Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are here and reshaping business. But AI isn’t just for tech companies and online retailers—it can be a force multiplier for smaller and mid-sized information companies by enabling them to take control of content and audience data by automating many of the manual tasks associated with maintaining that data and helping create personalized and meaningful experiences for customers.

B2B powerhouse Informa has agreed to acquire  exhibitions giant UBM in a deal worth nearly $6 billion, including debt, reports the Financial Times (subscription required). The merger will create the largest operator of business events and exhibitions in the world.

It's no surprise—today most Connectiv members describe themselves as “business media” companies. But five years from now, most say “business information services” will be a better descriptor, according to the recent Connectiv 2015 Business Outlook Census.