(Utilita Arena Newcastle, shown from the front entrance, is expanding its role beyond concerts to host large-scale conferences and corporate events as part of a new strategy led by Legends Global. (Photo courtesy of Legends Global / Utilita Arena Newcastle))
Global Meetings & Events Roundup
From Buenos Aires to Kuala Lumpur and Sydney to Düsseldorf, October brought a mix of milestones for the global meetings and events industry. International convention centers and destinations reported record attendance, new investments, and fresh collaborations, reflecting steady growth and a stronger focus on sustainability, technology, and community impact.
Latin America & the Caribbean
FOR-A Highlights Workflow Integration at CAPER 2025
FOR-A Latin America and the Caribbean joined regional partners and broadcasters at Cámara Argentina de Proveedores y Fabricantes de Equipos de Radiodifusión 2025 (CAPER 2025), held October 7–9 in Buenos Aires, to showcase new tools that support the shift toward IP-based production. With SVC, the company showed updates to its FA-1616 processor that simplify how broadcasters link cameras, graphics, and control systems during live events. The company also demonstrated ClassX LiveBoard graphics software, showing how it can connect smoothly with newsroom systems. The showcase highlighted both the region’s growing broadcast tech sector and CAPER’s role as a hub for collaboration in Latin America.
Europe
Caravaning 2025 Showcases Technology, Sustainability, and New Travelers
The International Caravanning Exhibition (Caravaning 2025) wrapped up at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue after drawing more than 180 companies and 700 vehicle models across 34,000 square meters from October 11–19. Organized by Fira de Barcelona with support from the Spanish Association of the Caravanning Industry and Commerce (ASEICAR) and the Gremi d’Empresaris del Caravaning de Catalunya (GREMCAR), the event highlighted advances in electrified, hybrid, and smart caravans. Exhibitors presented automation tools, modular interior designs, and sustainable materials aimed at young families and first-time travelers. Educational sessions and the Travelvaning forum explored emerging tourism trends, while redesigned family spaces and on-site camper parking emphasized accessibility and visitor experience.
Frank Schindler Appointed Director of ProWein Düsseldorf
ProWein Düsseldorf has appointed Frank Schindler as its new director, effective October 15, 2025. Based in Düsseldorf, he will lead the team responsible for the main ProWein wine and spirits trade fair, ProSpirits, and six international editions across Asia and South America. Schindler previously served as managing director at Esterhazy winery in Austria and VINUM Weinhandel GmbH in Italy, bringing broad experience in wine marketing and international operations. Messe Düsseldorf said his appointment supports the continued development of ProWein’s global network. The next ProWein Düsseldorf will take place March 15–17, 2026.
Italian Exhibition Group to Launch BEX – Beyond Exploration in 2026
Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) will launch BEX – Beyond Exploration at the Rimini Expo Centre from September 23–25, 2026, in collaboration with the Emilia-Romagna Region. The new expo-conference will focus on the space economy and commercial space flight, connecting aerospace leaders with industries such as food, fashion, health, and automotive. The event will feature business meetings, workshops, and a start-up showcase for universities and research centres. Italian Air Force astronaut Colonel Walter Villadei will serve as BEX ambassador. Organizers aim to position BEX as one of Europe’s leading platforms for innovation, sustainability, and cross-sector collaboration in the fast-growing space industry.
Asia
Glasspex and Glasspro India 2025 Draw Strong International Participation
The 2025 editions of Glasspex India and Glasspro India concluded in Mumbai with 180 exhibitors from 19 countries and more than 8,200 trade visitors. Organized by Messe Düsseldorf India, the events occupied over 9,200 square meters of exhibit space and showcased the latest technologies in glass production and processing. Exhibitors and visitors represented major markets including Germany, Italy, the United States, China, and Japan, with Germany and Italy hosting country pavilions. The shows were held alongside the All India Glass Manufacturers’ Federation (AIGMF) International Conference, which focused on artificial intelligence, digitalization, and sustainability in glassmaking. Industry representatives also gathered for the VDMA (German Engineering Federation) Glass Technology Forum and the sixth Glass Bulletin Awards, highlighting innovation and collaboration within India’s expanding glass sector.
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and KLCC Precinct Celebrate Awards and Sustainability Milestones
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA) have marked a standout year of recognition and community impact. The Centre earned national and regional honors including Malaysia’s Best Convention & Exhibition Centre 2025 (TTG Travel Awards), Best Convention Centre in Southeast Asia (M&C Asia Stella Awards), and a National Energy Award for sustainability initiatives. It also took home 41 medals at Culinaire Malaysia 2025, including Overall Champion (Professional) and Most Outstanding Artist. Meanwhile, KLCCBEA concluded its third “Sustainable September” campaign, themed Liveable and Lovable Precinct, uniting more than 1,000 participants and raising RM41,000 for social and environmental causes. The initiative achieved 700 volunteer hours, reached 2,200 beneficiaries, and planted 50 new trees in KLCC Park, furthering the precinct’s mission to build a more livable and sustainable Kuala Lumpur.
Jiashi County Highlights China’s Expanding Plum Industry
Jiashi County in Xinjiang hosted the 2025 China Prune Industry Conference and the 10th Kashgar·Jiashi Prune Expo, reinforcing its role as China’s top plum-producing region. The county’s 38,000 hectares of orchards are expected to yield about 410,000 metric tons this year, supporting 25 local enterprises producing juice, wine, dried fruit, and jam. Known for its favorable growing conditions, Jiashi is increasing exports as demand for Chinese plums grows at home and abroad.
Hong Kong International Optical Fair Welcomes Record Global Participation
The 33rd Hong Kong International Optical Fair will take place November 5–7, 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), bringing together more than 660 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, the fair will debut the ASEAN and Zhejiang Pavilions and welcome first-time exhibitors from Indonesia, Russia, and Vietnam. Highlights include the 23rd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium, focused on senior vision care, and the 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, themed “Blending Tradition and Technology.” The event will also feature sustainable and smart eyewear innovations reflecting global trends in design, health, and technology.
Asia-Pacific
ICC Sydney Reports Record Year for Events, Growth, and Community Impact
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) released its 2025 Annual Performance Review, reporting record results across attendance, economic contribution, and social impact. The venue hosted 546 events, welcoming 1.5 million attendees and generating an estimated A$746 million in economic contribution for New South Wales (NSW). Highlights included 136 live entertainment events, such as Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular, and 13 industry awards recognizing excellence in service and sustainability. ICC Sydney achieved 98 percent delegate satisfaction and advanced inclusion through programs supporting First Nations engagement, food donation initiatives, and workplace diversity. Chief Executive Officer Adam Mather-Brown said ICC Sydney continues to act as “a catalyst for innovation, talent development, and community engagement,” aligning with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 and reinforcing Sydney’s role as a leader in global business and entertainment events.
Middle East
Messe Düsseldorf Partners with AccessAbilities Expo to Expand REHACARE Brand
Messe Düsseldorf, organizer of REHACARE International in Germany, has entered a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Nadd AlShiba PR & Event Management, acquiring a stake in the AccessAbilities Expo. The collaboration, announced during the 2025 edition of AccessAbilities in Dubai from October 6–8, marks Messe Düsseldorf’s first healthcare and rehabilitation partnership in the Middle East. The move connects REHACARE events in Düsseldorf and China with AccessAbilities, creating a global network focused on assistive technologies and inclusion. Organizers said the partnership will link exhibitors and buyers across regions and raise international visibility for accessibility solutions. The initiative also supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda 2033 (D33), which promotes inclusion and investment in healthcare innovation. The next REHACARE International will take place September 23–26, 2026, in Düsseldorf.
Canada
Ottawa and The Hague Partner to Advance Global Congress Collaboration
Ottawa Tourism and The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau highlighted their ongoing collaboration during a buyers’ breakfast at IMEX America, marking continued success in delivering international association events. The partnership, first formalized in 2019 and renewed last year, was spotlighted through the joint delivery of the International Statistical Institute (ISI) World Statistics Congress. Ottawa hosted the 64th edition in 2023, while The Hague is hosting the 65th this week at World Forum The Hague. The two cities coordinated venue planning, delegate services, and educational programs to maintain continuity between editions. Organizers said the collaboration improved logistics and helped expand opportunities for young and women statisticians, showing how joint efforts between destinations can enhance international congress delivery.
United Kingdom
Utilita Arena Newcastle Expands into Corporate Events with Legends Global
Utilita Arena Newcastle is broadening its use beyond concerts, adding conferences and corporate events to its lineup. Backed by Legends Global, the venue has upgraded hospitality spaces and flexible layouts to accommodate a wider range of events. Recent bookings include a 700-person Cancer Research UK dinner, an NHS conference, and the Hybrid Games, a regional fitness competition. Smaller renovated areas such as the Green Room and Utilita Lounge are now used for meetings and receptions. Located near Newcastle Central Station, the arena has seen increased interest from corporate planners looking for large-capacity city venues.
