Programme

We will start with a look back at the past 12 months and see what are the global trends and their impact on Asia. The next part of the session will focus on Asia. Asia recovered later than the other parts of the world, but the recovery has been sharp and the region has been in growth mode ever since. What will the focus be in the coming 12 months and where will investment be directed? Are we seeing any differing trends in product development, approach to customers, talent, growth levers such as pricing and business efficiencies such as AI?

Speakers:

• Lisa Hannant, Group CEO, Clarion Events
• Mark-Temple Smith, Group Managing Director, CloserStill Media
• Peter Lindsay, Chief Strategy Officer , RX Global

Moderator: Douglas Emslie, Chairman, Cuil Bay Capital and Raccoon Media Group

Growth in Asia – what is the data telling us and will Asia be a global growth driver in 2025 and beyond. What is the outlook for China and its impact on regional growth? Will the geo-political landscape impact growth and what will the impact be of the US election on the region? What is the outlook for India and what can the exhibition industry learn from other sectors. Which countries will benefit from the diversification of the West and China? Has Japan been overlooked as an investment destination? Will the geo-political landscape impact growth and what will the impact be of the US election on the region?

Speakers:

• Lee Sue-Ann, Senior Fellow, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute

• Malminderjit Singh, Director, Terra Corporate Affairs

Moderator: Dylan Sharma, Vice President, Advocacy & Communications, SACEOS and Co-Founder & Director, TRICOM Events Pte Ltd

“This high-level briefing, based on Freeman’s proprietary research, will delve into the evolution of the events industry, with a keen focus on the changing demographics and priorities of today’s audiences. From the digital expectations and experiential demands to personalization preferences, this session will provide valuable, actionable insights into how macro trends will impact attendee behavior, engagement strategies, exhibitor dynamics and more.“

Speakers:

• Kimberly Hardcastle, president, mdg, A Freeman Company

Speakers:

• Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow & Research Lead (Trade & Economic Policy), Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore

India continues to get great press around market fundamentals and the growth outlook and improved venues. This session will look at market entrance strategies and growth opportunities, whether that be in launch, partnership or acquisition. What has changed in the past 12 months?

Speakers:

• Himani Gulati, Director , MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd
• Sooraj Dhawan, President, Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) and Founder & Director, Falcon Exhibitions 

Moderator: Ravinder Sethi, Chairman & Managing Director at R.E.Rogers India Pvt. Ltd.

Since 2019 Asia and in particular Singapore has seen a number of new organisers acquiring events and partnering with international brands and using this as their growth platform for Asia. In this session we review this strategy and others and see what is the most effective way of bring new brands to the Asian market. We will also look at what events that have left a long term impact.

Speakers:

• Francesco Santa, CEO, Middle East & International Business Development Director, IEG
• Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board

• Paul Lee, Chief Executive (Markets), Constellar

Moderator: Mark Cochrane, Regional Director, Asia Pacific, UFI

China accounts for 70% of the Asian exhibition industry in view of sqm and hosts some of the largest exhibition in the region. How are the shows performing, what are some of the recent characteristics post re-opening and is any of the rumblings about the economy impacting the exhibition industry. Hear from the people who run shows, host shows and understand their views on the future. Are there new models emerging and are there new entrepreneurs making an impact? The session will also look the new challenges post covid, strategies to increase safety requirements and how to collaborate and co-operate with the government.

Speakers:

• Jime Essink, Board Member, GLOBUS Events Ltd

• Rita Chu, Vice Chairman, Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd
• Hans Stoter, President China & SE Asia, Messe Stuttgart

Moderator: Michael Kruppe, CEO / General Manager, Shanghai New International Expo Centre Co., Ltd.

Leading a business in challenging economic times requires a very different mindset and approach to riding a wave of GDP growth. What should Asian CEOs focus upon, what should their priorities be to maximise value?

Speakers:

• Margaret Ma Connolly,  President and CEO, Informa Markets Asia

Moderator: Richard Ireland, President SACEOS and CEO, Clarion Events Asia Pte Ltd

Is the volume driven model sustainable in Asia and how is value driving pricing? Will the volume model in China change moving forward?

Speakers:

• Brian Thomas, Managing Director, RX Australia
• Mohan Belani, Co-Founder and CEO, e27.co

Moderator: Mark-Temple Smith, Group Managing Director, CloserStill Media

Chinese pavilions have for a long time played a prominent role in ASEAN shows as well as international shows but recently we have seen Chinese organisers brining their brands and shows to ASEAN. This session will explore the development of this trend and what drives success.

Speakers:

• Eric Yang, Executive President, Shenzhen UBM Herong Exhibitions
• Kevin Lee, Acting President, Shanghai International Exhibition Group
• Liang Pengcheng, Executive Vice Chairman, The Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT

Moderator: Elaine Chia, CEO, Asia Pacific, Comexposium

Private equity have been a long-term investor in ‘live industries’ and more recently in the events and exhibition industry via exhibition organisers, venues, event services and event technology. This session will look at why this remains an attractive sector, what the significant changes post pandemic are and the likelihood of a m&a recovery in Asia.

Speakers:

• Haide Hong, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone

Moderator: Russell Willcox, Executive Chairman, Clarion Events

Meet at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, Atrium Ballroom, Level 5

• Enjoy a hot and sunny guided tour through Singapore's vibrant streets, uncovering hidden gems and iconic sights along the way!
• Be in your sporty apparel and comfortable walking shoes!

2 Bayfront Ave, #01 - 85 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972

Refresh with Iced Cold Beer, Wine & Food on Us After an Exciting Walking Tour around Singapore!