COMPETITION between organisers of business-event trade shows in Asia Pacific, and the cities hosting them, is returning with an international exhibition organiser announcing another bid to debut IBTM Asia Pacific – this time as the region’s “most influential event”.
In the same month as the 2026 edition of Informa’s Connect Marketplace Hong Kong came to close on March 19, RX this week announced the debut of a regional edition of its International Business Travel Meetings series, which is scheduled for Bangkok next year.
After three previous attempts dating back to the onset of Covid, RX is aiming at a regional comeback with support from Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), with Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) due to host IBTM Asia Pacific from June 9-10, 2027.
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IBTM’s announcement on March 31 follows successive postponements of the show in Singapore from 2019, followed by the announcement of a switch to Hong Kong. Its debut in Hong Kong was pulled when RX said its market research showed Chinese business event buyers were more focused on products in Europe offered by IBTM World in Barcelona.
Holding the show in Bangkok in June would place it later in the business events calendar, which kicks off with Melbourne’s AIME in February, but also in rivalry with TTG’s dual events, IT&CM Asia/CTW. The gap in Singapore business event trade shows for the first quarter of the year was filled by Northstar’s The Meetings Show, while Informa stepped in with Connect Marketplace Hong Kong after IBTM withdrew in September 2024.
The conference programme will feature IBTM’s signature mix of interactive content, collaborative problem-solving sessions, wellbeing experiences and practical workshops. Designed to help the industry adapt, solve and accelerate, sessions and networking moments will deliver insight, inspiration and actionable solutions for planners shaping the next era of business events.”
– IBTM announcement
IBTM’s Bangkok show is heralded as a “future-focused meeting point” with “robust institutional backing” by TCEB. “Thailand also offers e-visa and visa-free access to travellers from multiple destinations, including China, India, the UK, the EU and the USA making it a natural hub for global and regional business exchange,” the organiser said in a statement.
IBTM added that Asia-Pacific has become the third-largest business events market in the world and “its momentum is accelerating”.
“Valued at US$231.49bn in 2026 and forecast to grow at 12.6 per cent annually through 2029, the region presents a clear opportunity for a flagship event built for scale, growth and connection,” it said.
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IBTM said exhibitor and buyer research confirmed “strong demand for a dedicated regional platform”. It said key brands and buyer groups have already signalled their intention to attend.
Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director, IBTM World and IBTM Asia Pacific, said: “Our vision is to build the region’s most influential event, offering a premium platform that brings together industry leaders through high-quality meetings, an inspiring conference programme, and measurable commercial impact for both exhibitors and buyers.”
TCEB president Supawan Teerarat said: “This landmark event is more than a regional gathering. It is a bold statement of Asia’s rising influence in the global business events industry.
“As the Official Host Destination Partner, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau looks forward to working closely with RX BITEC to create a dynamic platform that connects the international business events community while showcasing Thailand’s world-class capabilities and inspiring experiences.”
