Exhibition World Issue 5 — 2019 | Page 8

Global Snapshot Global snapshot EW explores some regional news highlights in the global exhibitions industry US - AEG Facilities and SMG have merged, creating a new global facility management and venue services superpower, ASM Global (ASM). AEG Facilities is the venue management affiliate of Anschutz Entertainment Group, and SMG is a portfolio company of Onex and its affiliated funds. ASM is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, with key operations based in West Conshohocken, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. ASM operates a portfolio of arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centres, performing arts centres, theatres and other venues with more than 300 facilities across five continents. Bob Newman, former President of AEG Facilities, has been named President and CEO of ASM, effective immediately. UK - European organiser Easyfairs has announced it is acquiring Futurebuild Events, a London-based independent events company which runs Futurebuild, a building and construction exhibition which takes place 3-5 March 2020 at ExCeL London. The two companies will collaborate to deliver a portfolio of events dedicated to the needs of the market, while retaining the Futurebuild Events management and staff. Martin Hurn, Managing Director of Futurebuild Events said: “We’re very excited about this new chapter for Futurebuild. Our ongoing focus is to deliver a must-attend event that truly acts as a catalyst for change and brings together innovators and influencers.” 8 Issue 5 2019 Hungary - Construction work to expand Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre is underway, with the foundation stone laid in the Hungarian capital in October. The country’s largest exhibition and event complex is getting a €170m refurbishment, thanks to a project co-funded by the government and GL events. It is due for completion by 2021. As part of the expansion, two new exhibition halls, a new reception building and a congress centre will be built. Saudi Arabia - Riyadh Exhibitions Company has announced its Exhibitions and Conference Calendar from October 2019 - November 2020. The calendar will include events in various fields such as agriculture, construction, healthcare, heavy equipment and machinery, packaging, plastic and petrochemical industries, transportation and electricity. One of the exhibitions in the calendar is Saudi Elenex 2020, which will cover topics relating to electricity and alternative energy. w w w.exhibitionworld.co.uk