The ExpoPlatform blog
‘Exhibitions thriving in world where uncertainty is certain’
Exhibitions are thriving in a world where “uncertainty is certain” thanks to a long history of dealing with disruption, according to an industry leader. Chris Skeith OBE, CEO of UFI, argues the sector has become “insanely good at dealing with disruption” and is now moving toward a state of permanent operational readiness. It was highlighted …
Exhibitions face innovation ‘perception gap’ as AI reality sets in
Exhibition businesses appear to be navigating a “notable” disconnect between public innovation claims and actual digital adoption, according to Event Tech Forecast findings. New global survey data in the report by ExpoPlatform reveals 74% of firms position themselves as leading innovators, while 45% admit artificial intelligence has yet to meaningfully impact their business models. Kai …
Hyve moves further into health sector with latest takeover
The largest conference of its kind in the US for behavorial health profs has been taken over by Hyve. Behavioral Health Tech is the latest in a string of acquisitions for the organizer – marking their fourth in a year. That’s your top story for the Week in Events. Here are some other highlights for …
Events industry prepares for IMEX Frankfurt
The global events industry is gearing up for a busy week as IMEX Frankfurt 2025 prepares to welcome professionals from over 100 countries, with strong buyer interest and a packed agenda of announcements and activations. Hyve Group is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Breakbulk Asia in Singapore, while Bar Convent Berlin sets the …
Hyve expands, ACHEMA heads to Riyadh, UFI sees record crowd
This week saw Hyve Group make its first move into the supply chain sector with its acquisition of Manifest, the fast-growing Las Vegas-based logistics event. Messe Frankfurt and DECHEMA have unveiled plans for ACHEMA Middle East, launching in Riyadh in 2026 to serve the region’s process industries. Meanwhile, UFI’s MEA Conference in Cairo set a …
How Nineteen Group’s culture adds rocket fuel to growth
“We believe that when you prioritize culture, numbers and profit look after themselves”. Those are the words of Peter Jones, CEO of Nineteen, about how his company has gone from strength to strength since emerging from lockdown. This culture-first approach has allowed his team to “blow up rockets”, meaning they applaud failing forwards as long …
Shocking pay gap revealed as leaders back DEI in events
A shocking £3,400 pay gap between white and ethnic minority eventprofs has been laid bare in the UK, as leaders back DEI values amid a wider attack. Findings from Live Recruitment’s Diversity Report 2025 paint a damning picture of inequality across pay, seniority and opportunity in a sector that thrives on connection and representation. The …
Emerald acquires luxury events portfolio
This week has seen significant developments across the events industry – with major acquisitions, leadership changes and strong growth reports. Emerald has agreed to acquire This is Beyond – adding seven luxury B2B events to its portfolio – while Erica Bartsch joins the company as EVP of strategy and communications. It has also announced the …
Informa and DWTC join forces in new venture
Hello from the ExpoPlatform newsroom, in another week with huge impacts for our industry. Your top story for this edition focuses on the joint venture between Informa and the Dubai World Trade Centre – two giants in the exhibitions space. Here are the complete headlines for this week: DWTC and Informa join forces in new …
International Confex 2025 roundup
International Confex 2025 had a packed programme of insightful sessions. If one thing unified them it was this message: adapt or be left behind. But with so much to see it was impossible to catch it all, so Team ExpoPlatform has put together a highlights reel of what was on offer. From navigating uncertainty to …


