Almost 270 delegates from 21 countries and territories gathered in Chiang Mai at the end of February to discuss and debate the future of the exhibition industry. T

Technology, and the internet in particular, has long been a potential opportunity as well as a source of concern to business event organizers. 

At this year’s UFI Open Seminar in Asia, industry leaders shared their views on the future of the exhibition industry as more and more event-related online platforms and mobile apps come to market.

The Appointment Group (TAG), an independent travel management company, has appointed Brandon Chan as the general manager of its Singapore office.

Chan joins TAG Singapore after a long career in the hospitality, travel and events industry under a number of leadership positions, including director of sales and marketing at Design hotels for the Asia Pacific region and a stint at Rosenbluth International, a privately owned independent travel company.

The 2016 edition of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) ---Southeast Asia's biggest global furniture market - serves as the first pilot event between Alibaba B2B business unit and UBM in their strategic partnership to build the next generation of O2O sourcing experiences.

The 3rd Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organized by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), was held March 1-5 at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE).

The 33rd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show also was held March 3-7 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The two events featured more than 4,380 exhibitors from 54 countries and regions.

The Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show showcased jewellery raw materials including quality diamonds, previous gems, semi-precious stones and pearls.

During the EXHIBITORLive! 2016 show in Las Vegas, EXPOCAD by A.C.T. announced it had acquired Advantage Media, a custom publishing, consulting, advertising and sponsorship sales company.

The acquisition will couple EXPOCAD’s leading-edge products with the sales and marketing experience of Advantage Media to create a new class of products and services business unit known as EXPOSNaP.

The EXPOSNaP team will work with show organizers and exhibitors to increase visibility utilizing marketing opportunities available in the EXPOCAD® suite of online responsive design products.

U.K.-based dmg events has acquired Pan African exhibition organizer, Exhibition Management Services Pty Ltd (EMS), which is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

“This acquisition is part of our strategy to become key event players in Africa. EMS offers a strategic hub in Africa’s largest economy,” said Geoff Dickinson, CEO, dmg events.

EMS adds five shows to the existing portfolio of dmg events:

·  SAITEX – A non-food retail products exhibition

The Expo Group has named Randy Pekowski president of the company, of which he already serves as COO.

Founder and former President Ray Pekowski will remain CEO and chairman of the business.

The promotion is part of the strategic succession plan the company has put in place for the next generation of leadership.

“It has become clear Randy is the right person to lead The Expo Group into the next 25 years,” said Ray Pekowski.

The ISA International Sign Expo 2016 trade show floor has completely sold out, topping out more than 200,000 square feet and nearly 600 exhibitors.

This comes well in advance of the show, which occurs April 20-23 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

The ISA International Sign Expo 2016 will feature the latest in new technologies and products. It also will include dozens of educational opportunities free with trade show admission.