Asia is no longer a follower, but a leader in the global business events industry as the centre of gravity for global business events has shifted eastward.
Speaking at the opening of AFECA Convention 2025 in Jakarta, Vincent Lim, president of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA), said that Asia’s rapid growth brought tremendous momentum, but it also created complexity – from fragmented markets and evolving regulations to global competition and shifting geopolitics.
“The future demands clarity, shared vision, regional alignment, and the determination to compete globally while driving shared prosperity across Asia,” Lim stated.
He emphasised that business events serve as catalysts, transforming challenges into economic opportunities, and that clarity begins with recognising the region’s strength.
“Asia now leads the world,” he asserted, elaborating that based on exhibition space, Asia has surpassed Europe and the US, rising to the top since 2004 and becoming the largest exhibition space globally in 2024.
Moreover, world-leading exhibitions are increasingly being staged across Asia, clearly reflecting the continent’s growing influence and capacity in countries like Thailand.
Lim highlighted the region’s commitment to setting new benchmarks, pointing to significant venue expansion across South-east Asia. He cited the recent opening of a new venue in Jakarta with close to 100,000m2 of exhibition space, and plans for similar 100,000m2 developments in Vietnam and the Philippines.
“This signals that governments across the region are recognising the value and potential of business events,” he said.
The forward momentum is also reflected within AFECA which celebrates 20th anniversary this year. The federation now represents over 155 members across 19 countries and regions, uniting key industry players and government partners. To strengthen regional engagement, AFECA has appointed a China representative to step up the industry’s promotion there.
Looking forward, Lim said that AFECA, through its A20 and IBEF platforms, would continue to develop shared standards, build regional talent pipelines, and advocate for business events as drivers of GDP and national growth.
A key outcome of the convention was the signing of the Jakarta Declaration between AFECA, Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association (ASPERAPI), and Indonesian Congress and Convention Association (INCCA), committing all parties to advance education, expand networking, and foster stronger collaboration to enhance industry standards.
ASPERAPI’s chairman Hosea Andreas Runkat clarified the signing was a comprehensive renewal of an earlier, general memorandum that neglected human resource development. The renewed commitment emphasises networking and collaboration over market competition, with plans for mutual visits next year with associations in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand to foster growth.
