events, entertainment, experiential marketing and MICE sectors, has announced its newly constituted Governing Body for the 2026–28 term. Deepak Choudhary has officially taken over as the President of the association, leading a team of experienced professionals who will guide EEMA through its next phase of growth and industry development. One of the pioneers in India’s live events industry, Deepak is known for his contribution towards growing the country’s events and intellectual property ecosystem. As the Founder and Director of EVA Live, Choudhary has accelerated the commercial ticketed entertainment landscape across India and the Middle East.

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Global News

August 2026

Messe Frankfurt Launches the Food Production Solutions Show in Chicago esse Frankfurt Inc. has announced the launch of the Food Production Solutions Show, a new trade show designed to help food manufacturers navigate the challenges that come with bringing products to market and growing production successfully.

M

Taking place from 26 to 28 October 2027, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, the event is built around a simple observation: food manufacturers rarely face just one challenge at a time. Designed around the journey of the food manufacturer rather than the journey of the product, the event brings together the people, technologies, services, and expertise that manufacturers need as they move from concept and commercialisation to production, operations, and scale.

The event is designed to serve

emerging brands, entrepreneurs, startup food businesses, small and midsized processors, co-manufacturers, and growing food companies while continuing to provide value for larger manufacturers seeking innovation, partnerships, acquisition opportunities, and operational improvements.

Education hubs located within each Solution Zone will provide complimentary, solution-focused programming addressing

commercialization, food safety, compliance, production optimisation, workforce development, and scaling strategies. Production line demonstrations will showcase how equipment, technologies, software platforms, and service providers work together to solve common industry challenges such as labour shortages, throughput constraints, food safety requirements, and operational efficiency.

Easyfairs Launches Digital Accountancy Show USA, Bringing the UK’s Standout Acounting Event Experience to Austin, Texas asyfairs has announced the launch of Digital Accountancy Show (DAS) USA, scheduled for 26–27 May 2027 at the Palmer Events Center, Austin, Texas. The event enters the U.S. market with the backing of 10 Founding Partners—A2X, Combinely, Digits, Fathom, Inflo, Intuit, Karbon, HubSync, Wolters Kluwer, and Xero—highlighting strong industry confidence. Austin was selected as the host city due to its rapid growth as a technology and business

and Georgia. Building on the success of Digital Accountancy Show UK, the U.S. edition will bring together accounting firms, finance teams, software providers, and strategic advisers.

E

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hub, with thriving SaaS, AI, and professional services sectors.

Its strategic location also provides access to major U.S. markets, including California, New York, Florida, Illinois,

The two-day event will feature immersive staging, expert-led sessions, practical insights, and networking opportunities, while showcasing the latest technologies transforming the accounting profession and helping firms innovate, grow, and adapt to the future.

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