Asia Business Media: January 2013

Friday, January 25, 2013

TCEB aims to build Chiang Mai’s MICE industry

News this week: Last week, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced that the bureau has teamed-up with eight key government and private organisations to develop Chiang Mai’s MICE industry.

The organisations cooperating with TCEB include: Chiang Mai province, the Chiang Mai Provincial Administration, Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association, the Office of Commercial Affairs Chiang Mai, TAT Chiang Mai Office, Chiang Mai Creative City (CMCC) and Chiang Mai University. According to TCEB, the main objective of the Chiang Mai MICE Summit is to develop the city into a major MICE destination within five years.

The plan is divided into three phases. The first phase will begin in 2013 and target domestic MICE operators. The second phase, which still last from 2014 to 2015, will cover regional cooperation across the Greater Mekong region. Lastly, the third phase will aim to promote Chiang Mai as a global MICE city from 2016 to 2017.

Thongchai Sridama, Acting TCEB President, stated, “The cooperation in setting the clear framework for developing Chiang Mai as a MICE Destination is a significant strategic move for the country… TCEB is also ready to fully support Chiang Mai and concerned public and private agencies in making Chiang Mai a true MICE Destination, which will in the end drive overall national economic development. We are ready to encourage knowledge sharing and improvement of service standard for hotels, restaurants, meeting and convention facilities, travel destinations and others in order to help boost trade and investment in the long run.”

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IMPACT hosts over 800 events in 2012

News this week: Thailand’s IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre released its key 2012 statistics this week. The venue hosted over 800 events and 15 million visitors in 2012.

Large-scale fairs and exhibitions hosted by IMPACT last year included the 240,000 m² Board of Investment Fair (BOI Fair), 2012 Rotary International Convention, the Bangkok International Motor Show, and the Thailand International Motor Expo.

Mr. Loy Joon How, general manager of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., commented, “It has also been a busy year for our own in-house exhibition organising arm. A total of 8 international trade exhibitions were organised by us in partnership with various joint venture partners… Our trade show portfolio is expected to grow in 2013 with the launching of the fully sold out LED exhibition, and a few other new joint venture show launches which we will be announcing shortly.”

Fiera Milano to launch Shanghai shoe event

News this week: Trade fair organiser Fiera Milano (through its joint venture Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai), ANCI Servizi, and Shanghai Fashion Week announced the signing of an agreement to organise a Shanghai edition of the international shoe event, Micam.

Micam Shanghai will take place from 9^th to 11^th April 2013 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center (SEC). The trade event will coincide with the Shanghai Fashion Week and will offer Italian-made and other international footwear and leather goods products.

Enrico Pazzali, CEO of Fiera Milano commented, “For the first time, Fiera Milano supports and backs up an Italian exhibition organiser, accompanying it to China where we boast a solid operational basis, which has developed a strong exhibition activity over the last years. We are currently present in China as well as in Brazil, India, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, and Singapore. We boast a portfolio of 69 exhibitions organised abroad, 21 of which take place in China.”

ITE launches India Bicycle Expo

News this week: U.K.-based trade show organiser, ITE Group, has announced the launch of the India Bicycle Expo to take place at the India Expo Centre and Mart in the Greater Noida region outside of New Delhi. The inaugural show is scheduled to run from 28^th to 30^th November 2013 with the final day open to the general public.

According to ITE, Indian manufacturers produce 15 million bicycles annually – of which roughly 3 million are exported. The show aims to target distributors and retailers of premium bicycles and bike parts and accessories.

The event will be run by the International Trade and Exhibitions India (ITEI), which is a part of the ITE Group. According to the organiser, a total of 3,200 m² of exhibition space is expected to be occupied. Exhibitor’s product categories will include bicycle, bicycle parts, cycling gear and accessories.

Alibaba.com reports decrease in fraudulent activities

News this week: B2B e-commerce company Alibaba.com has recently released its end-of-year statistics related to fraudulent activity on its online platform. According to Alibaba, the number of fraud complaints lodged in the fourth quarter of 2012 against Alibaba.com Gold Suppliers (i.e. paid users) was down approximately 60% compared with the same quarter in 2011.

Alibaba.com has launched a series of anti-fraud measures since February 2011 when its former CEO and COO were forced to step down as a result of an internal fraud investigation. Alibaba reported 190 Gold Suppliers were ejected from Alibaba.com as a result of fraudulent activity in 2012, compared with 419 in 2011 and 2,024 in 2010.

Other measures launched in 2012 include a Verified Membership program and site visits to China-based suppliers as part of the Onsite Check program. According to Alibaba, more than 80% of Alibaba.com China Gold Supplier members have passed onsite checks as of December 2012. The company is planning to launch a supplier rating system in the future.

1,800 exhibitors at HKTDC’s fashion shows

News this week: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) reported that the 44^th edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter attracted more than 1,800 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions this year. More than 38,000 buyers visited the four-day fairs, up 14% over last year.

The co-located fashion events were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 14^th to 17^th January 2013. In total, 115 buying missions from 43 countries and regions were present – representing more than 5,400 buyers from over 3,900 companies.

According to the HKTDC, Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter is the largest event of its kind in Asia and the world’s second largest fashion fair. This year’s event featured two new product zones: Fashion Jewellery Feast, and Men in Style; along with five group pavilions from: mainland China, India, Macau, Taiwan, and debutant Pakistan.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Alibaba reshuffles, Jack Ma steps down

News this week: Last week, China’s largest e-commerce company, Alibaba Group, announced it will undergo another major restructuring to adapt to China’s changing e-commerce environment and reaching the company’s goal of becoming an e-commerce “ecosystem”.

The latest Alibaba restructuring sees the company divided into 25 business units, which will be overseen by two committees – a strategic committee and an execution committee primarily made up of nine top company managers. The new units will include retail and wholesale e-commerce, data mining and cloud computing.

Alibaba Group’s CFO Joe Tsai, was quoted saying, “Rather than looking at six or seven big business groups, each of the 25 units could be a significant player in their industry and be very influential. For example, for the first time we have broken out the (online) travel category as a separate business unit on par with Tmall.”

In a separate announcement this week, Alibaba’s chairman and CEO Jack Ma confirmed he will step down as CEO of the company on 10^th May 2013. Ma will remain as executive chairman of Alibaba to focus more on the company’s strategic direction, developing the company's managerial talent, and strengthening Alibaba’s social-responsibility efforts.

TCEB: 2012 results exceed target

News this week: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) reported that MICE visitors to Thailand in 2012 have exceeded its target for the year, reaching 895,224 and generating US$2.7 billion.

According to TCEB, the MICE industry generated 9.5% of all tourism earnings in 2012. Of this figure, 33% were generated from conventions, while corporate meetings and incentive travel each generated 25% and 24% respectively. The remaining 18% were from international exhibitions and trade shows.

Looking ahead in 2013, TCEB will focus on the Asia and ASEAN+6 markets. The bureau has identified five concepts for the growth of the MICE industry: 1) Strategy Business Partner, 2) Creative Leadership, 3) Solution Provider, 4) Business Connector and 5) MICE Capabilities Developer.

New fashion show to launch at AWE

News this week: A new fashion trade show, The HUB, will launch its inaugural edition at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) during the last week of August 2013. Product categories at The HUB will focus on young designer, denim, streetwear, lifestyle clothing and accessories.

Organised by Entrepot Asia, a consultancy for foreign fashion brands looking to launch and expand in Asia, the trade event will feature accredited and by invitation-only senior buyers and decision makers from mono-brand and multi-brand retailers.

Richards Hobbs, event director at Entrepot Asia and Peter Caplowe – the responsible organiser of the Hub, explained, “Every international fashion brand has its commercial sights set on Asia… Now, with the launch of The HUB we are bringing together the most exciting fashion brands from Europe and the United States with the crème de la crème of Asia’s fashion retailers and distributors in an environment designed for forging the partnerships necessary for regional success.”

RBI to sell Australian subsidiary

News this week: Reed Elsevier’s subsidiary, Reed Business Information (RBI), announced an agreement was reached to sell Reed Business Information Australia (RBI Australia) to leading Australasian private equity firm Catalyst Investment Managers Pty Ltd. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

According to RBI, the decision to sell RBI Australia reflects RBI’s increasing focus on paid content models and data services. RBI Australia is the largest B2B media company in Australia, consisting of publications, websites and online industry portals providing information to professionals in various industries.

Trent Peterson, Managing Director of Catalyst said, “The important role of leading and niche publications with multi-channel operations and deep reach into target audiences is only increasing. RBI Australia’s broad portfolio of titles and formats, spanning a wide range of channels to market and industry verticals, puts the Company in a strong position to deliver outstanding results for its customers.”

The transaction is expected to complete in the next three weeks.

Hong Kong Government not looking to expand venue

News this week: According to Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Greg So Kam-leung, the special administrative region’s government has no current plans to expand the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Instead, the government is calling for more co-operation between the HKCEC and the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), Hong Kong’s other international exhibition venue which opened in 2005 with 70,000 m² of rentable space. At present, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, organised by UBM Asia, is the only exhibition that adopts a “one show, two venues” model.

Greg So was quoted saying, “Our first priority will be encouraging co-operation between the two venues so we can better use our resources. We will also encourage exhibitors to hold their shows during non-peak seasons. ”

Tarsus acquires Indonesian exhibition organiser

News this week: International B2B media company, Tarsus Group, announced the acquisition of 51% of Indonesia exhibition organiser PT Infrastructure Asia (PTIA) from PT Event Pro International for a total consideration of US$2.9 million. Specialist acquisition brokers, Mayfield Media Strategies, acted as the broker in this deal.

Tarsus will pay an initial cash consideration on completion of US$500,000 for the 51% share, with estimated total deferred payments of US$2.4 million in aggregate during 2014 and 2015. The two companies have conditional put and call options of the remaining 49% share in PTIA. The total consideration for 100% of PITA is capped at US$23 million.

Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group Managing Director, said: “PTIA is an excellent fit with our strategic objective of quickening the pace of our earnings by investing in fast growth markets… The Indonesian market is undergoing a period of rapid change, with a marked shift away from its historical emphasis on consumer events towards B2B exhibitions. As a result we would expect PTIA to experience strong organic growth supplemented by bolt-on acquisitions.”

The acquisition is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2013.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Allworld to launch new exhibitions in Myanmar

News this week: Trade show organiser Allworld Exhibitions has announced the launch of Building and Construction Myanmar, Mining Myanmar and Electric and Power Myanmar to be held at the Myanmar Convention Centre in Yangon later this year.

Allworld’s director Ian Roberts commented that, “the time is right for companies to be investing” in the developing nation. The three co-located trade events will take place from 31^st October to 2^nd November 2013.

U Zaw Min Win, vice president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), commented, “We are delighted to be working with one of the leading exhibition organisers in the world to organise these prestigious exhibitions. We have seen a huge influx of companies looking to do business in Myanmar and these exhibitions will provide the people of Myanmar with a perfect opportunity to source the much needed equipment and services.”

Penang to launch CVB

News this week: At the recently concluded 3^rd Penang International MICE Conference, Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng announced the launch of the Penang International Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PICEB).

PICEB will be tasked with marketing the city as a MICE destination in South-East Asia. According to Abdul Malik Kassim, State Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee Chairman, a committee team with its own elected chairman and members will be established within the first quarter of 2013.

HKTDC opens four trade fairs at HKCEC

News this week: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) held four concurrent international trade fairs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) this week, attracting more than 2,700 exhibitors.

The HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair ran from 7^th to 10^th January, while the HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show was held from 7^th to 9^th January. All of the fairs were organised by the HKTDC with the exception of the Stationery Fair, which is jointly organised with Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

The 39^th Toys & Games Fair, Asia’s largest of its kind, featured about 1,900 exhibitors from 41 countries with six country and group pavilions including the Chinese mainland, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and World of Toys.

Tarsus meets financial target ahead of schedule

News this week: Earlier this week, London-listed B2B media group, Tarsus, reported the completion of “Project 50/13” a year ahead of schedule. Project 50/13 is the company’s strategy of deriving 50% of its revenues from emerging markets by the end of 2013.

Tarsus’ trading update for the year ending 31^st December 2012 showed a 13% increase in adjusted pre-tax profits, and highlighted a 30% revenue increase in China. According to Douglas Emslie, managing director of Tarsus Group, the company is looking into further acquisitions and will target in particular the U.S., South-East Asia, China and Mexico.

Doug Emslie commented, “2012 was a transformational year for Tarsus with the completion of Project 50/13 well ahead of schedule. Our ‘Quickening the Pace’ strategy will focus our efforts on the next stage of our development – accelerating the pace of financial returns to our shareholders… We are experiencing strong sales progress into 2013 and are increasingly confident that we can deliver an excellent outcome for 2013.”

HC Int’l to acquire land for exhibition centre

News this week: Hong Kong-listed B2B e-commerce company, HC International, announced this week that it intends to bid, through a company subsidiary, for a 44,000 m² plot of land in Foshan, Guangdong province.

According to HC, operator of e-commerce platform, HC360.com, the company intends to acquire the land to build a “B2B household electrical appliances business exhibition centre.” The bidding will start at the price of US$53.8 million, with the company’s ceiling price set at US$57.0 million.

HC claims its aim is to build an additional marketing channel to provide business information and to facilitate the exchange of information for buyers and sellers. HC currently provides services through online industry-focused websites, trade catalogues and yellow page directories, and search engine services.

UFI’s survey: exhibitions in Americas strong in 2013

News this week: Earlier this week, UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released results of its 10^th Global Barometer survey, with a majority of the corresponding companies reporting an expected increase in revenues in 2012.

According to the survey, about 60% of the companies in Asia/Pacific are expecting an increase in revenues in 2013. That figure is down compared with 2102 when over 75% of surveyed exhibition organisers anticipated an increase in revenues.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., exhibition organisers are increasingly optimistic. In 2012, approximately 50% of organisers were forecasting an increase in revenues, but in 2013, over 70% believe that their revenues will increase.

Paul Woodward, UFI’s Managing Director, stated, “While Asia/Pacific has been the main growth area since 2010, the situation there is shifting with slower growth expected in 2013. Current projections indicate that the highest exhibition industry growth should be achieved in the Americas during the next twelve months. As a whole, the industry remains remarkably dynamic proving that the exhibition media qualifies as one of the top marketing tools for companies aiming to develop their business.”

Friday, January 04, 2013

NSW Government announces Glebe Island Expo

News this week: The NSW Government of Australia has announced the appointment of Pages Hire and Echo Entertainment Group to construct and operate the temporary exhibition venue Glebe Island Expo. The temporary venue will host displaced trade and consumer exhibitions during the three years needed to refurbish the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour. The venue will reportedly be known as Sydney Harbour Expo at Glebe Island.

Preliminary specifications released by Glebe Island Expo indicate the venue will provide a fully enclosed marquee-style structure of 25,000 m² for exhibitions. The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) praised Pages Hire’s proven ability to deliver quality temporary infrastructure for major events, while utilising locally designed and constructed structures in Sydney.

Joyce DiMascio, general manager of EEAA, was quoted, “The announcement today means the exhibition industry can now get on with planning their events and importantly, ensuring that the thousands of businesses that have been exhibiting at Darling Harbour will have a new home between 2013 and 2016. It will be important to work with the NSW Government agencies – like Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Business Events Sydney to market the site and ensure visitors know how to get to the relocated events.”

Strong growth at Tarsus’ South China Label Show

News this week: Last month, Tarsus Group’s South China Label Show concluded in Guangzhou with an increase in both attendees and exhibitor numbers.

The three-day trade event ran from 4^th to 6^th December 2012 and attracted a total of 5,098 attendees – up 27% from 2010’s 4,021. Exhibitor numbers increased from 90 in 2010 to 150 at this edition. Tarsus’ also reported 28% of the exhibitors have already rebooked their space for the 2014 edition. The biennial event was held at the China Import and Export Complex (Pazhou Complex).

John Davy, sales director for the South China Label Show commented, “Such a large increase in visitor and exhibitor numbers clearly underlines the show’s growing importance in the South China region. With numerous exhibitors reporting strong sales and the news of at least 25 units being sold at the show it confirms its position as an effective platform for sales and networking.”

Preecha Chen steps down from role at Reed China

News this week: Reed Exhibitions Greater China, a subsidiary of Reed Exhibitions, announced Preecha S. Chen stepped down as president at the end of 2012. Effective 1^st January 2013, Nat Wong, formerly deputy president and COO, has been appointed as the company’s new president.

Chen now plans to return to Thailand to pursue other opportunities, while remaining a board member of Reed Tradex, his joint venture with Reed Exhibitions in Thailand and Vietnam.

Paul Beh, Regional President Asia Pacific of Reed Exhibitions, commented, “I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Preecha for his solid contributions in leading the business in Greater China. Since January 2008, Preecha has led our China business by building pipelines relentlessly and winning acquisitions… Preecha’s leadership and perseverance in implementing excellent business strategies and nurturing innovation in key business backroom operations have enabled RX Greater China to reach this level of success.”

MIFF agrees to cooperate with association

News this week: The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), the leading Malaysian furniture trade show owned by UBM Asia, announced an alliance with the Muar Furniture Association (MFA) that is expected to expand the show’s exhibition space by 25% in 2013.

MFA is one of the most prominent furniture industry groups in Malaysia and its members generate 45% of Malaysia’s furniture exports. As part of the agreement, MFA will participate exclusively in MIFF from 2013 and there will be a special marquee at MIFF for MFA exhibitors.

MIFF 2013 will be held at two venues, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) and Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC). The event will be held from the 5^th to 9^th March. The 2012 edition of MIFF received a total of 20,000 visitors, including 6,605 overseas buyers from 140 countries and it featured 433 exhibitors.

Alibaba restructures online advertising divisions

News this week: China’s largest e-commerce company Alibaba Group announced the return of Alimama, an ad exchange platform launched by Alibaba in 2007, to cover wireless advertising for the company’s online platforms including the consumer-focused Taobao.

Alimama will also merge with Taobao Alliance, an affiliate advertising program of Taobao which currently provides ad services for the platform. Taobao Alliance will reportedly continue as a business line on the Alimama platform.

The Alimama platform will contain three main components: Taoke, the affiliate advertising service of Taobao Alliance, display advertising available via Alibaba’s shopping search engine eTao’s TANX (Taobao Ad Network & eXchange), and a newly-established mobile ad union service.

Space sold at AWE up more than 20% in 2012

News this week: AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) has announced strong double-digit growth in 2012 in terms of space sold at the venue. AWE recorded an increase of more than 20% for a second consecutive year.

Additionally, around 100 inaugural large-scale “EXPOtainment” events were hosted at the venue this year – including large international and regional exhibitions and conferences, corporate banquets, and concerts. Large-scale trade shows hosted at AWE included the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, Global Sources’ China Sourcing Fairs, ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, and Vitafoods Asia.

AWE also reported a number of new international trade shows and conferences has been secured for 2013, including GEEE! (Global Electronic Entertainment Expo), China New Energy Vehicle Show, Independent Healthcare Living Conference and Expo, Asia-Pacific Association for International Education 2013 Conference and Exhibition, Airline Retail Conference, USANA Asia Pacific Convention, LINC Asia-Pacific and Future Travel Experience Asia.

Allen Ha, CEO of AsiaWorld-Expo Management Limited, commented, “The success is mainly attributable to the recognition of our brand from various sectors. The use of social media has also successfully made the culture of EXPOtainment become increasingly popular, particularly for the young generation. Moreover, the rising number of mainland visitors to Hong Kong under the Individual Visit Scheme in recent years has also contributed to our strong business growth. The percentage of mainland visitors to AWE has surged from 20% in 2006 to 34% in 2010.”

Asia Business Media