(Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, with the Petronas Towers in the background, recently secured six major international conferences for 2026 and 2027—advancing Malaysia’s role in global healthcare, energy, and life sciences dialogue.)
Venues across Asia-Pacific, Europe, China, and North America highlight infrastructure expansion, scientific leadership, and sustainability-driven partnerships
This month’s global roundup includes Kuala Lumpur’s winning bid for six international conferences, Ottawa’s $1.5 billion in new infrastructure, and record-setting international impact from Helsinki to Suzhou. From off-season tourism in Christchurch to cross-sector alliances in brand licensing and sustainable tourism, destinations are connecting business events with broader national and regional goals.
Asia-Pacific
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Secures Six Major International Conferences
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre won six international conference bids for 2026 and 2027, including the Global Health Security Conference and Energy Tech Summit Asia. The events are expected to draw more than 6,150 delegates and generate an estimated $18.2 million in economic impact. The center credits its success to strong industry partnerships and alignment with Malaysia’s national priorities in healthcare, energy, and life sciences.
KLCCBEA and URBANICE Malaysia Align on Sustainable Tourism
KLCC Business Events Alliance and URBANICE Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding on August 19 to strengthen Kuala Lumpur’s position as a sustainable tourism destination. Announced at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (, the partnership focuses on integrating business events with inclusive urban development goals. The organizations also co-hosted the first Stakeholders Business Assembly, highlighting KLCC’s “Sustainable September” initiative as a model for coordinated, precinct-wide impact.
Te Pae Christchurch Drives Offseason Impact Through November
Te Pae Christchurch is experiencing its busiest season since opening in 2022, with more than 32,000 visitors expected to attend over 80 events from August through November. The current schedule includes 36 multi-day conferences and six major international events and is projected to generate more than $43.8 million NZD in economic impact.
General Manager Ross Steele said the center plays a key role in supporting Christchurch’s tourism sector during typically quieter months. Delegates are expected to contribute around 50,000 guest nights in the city, with an additional 20,000 projected across the country through pre- and post-event travel.
China
Suzhou Hosts 7th Grand Canal Expo with Record Global Participation
The 7th Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo wrapped in Suzhou, Jiangsu, drawing 912 exhibitors from 76 Chinese cities and 35 countries. Held under the theme “Integration, Innovation, Sharing,” the three-day event featured exhibitions, culinary showcases, and immersive digital experiences, including China’s first museum-originated VR attraction, “Canal Wonderland.”
New highlights included representation from every continent in the “Silk Road and Canal” exhibition and increased international engagement across food, culture, and tech. With 65 percent of exhibitors from outside Jiangsu, the Expo continues to position the Grand Canal as both a cultural heritage site and a platform for global exchange.
Canada
Ottawa Grows Global Conference Appeal with $1.5 Billion Investment
Ottawa is boosting its business events sector with more than $1.5 billion in new downtown investment and a growing calendar of international life sciences conferences. From 2025 to 2027, the city will welcome seven major association events, bringing nearly 5,000 delegates.
Recent infrastructure highlights include the Hard Rock Hotel Ottawa, which opened this summer with 150 rooms, a 1,800-seat theater, and full-service amenities. History Ottawa, a 2,000-capacity venue by Live Nation, is set to open in 2026. New downtown hotels and the Ādisōke library project will further expand meeting space and community access.
Life sciences leaders point to Ottawa’s research institutions, government health agencies, and academic networks as key drivers. Enhanced air service from London and Paris is also improving access for European attendees.
Global
Licensing International and IAAPA Announce Strategic Alliance
Licensing International and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) have launched a strategic partnership aimed at connecting the global brand licensing and attractions sectors. The alliance will focus on joint educational initiatives, event cross-promotion, and expanded business opportunities as consumer demand grows for branded guest experiences.
Licensing International represents the $369 billion global licensing industry with members in more than 40 countries. IAAPA is the largest international trade association for attractions professionals, serving over 100 countries. The collaboration will begin rolling out later this year.
Europe
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre Generates $54.5 Million in Impact from Record Congress Year
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre hosted six major international congresses in the first half of 2025, drawing more than 25,000 delegates and generating over $54.5 million in economic and employment impact for Helsinki. The events included the International Council of Nurses Congress with 7,000 attendees and the European Academy of Neurology Congress with 8,000. The venue’s investment in future growth includes the $6.5 million Messukeskus Arena opening this September and the $21.8 million Solar event space, scheduled for completion in 2027.
Tech Show Paris 2025 Opens Registration, Targets Responsible AI and Digital Sovereignty
Set for November 5–6 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Tech Show Paris 2025 has opened registration. The event will feature five co-located trade shows and expects growth beyond last year’s 7,900 visitors and 275 exhibitors. Headliners include Siemens, Nokia, Dell, and Schneider Electric. Programming will spotlight responsible AI, digital sovereignty, and sustainable innovation, with keynotes from Air France, Mastercard, and the French government.
