Strategic Expansion into Emerging Market Categories
RX Global has unveiled four new specialized trade shows across distinct sectors, marking a strategic shift toward targeting high-growth market segments. The launches include Racquet Sports at the PGA Show, Heat Pump Technologies in Milan, The Luxe Convergence in Cannes, and NEXT ENERGY at KORMARINE in Busan.
PGA Show Adds Racquet Sports Component
The PGA Show introduced Racquet Sports in January, expanding beyond golf to include pickleball, padel, tennis, and other emerging categories. Event Manager Nick Mastro explained the rationale: "Facilities are looking for proven ways to increase participation, maximise revenue and retain members – and racquet sports are delivering across all those areas."
The inaugural edition drew more than 4,000 buyers from the show's 30,000 professional attendees who expressed direct interest in racquet sports. The space featured 50+ exhibiting brands, purpose-built pickleball and padel courts, hands-on activations, a dedicated education stage, and a Celebrity Pickleball ProAm.
Ryan Wienbach, Director of Sales at PodPlay, reported immediate commercial impact: "The show delivered meaningful exposure and momentum. We saw strong partnership conversations, and clear validation that pickleball and padel growth, especially internationally, is accelerating fast."
Heat Pump Technologies Debuts as Standalone Event
RX Italy launched Heat Pump Technologies (HPT) in Milan as a standalone event rather than a zone within MCE - Mostra Convegno Expocomfort. The decision reflects the company's strategy to provide specialized platforms for rapidly advancing technologies.
"It's not about replacing a flagship," explained Massimiliano Pierini, Managing Director of RX Italy. "It's about giving companies a different stage – specifically designed for deeper, more targeted conversations."
The first edition in April welcomed 118 exhibitors and more than 6,000 visitors over two days, with every major industry player represented and strong international participation. Heat Pump Technologies returns to the Alianz MiCo Milan from 7-8 April 2027.
Luxury Sector Convergence Platform Announced
Following record attendance at ILTM Cannes in December, which welcomed nearly 10,000 attendees and hosted more than 100,000 meetings, RX announced The Luxe Convergence for 3-5 November in Cannes. The two-day summit will unite senior leaders from fashion, travel, beauty, art, technology, and hospitality brands.
ILTM Portfolio Director Alison Gilmore will curate the programme, which includes keynotes from global brand strategists and sessions on collaboration as a growth engine, luxury consumer behaviour, and AI's role in the luxury ecosystem. "Cross-category collaboration is luxury's most powerful emerging growth and marketing tool," Gilmore stated.
Maritime Energy Platform Launches in Korea
NEXT ENERGY at KORMARINE debuted in Busan with two core pillars: Future Fuels and Renewable Energy. The event brought together shipbuilders, energy providers, and technology leaders to address maritime decarbonisation.
Project Manager Doa Kim explained the focus: "As hydrogen, LNG, and ammonia move from concept to construction, we have created a space where these technologies can be explored at scale."
Major participants included CRRC, Hyosung Heavy Industries, NOV, and Schneider Electric, while Korea's 'Big 3' shipbuilders – HD Hyundai, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean – showcased innovations from AI-based vessel optimisation to carbon-free carrier designs. KORMARINE 2025 attracted over 30,000 professional visitors from 77 countries, representing a 10% increase from the previous edition.
Based on reporting by RX Global. Read the original article.