Global Snapshot
Global snapshot
EW explores some regional news highlights in the global exhibitions industry
Europe – The American Society of Travel Advisors( ASTA) will host the 2026 ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 11-15 March, 2026.
Now in its fifth year, the event offers travel advisors access to river cruise ships, networking opportunities with industry executives and onboard experiences with accommodations and dining.
Higher-tier registrations include additional benefits such as a Town Hall with ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby, priority booking for post-Expo sailings and early access to select dining and educational sessions. The keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love.
Europe – Easyfairs has acquired the
Digital Accountancy Show from cofounders Dan Cockerton and James Howell for an undisclosed amount.
The Digital Accountancy Show launched in 2020 and its 2025 edition in London’ s Battersea Evolution drew 5,000 visitors and 150 exhibitors.
“ I’ m over the moon to announce that Digital Accountancy Show has received investment from one of the world’ s largest event organisers,” said Howell. Easyfairs UK & global CEO Alison Willis commented:“ We are delighted to welcome Digital Accountancy Show on our journey to shape the future of events. We constantly challenge ourselves to look into the future and picture what the lives of our communities will look like.”
Europe – The future Montjuïc venue in Barcelona is starting to take shape through the designs of the winning teams of an architectural competition curated by the Commission for the Centenary of the 1929 International Exposition. Three unique monumental halls will define the first phase of the renovation of this city landmark. Management says the goal is to transform the venue into a cutting-edge exhibition space.
The Commission, which has government and Fira de Barcelona representation, released renders for these first renovations. The winners were selected by a jury chaired by the architect Josep Lluís Mateo.
Europe – Luxury travel show organiser, This is Beyond has been sold to US-based events company, Emerald Holdings for around £ 100m. The Londonbased organiser produces seven events globally, including PURE Life Experiences, in Marrakech, and focuses on the high-end experiential travel sector.
Serge Dive, co-founder of This is Beyond will remain with the portfolio. He previously launched International Luxury Travel Market in 2002, later sold to RX Global.
Emerald CEO Herve Sedky said the expansion aligns with his company’ s strategy of improving top-line growth.
6 Issue 2 2025 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk