29 August 2003Asia's conventions and exhibition associations and
practitioners are meeting in Hong Kong and Shanghai over
the next two weeks to hammer out post-SARS recovery plans
at three separate forums.
After its successful stint in Las Vegas, Convention
& Expo Summit 2003 moves to Asia for the first time,
reflecting the growing importance of the industry in this
part of the world. The August 29 to 31 event will be one of
the first industry forums to tackle the new industry
environment, post-crisis.
The event with an academic slant features educators,
industry practitioners and representatives of professional
associations in the conventions, meetings and expositions
fields.
A day earlier, Asia's exhibition industry associations
will meet to share their experiences at the first Asian
Exhibition Forum. The show is organised by the Hong Kong
Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA),
Union of International Fairs, Hong Kong Trade Development
Council and Hong Kong Tourism Board.
The Forum is supported by key exhibition associations in
Asia and venue associations, such as China Exhibition
Centres Association, the World Council for Venue
Management, Asia Pacific Exhibition and Convention Council
as well as the Singapore Association of Convention and
Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers.
"We will have representatives of the Asian exhibition
associations to give city reports with the focus on their
revival plans and actions for the coming six months," said
Stanley Chu, chairman of HKECIA.
"A primary objective of the Forum is to formulate ideas
for long-term co-operation in the industry among businesses
in Asian countries and regions."
Over 150 delegates are expected to attend.
In Shanghai a few days later, the Asia Business Travel
Mart's conference examines the resurgence in the business
travel segment, key to the sustained recovery of the
meetings and conventions industry.
The conference, entitled, "Business Travel - A New
Resurgence: China, leading a new wave" also brings into
focus the dynamism that the Greater China region would
bring into the industry.
A key issue that would inevitably surface at these
forums is the continuing threat of terrorism.
The bombing at Jakarta's JW Marriott hotel in early
August has again strained Indonesia's efforts to attract
international events business.
However, unlike the SARS outbreak, Asian governments did
not overreact and have in fact, appealed to other
governments not to hurt the region's recovery from SARS by
indiscriminately discouraging travel.