UK-based UBM, through its UBM Asia division, has expanded even further in the Asia-Pacific Region, buying two trade shows and forming a joint venture to develop another one.

Also, in the United States, UBM added onto its aviation division with another purchase.

In China, UBM Asia formed a JV company, Shanghai UBM ShowStar Exhibition Co Ltd, with Shanghai ShowStar Exhibition Service Co Ltd, owner of the China International Exhibition & Symposium on Dental Equipment, Technology & Products, known as DenTech China.

UBM acquired 70 percent of the JV company and will organize DenTech China 2012 onwards with a goal of expanding international attendance, according to UBM officials.

“This acquisition proves again the commitment of UBM Asia to support the branded exhibitions in China to become the leading ones in the world,” said Jime Essink, president and CEO of UBM Asia.

He added, “UBM Asia has over 1,000 staff in 21 major cities, stretching from Japan to Turkey and also in the USA. We are very pleased to welcome Grant Chen and the DenTech team to this big and ever-growing UBM family.’’

DenTech 2011 was held in October at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre and covered 12,000 net square meters (129,166 net square feet) of exhibition space, attracted more than 500 exhibitors and scored more than 65,000 visits.

UBM also expanded its presence in India with the purchase of the Renewable Energy India exhibition on behalf of UBM Asia from the Exhibitions India Pvt Ltd.

The show focuses on renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, hydro, cogeneration and geothermal.

Renewable Energy India was launched in 2007 and spanned more than 10,000 sq. m. (107,639 net sq. ft.) of net exhibition space, as well as attracted 527 exhibitors from 33 countries and 16,000-plus attendees and conference delegates.

The event’s founder, Prem Behl, will remain with the business as a consultant. Rajneesh Khattar, president of Renewable Energy India and the Renewable Energy team of four staff will be incorporated into UBM India New Delhi office, reporting to Sanjeev Khaira, managing director of UBM India.

In Malaysia, UBM bought the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) from its private owners on behalf of UBM Asia.

MIFF is Malaysia’s largest exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur and the largest furniture exhibition in Southeast Asia, according to UBM officials.

Last year’s show attracted more than 450 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees to a 30,000 net sq. m. (322,917 net sq. ft.) showfloor.

MIFF fits in well with UBM Asia’s existing portfolio, such as Furniture China, which runs every September in Shanghai.

The founder of MIFF, Dato Tan Chin Huat, will remain with the business. Ms Karen Goi, General Manager of MIFF and MIFF team will be incorporated into UBM Malaysia office, reporting to M Gandhi, managing director of UBM Asia (ASEAN Business).

"Adding MIFF to AMB's exhibitions which we acquired last May, UBM Malaysia office is now the largest trade fair organizer in Malaysia,” Essink said.

He added, “Together with our offices in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, UBM Asia provides a unique and extensive network across the ASEAN which will greatly facilitate our customers in exploring the ASEAN, markets which will become one big market in 2015.”

In the U.S., UBM beefed up its aviation portfolio by acquiring Insight Media Limited, which owns the Airport Cities World Exhibition & Conference , from its private owners on behalf of UBM Aviation.  

UBM acquired 25 percent of Insight Media Limited in August 2010 as part of its acquisition of the Route Development Group.

Last year's show was held in Memphis, Tenn., and attracted more than 600 attendees, 50 exhibitors and 32 sponsors. 

The 2012 event will take place April 25-27 in Denver