Global Snapshot
Global snapshot
EW explores some regional news highlights in the global exhibitions industry
03 01
Americas – Forge, the B2B events and media company( formed by the combination of Emerald and Questex after the acquisition by Apollo Funds in July 2026), has entered into an agreement to acquire Becker’ s Healthcare(“ Becker’ s”), the media and events platform serving hospital, health system and healthcare executives, from Pamlico Capital. The acquisition will include all of Becker’ s media and events assets, including its 16 annual conferences, more than a dozen digital publications, and its portfolio of newsletters, podcasts and executive communities.
Europe – UK-based international exhibition organiser CloserStill Media has appointed Nicola Hamann as managing director, Europe. She will oversee CloserStill’ s Learning & HR and Future Transport & Infrastructure business units across the continent. She joins CloserStill with more than 20 years of leadership experience across the B2B events industry, serving multiple sectors and geographies. Most recently, Hamann served as senior director guest events and locations at Messe München. She has also held managing director positions at RX Global and Mack Brooks.
Americas – Sarah Porter has stepped down as CEO of InspiredMinds! and World Summit AI, the company and international summit series she founded a decade ago. The departure completes a planned transition following the 2024 acquisition by Growth Catalyst Partners, a New Yorkbased private equity firm. Porter will continue to speak publicly on AI safety and power. Through World Summit AI and Intelligent Health, Porter brought together big tech, researchers, start-ups, policymakers, government heads and industry leaders.
Asia – Malaysia-based exhibition organiser United Expo has acquired the International Café and Beverage Show( ICBS). The acquisition moves United Expo beyond its original footprint in Malaysia’ s jewellery and healthcare exhibition sectors.“ We see real potential to grow ICBS further and bring even more value to its stakeholders and the wider trade ecosystem,” said Connie Soh, director of United Expo. Malaysia’ s lifestyle sectors, including the food and beverage industry, are forecast to grow at a double-digit compound annual rate through the early 2030s due, in part, to rising urban disposable income.
8 Issue 5 2026 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk