News
GLOBAL SNAPSHOT
ASIA
PCEB launches BE Associate in Malaysia Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau( PCEB) launched its BE Associate programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Malaysia, designed to cultivate future-ready talent pipeline for the business events industry. BE Associate is positioned as a strategic platform that goes beyond conventional academic learning. The programme, which is complementary for students to join, aims to equip participants with practical skills, real-world exposure and direct access to industry professionals.“ BE Associate reflects our commitment to strengthening the industry from within,” said Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB.
AMERICAS
Chicago O’ Hare International Airport leading the way for take-offs and landings Airports Council International( AIC) data shows that Chicago led the globe in take-offs and landings in 2025. O’ Hare International Airport reclaimed its position as the busiest airfield in the world, recording 860,015 aircraft operations, a 10.8 % increase over 2024, and the equivalent of one take-off or landing every 37 seconds. O’ Hare last held the top spot in 2019. The airport’ s return to number one reflects unmatched operational capacity, powered by an eight-runway system developed over 16 years.
EUROPE
Montgomery Group grows aviation portfolio with acquisition of Sustainable Aviation Futures
The UK’ s longest-running independent event organiser Montgomery Group, has announced the acquisition of Sustainable Aviation Futures( SAF), a global conference series focused on accelerating the aviation industry’ s transition to net zero. SAF events gather senior decision-makers from across the aviation and energy value chain. The portfolio of six global congresses is recognised for driving the scale-up of sustainable aviation fuels and development of wider decarbonisation solutions to help the aviation sector achieve its stated goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
EUROPE
Malta hotel opens new conference centre The Barcelo Fortina Malta hotel has opened a new conference centre, able to host up to 230 guests for theatre style conferences. The new centre is the highlight of the hotel’ s € 35m refurbishment and transformation into a 5-star destination in Sliema. The main hotel refurbishment was inaugurated under the Barceló brand in 2023 and the new conference centre spans 600sqm and features a 280sqm main hall and five adaptable meeting rooms. There is new AV technology, high-speed Wi-Fi and hybrid capabilities.
6 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 142