Elizabeth Rich found there was plenty of talk in Barcelona about future-proofing the events business.

Fast-growing economies and a rapidly expanding middle class has seen growth in trade and professional associations and a concomitant rise in business events in Asia. Elizabeth Rich talks to two industry bodies and their plans for the future.

A post Olympic slump, exacerbated by the GFC, has seen Beijing presenting what may be a one-off opportunity for event organisers looking to cut a good deal in the capital of the world's future number one economic power.