IAES board member Dr Mingguang Liu organises international forum in Hangzhou

IAES board member Dr Mingguang Liu organised the 2025 Forum of the Exhibition Industry in Hangzhou, China. The forum was held in September as part of the Fourth Global Digital Trade Expo.

The event brought together exhibition and events leaders, researchers and public officials, creating a platform for international dialogue about innovation and digital transformation in the industry.

The 2025 Forum of the Exhibition Industry in Hangzhou, organised by IAES board member Dr Mingguang Liu.

IAES Chair Dr James Kennell was among the invited speakers. His presentation examined the adoption of artificial intelligence in Europe’s exhibition sector, drawing on several years of research and insights from colleagues at Surrey Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Surrey.

Forum participants were also able to explore the Global Digital Trade Expo and see first-hand some of the technologies and innovations that Chinese companies are bringing to the events and exhibitions sector.

Forum participants explored new technologies at the Fourth Global Digital Trade Expo.

Through his work in convening the forum, Dr Liu created opportunities for exchange between China and the wider international exhibitions and events communities. This reflects IAES’s commitment to building connections between researchers, educators and industry leaders across borders.