Asia Business Media: September 2014

Friday, September 26, 2014

SES to hold two new expos in Yangon

News this week: Next month, Singapore Exhibition Services (SES) is set to add two new exhibitions to Myanmar’s booming exhibition calendar. Manufacturing Myanmar will be held at the Myanmar Convention Centre in Yangon from 2^nd to 4^th October. Oil & Gas Myanmar will be held at the same venue from 15^th to 17^th October.

Manufacturing Myanmar will feature 85 exhibitors coming from 16 different countries and territories. The categories covered will broadly include manufacturing tools and manufacturing technology. The oil and gas exhibition will cover categories such as exploration & production products and services and refinery related-products.

SES’ project director, William Lim, commented, “Over 90 per cent of our exhibitors are from overseas. This will be the first time many of them have ventured into Myanmar, and they look forward to sharing their knowledge and introducing the right kind of tools and machines that will add value to the operations of local manufacturers.”

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UBM to launch Singapore edition of maternity show

News this week: UBM China has announced the launch of the new Singapore Children, Babies and Maternity industry Expo (CBME South East Asia) in 2015. The inaugural edition will take place from 16^th to 18^th April at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.

UBM estimates around 4,000 m² of gross exhibition space will be used to host approximately 200 brands and 3,000 visitors at the first edition of CBME South East Asia. The CBME series includes editions organised in Istanbul, Mumbai, Sao Paulo and Shanghai. As part of the launch campaign, UBM has organised a CBME road show for the first time which will begin at the Mumbai CBME, running from 9^th to 11^th April. The road show will conclude at the closing of CBME South East Asia in Singapore.

CBME’s general manager, Athena Gong, said, “CBME exhibitors have been looking into extending their reach in Asia, beyond China and India. The launch of CBME South East Asia is in response to the market demand. Singapore, with its efficient transport system and world-class infrastructure is an ideal venue for South East Asia. Its strategic location will be an easy access for Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Burma (Myanmar).”

CEIR reports moderate growth in U.S. exhibition industry

News this week: Earlier this month, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released its index report on the second quarter performance of the U.S. exhibition industry. The U.S. exhibition industry grew just 1% year-on-year.

According to CEIR, all four key industry metrics of their index (net square feet sold, number of attendees, number of exhibitors and event revenues) recorded some year-on-year growth, led by event revenues with a modest 1.4% increase.

In terms of industry sector, the leading sectors in the first half of the year were food (up 6.2%), discretional goods & services (up 5.4%), and communications & information technology (up 4.3%).

144 exhibitions & conferences at HKCEC in 2014

News this week: Last week, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) released its results for the financial period running from July 2013 to June 2014.

The venue’s management company, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (“HML”), reported a total of 1,086 events were held at the HKCEC during the period. These included 112 exhibitions, 32 conferences, and hundreds of corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events. HML estimates close to 5.9 million visitors came to the venue in the period.

The HKCEC staged eight first-time exhibitions out of the 112 exhibitions held during the reported period. These exhibitions covered industries ranging from fine watchmaking to pet supplies. Of the reoccurring exhibitions, 20 recorded double-digit growth in terms of gross exhibition space compared with their previous editions.

Monica Lee-Müller, managing director of HML, remarked, “We take pride in attracting organisers from around the world to Hong Kong, and providing quality services for event attendees. The HML team is proud to have served 43,096 events and over 86 million buyers, exhibitors, visitors and guests since 1988.”

UBM’s Furniture China attracts 2,700 exhibitors

News this week: One of UBM Asia’s largest exhibitions, Furniture China, concluded last week in Shanghai. The 20^th edition of the exhibition attracted nearly 2,700 exhibitors including 307 exhibitors from overseas. The event was held at two venues, Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) and Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre.

The 2014 edition of Furniture China resulted in 98,401 “visits” – including more than 21,800 overseas visitors. Visitors came from 158 countries and territories. The overseas visitors number set a new record as it increased by 3.3% compared with the 2013 figure.

Furniture China will face a significant shift in its competitive landscape in 2015 as the new 400,000 m² venue opens in the Hongqiao district of Shanghai and the China Foreign Trade Group (CFTC), also a part owner of the new venue, will use the mega-venue to organise the first Shanghai edition of the China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) in September next year. The previous 34 September editions of CIFF were held in Guangzhou.

Alibaba Group’s shares up 38% in first day trading

News this week: The much anticipated initial public offering (IPO) of China largest e-commerce company, Alibaba Group, was completed last week as its shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under stock ticker “BABA”.

Marking the largest IPO in history, 320,106,100 American depositary shares (ADSs) of Alibaba were initially floated at US$68 per share – raising US$21.8 billion. Subsequently on 22^nd September, underwriters of the IPO exercised an option to purchase an additional 48,015,900 ADSs at US$68 each to increase the total amount raised in the offering to US$25.3 billion.

Alibaba’s shares opened at US$92.70 and closed at US$93.89 at the first day of trading – a jump of 38% giving Alibaba a market value of US$231 billion. As part of an earlier agreement, Alibaba’s shareholder Yahoo! Inc. now holds a 16.3% stake in the company after selling US$8 billion worth of its shares in the IPO. Alibaba’s single largest shareholder, Japan’s Softbank Corp., now holds a 32% stake.

Friday, September 19, 2014

i2i Events launches Bett Asia in Singapore

News this week: U.K.-based international events organiser, i2i Events Group, has announced the launch of the inaugural edition of Bett Asia Leadership Summit – set to take place on 3^rd to 4^th December 2014 at the Marina Bay Sands.

i2i is aiming to attract senior government officials, educators and technology companies from more than 20 countries to the Singapore event. Bett Asia will feature more than 80 speakers with a programme that includes a closed-door conference for VIP education leaders, networking and demonstration areas, workshops and a free to attend seminar programme.

Mark Shashoua, CEO of i2i Events Group, said, “The Bett brand is one of i2i’s most successful and I am delighted that we have another opportunity to take it to a new market. We have had a presence in Singapore for a number of years now and have recently focused on the region further, with new launches both in Singapore and China, as part of our longer term strategy to extend our global reach.”

Hannover’s Chengdu Motor Show closes with successful results

News this week: Earlier this month, Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd. (HMF) organised the 17^th Chengdu Motor Show (CDMS) featuring more than 1,300 vehicles from 102 auto brands.

CDMS was held from 29^th August to 7^th September, covering 150,000 m² of exhibition area at Century City New International Convention & Exhibition Centre. During the 10-day show, over 674,500 visits were recorded.

This year’s theme was “Driven by a Colorful Auto Show” and CDMS featured a wide range of automobile manufacturers including the debut of 68 vehicles and 17 concept cars. Exhibitors included international brands, joint venture brands and domestic brands. HMF estimated that a total of 32,652 vehicles were displayed at the show.

HKTDC organises Lifestyle Expo in Istanbul

News this week: Last week, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) held the second edition of Lifestyle Expo in Istanbul. The expo took place at the Lutfi Kirdar Convention and Exhibition Center from 12^th to 14^th September and is organised by the HKTDC and the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province (GD-DOC).

More than 180 companies from Hong Kong and Guangdong showcased products including electronics, fashion, watches and clocks, household products and gifts and premiums. According to the HKTDC, the total value of bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Turkey exceeded US$1.2 billion last year - a year-on-year increase of 7%.

Andrew Leung, council member of the HKTDC, commented at the opening ceremony, “Trade between our two countries, Turkey and China, dates back centuries. This Expo is an opportunity to build new B2B bridges along the new Silk Road.”

UBM’s September jewellery fair opens with record exhibitor numbers

News this week: Earlier this week, UBM Asia, a subsidiary of UBM plc, opened its 32^nd edition of September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair with a record number of participating exhibitors. Nearly 3,700 exhibitors from 49 countries and regions will showcase their products making it the largest in the fair’s history.

The fair is being held at the two main venues in Hong Kong. Jewellery raw materials, equipment and packaging are at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) from 15^th to 19^th September, while finished jewellery are hosted at Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 17^th to 21^st September. UBM released an updated mobile app for the show featuring the latest information for buyers to plan their visit more efficiently.

The fair covers an exhibition space of more than 135,000 m² at the two venues. Among the 3,700 exhibitors, more than 60 are new to the fair. A total of 22 group pavilions are exhibiting at this edition from Belgium, Brazil, China, Columbia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, and the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA). The organiser expects more than 52,000 buyers to attend the seven-day fair.

TAITRA gets new chief

News this week: Last week, Taiwan’s former cabinet advisor and deputy economics minister, Francis Liang, was officially appointed chairman of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). The new chairman outlined his key objectives including further developing trade with emerging markets such as India, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, African nations and ASEAN members.

Mr Liang replaced former chairman, Wang Chih-kang, who served six years as head of the council. During Wang’s tenure, TAITRA reportedly held 32 trade promotional events in China alone as of August this year. Wang will continue to offer his expertise as a senior advisor to TAITRA.

Liang commented at his inauguration ceremony, “Exports are the major pillar of Taiwan’s economy, and we should use new thinking and new methods to keep pace with times. TAITRA will work on plans to reinforce Taiwan’s competitiveness in the booming global e-commerce field. At the same time, it will step up investment in exporting Taiwan’s success in the services sector, which accounts for about 70% of Taiwan’s gross domestic product.”

TCEB steps up MICE promotions

News this week: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has outlined a series of MICE strategies in anticipation of the upcoming integration of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

TCEB has proposed three key MICE development plans. The WIN Strategy will focus on market stimulation, bidding for major events, development of attractive promotional packages, and appointment of overseas marketing representatives. While under the PROMOTE Strategy, TCEB will promote participation in Thai trade shows and organise promotional events including roadshows and networking activities in targeted markets. Lastly, the DEVELOP Strategy aims to lift the capabilities and standards among Thai MICE entrepreneurs and venue operators.

Additionally, TCEB, along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways and Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA), have recently launched promotional campaign “MICE United” to win back confidence of the international business community. As part of the campaign, media “fam trips” to Isan and Chiang Mai were held in August. There are also planned roadshows to Shanghai and London later this year.

Friday, September 12, 2014

More than 300 exhibitors join UBM’s IFSEC Southeast Asia

News this week: Last week, security and safety industry trade show, IFSEC Southeast Asia, attracted more than 300 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions to the Malaysian capital. Organised by UBM, the show was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from 3^rd to 5^th September 2014.

UBM reported a large number of trade visitors were attracted from the surrounding ASEAN region. Group pavilions at this year’s edition included those from the U.K., Taiwan, China and Singapore. The three-day exhibition was held concurrently with the IFSEC Global Security Technology Showcase, a seminar programme that featured over 20 hours of content.

Kristan Johnstone, international event manager of IFSEC Southeast Asia, commented, “IFSEC Southeast Asia 2014 has been a great success and the response from both visitors and exhibitors to the new features and education has been hugely positive. We’d like to thank our exhibitors, partners and sponsors for their continued support and look forward to sharing our plans for 2015 where we will further leverage the involvement we enjoy from key partners both in the region and internationally!”

Asia Adult Expo attracts 175 exhibiting companies to Hong Kong

News this week: Hong Kong-based trade show organiser Vertical Expo recently concluded the 2014 edition of Asia Adult Expo Hong Kong (AAEHK) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The show was held over three days from 28^th to 30^th August together with co-located event Intimate Lingerie Asia (ILA).

According to Vertical Expo, 175 suppliers and brands from 15 countries and regions showcased their products and services. The show attracted 5,350 trade visitors from 42 countries and regions including those from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia and Russia.

Kenny Lo, chief executive of Vertical Expo remarked, “Buyers are impressed by AAEHK 2014 exhibitors as they found many new and innovative products and ideas at the show. It is believed that creativity and innovative design are important elements for industry development. 175 suppliers and brands from 15 countries and regions such as Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, France, Hong Kong, the U.S., the U.K., etc. joined the expo and will return next year.”

Pico Thailand records loss in Q3

News this week: Last week, Pico Thailand, subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Pico Far East Holdings, announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31^st July 2014. In the quarter, Pico Thailand generated revenues of US$5.5 million – a 30% year-on-year drop. In the quarter, the company recorded a net loss of US$557,000, compared to a net profit of US$281,000 in the same quarter last year.

Pico Thailand also reported its results for the nine months ended 31^st July. Revenues in the period were US$21 million, a decrease of 10% compared with the same period last year. Pico Thailand’s net loss in the nine-month period was US$451,000, compared with a net profit of US$569,000 in 2013.

According to Pico Thailand, the decrease in its revenues was caused by a drop in the event marketing business & government projects and project postponements resulting from Thailand’s recent political unrest.

760+ exhibitors at HKTDC’s Watch & Clock Fair

News this week: Earlier this month, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) held its 33^rd edition of Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair. Billed as the largest event of its kind in the world, the show ran from 3^rd to 7^th September at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries, the Watch & Clock Fair attracted more than 760 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions, with a number of newly represented countries including Belgium, India, Iran and the U.A.E.

During the five-day event, over 19,000 buyers around the world visited the fair, up 2% over last year. According to the HKTDC, a significant growth in buyer numbers was recorded from some key and emerging markets, including the U.K. (23%), France (14%), India (37%), Korea (30%) and Thailand (28%).

Exhibitors up 20% at UBM China’s children and maternity show

News this week: The 14^th edition of Shanghai International Children Baby Maternity Industry Expo (CBME China) drew 1,751 exhibitors to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) this year – up 20% compared with last year’s show.

Organised by UBM China (Hangzhou), a subsidiary of UBM Asia, the three-day show ran from 22^nd to 24^th July 2014 with more than 75,000 trade visitors in attendance. The exhibitors of CBME China showcased products from more than 2,400 brands across 166,680 m² of gross exhibition space, which covered a range of children baby maternity products ranging from food to clothing and accessories.

Group and international pavilions hosted at this year’s CBME China included those from Australia, Korea, the U.K., U.S., Spain, and Taiwan. CBME China also held a conference programme as part of the show, which featured 18 industry experts as speakers with reported attendance of more than 5,000 visitors.

Reed Exhibitions Australia to launch agribusiness show in 2015

News this week: Reed Exhibitions Australia has announced the launch of Agriworld Australia in 2015. The trade show and conference event serves the agribusiness industry, and will take place on 15^th and 16^th July next year at the Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park.

Agriworld Australia will be divided into four major segments: Agriinvest, Agritech, Agrinext and Agritrade. Exhibitor products and services to feature at the show will cover investment services, farm production, processing, and trade services. Agriworld Australia is supported by Australia’s Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales (RAS).

John Gorton, executive director of Reed Exhibitions Australia, commented, “The launch of Agriworld Australia follows extensive industry research and consultation, which clearly demonstrated the market need for a premium quality, comprehensive agribusiness event for the full ‘farm to fork’ agricultural/agri-food value chain. Reed Exhibitions is delighted to be working with Australia’s dynamic agribusiness industry and offering a platform to support its growth.”

Friday, September 05, 2014

Hong Kong’s The Hub fashion show concludes at offbeat venue

News this week: Small-scale premium fashion trade show, The Hub, has recently concluded in Hong Kong. Venturing away from its original home at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), the third edition of The Hub was held at the D2 Place in a warehouse district of Hong Kong from 27^th to 28^th August 2014.

This edition of The Hub attracted around 100 fashion brands and designers to showcase their latest collections including a host of American and European labels and the likes of Vega Zaishi Wang from China and Indonesia’s Dana Maulana. Notable buyers representing major retailers were also in attendance over the two-day show.

Richard Hobbs, co-founder of The Hub, was quoted saying, “When we started, the vision was to bring international fashion brands to Asia. The difference that we’ve seen [this year] is a lot of interest from both local and regional designers who needed a place to showcase themselves.”

Global Sources’ IIC-China opens with CIOE

News this week: Earlier this week, NASDAQ-listed Global Sources opened its 19^th edition of IIC-China in Shenzhen. The event was held from 2^nd to 5^th September at Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (SZCEC) concurrently with optoelectronics event – China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE).

IIC-China provides a platform and meeting place for engineers and technology vendors to exchange ideas, where new products and existing solutions were promoted during the event. Concurrent event CIOE featured more than 3,000 exhibitors and showcased the most advanced optoelectronics technologies and innovations.

Brandon Smith, president of Global Sources’ joint venture eMedia Asia Limited, said: “We are a media company that brings the latest technology and market information to China’s electronics industry community to help them innovate and succeed. IIC's multi-track conferences, exciting live demo and dynamic show floor are all designed with this objective in mind. It is the event for any engineer who wants to stay current with the hottest design trends, cutting-edge solutions and the latest industry developments.”

Senior management changes at Reed Exhibitions

News this week: International exhibition organiser, Reed Exhibitions, has recently announced several changes at top level management. Chet Burchett was appointed as CEO of Reed Exhibitions and will report to executive chairman Mike Rusbridge, who will continue in the role as executive chairman. Burchett’s new role will be based in the U.K. and officially begin in January 2015.

Burchett was previously a regional president of Reed’s American operations responsible for South America, the U.S. and Mexico. Prior to joining Reed Exhibitions in 2004, Burchett had previous experience in the public relations industry. Burchett will be succeeded by Hervé Sedky as regional president of the Americas – who will join the company later this month.

In Asia, Reed Exhibitions Australia announced the appointment of Brian Thomas as its new managing director. Thomas will report to Debbie Evans, president of South East Asia and Australia, and will officially assume his role beginning 6^th November 2014.

Netsun revenue down, profit up in first half

News this week: Last week, Shenzhen-listed online sourcing platform, Zhejiang Netsun, announced its results for the first half of 2014. For the six months ended 30^th June, revenues were US$14 million, which dropped 27% from the first half of last year. The company attributed the decrease of revenue to significantly reduce the chemical trade services revenue, slipping 83% year-on-year. However, net profit in the period grew moderately by 2.1%, to US$3.3 million. Earnings per share in the first half were RMB 0.10 (US$0.016).

The majority of the Hangzhou-based company’s revenues were generated from Internet services, amounting to US$11 million, which accounted for 76% of total revenues. The company’s exhibition services, which became its second largest business segment, generated revenues of US$2.1 million, or 15% of total revenues. The remaining revenues were generated from the chemical trading services, which accounted for US$1.3 million.

Tencent, Baidu and Wanda form e-commerce JV

News this week: Two of China’s leading Internet companies, Tencent and Baidu, have announced the formation of a new joint venture (JV) with Wanda, a real estate and movie theatre chain group. The JV is valued at about RMB 5 billion (US$814 million), in which Wanda will hold a majority 70% stake, while Tencent and Baidu will each hold 15%.

The JV will aim to gain more market share in China’s e-commerce market, which according to iResearch, online retail sales alone in China is expected to grow 46% to RMB 2.8 trillion (US$447 billion) this year.

The partnership will promote TenPay and Weixin Payment, Tencent’s online payment platforms. These platforms will be the preferred payment method for transactions across all of Wanda’s businesses. Meanwhile, Tencent will have access to movies, TV and online content owned by Wanda.

200 companies join UBM’s inaugural Hotelex Chengdu

News this week: The inaugural edition of Hotelex Chengdu recently concluded at Chengdu Century City International Convention and Exhibition Centre together with the co-located China Clean (Chengdu) Expo. The shows attracted more than 200 exhibiting companies and 6,100 visitors.

The co-located shows are organised by UBM Sinoexpo, one of UBM Asia’s joint venture companies in China, and ran from 8^th to 10^th August 2014. Together the shows were spread over 20,000 m² of gross exhibition area, which showcased top suppliers of restaurants, hotels and cleaning equipment and supplies. UBM expects Hotelex Chengdu 2015 to expand to 30,000 m² with the addition of exhibits in hospitality design and deco, and contract furniture.

Jimé Essink, president and CEO of UBM Asia, noted, “It is great to see the remarkable results of Hotelex and Clean China in Chengdu and we celebrate this success with the Chengdu Municipal Government and Chengdu Exposition Bureau. We signed a Strategic Cooperation MOU with the Bureau earlier this year to strengthen full-fledged cooperation on exhibition businesses, including the launch of international exhibition projects in Chengdu. The launch of new events in 2nd tier cities fits perfectly in our China strategy.”

Asia Business Media