Global Snapshot
Malaysia – The Kuala Lumpur
Convention Centre is preparing to welcome visitors back , as Malaysia ’ s business events industry begins to re-open . The venue hosted its first major event since lockdown , the Malaysia International Renovation + Home Interior Design Exhibition 2021 , 19 – 21 March 2021 .
The venue has upskilled its workforce of 200 people in various event-related services and brought in experts to host ‘ classroom ’ sessions and hands-on role play exercises as part of its training regime .
World – International organiser and training provider Centaur Media announced preliminary financial results for the year ended 31 December 2020 showing resilience despite revenues down 18 % to £ 32.4m ( US $ 45m ) ( 2019 : £ 39.6m ) due to the impact of Covid . There was international revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA only decreased by £ 0.2m , benefiting from a 24 % reduction in operating costs .
The company posted net cash of £ 8.3m at year end and forecast increasing revenues to more than £ 45m by 2023 .
Australia – The Australian exhibition industry has welcomed the national government ’ s new package to support the tourism industry .
On 11 March , prime minister Scott Morrison said the AUD $ 50m ( US $ 38.9m ) Business Events Grants Programme would be extended by three months .
The prime minister said the package ’ s mix of half-price airline tickets , cheap loans for businesses and direct support to keep planes in the air , would be a bridge to a more normal way of life for Australians .
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 2 2021 7