Thursday, April 30, 2015

IPIM hosts Macau MICE strategy workshop

News this week: Last week, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) organised a Business Events Strategy Workshop at the Macao Business Support Centre (MBSC). The one day event, held on 23rd April, focused on assisting the promotion and development of the administrative region’s convention and exhibition industry.

During the event, IPIM, together with more than 50 delegates representing the local MICE industry and international chambers of commerce, touched on local challenges and opportunities and explored ways to jointly develop strategies to promote its sustainable development. The workshop was headed by IPIM´s consultant, Mike Williams, sharing insights, as well as discussions on planning and marketing strategies.

The government-backed investment promotions body provides “One-Stop Services” for the bidding and support of MICE events in Macau to local and international event organisers.

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Messe Frankfurt inks deal to cooperate on Meat Expo China

News this week: Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) has signed a deal with the Circulation Industry Promotion Centre (CIPC) to cooperate on the Meat Expo China event. CIPC, which is a subsidiary of China’s Ministry of Commerce, first organised Meat Expo in the northern city of Harbin in 2002.

In 2014, the exhibition attracted some 84 exhibitors and 6,000 trade visitors. The exhibition has rotated through several Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Ningbo and Tianjin. The next edition of Meat Expo China is scheduled to be held on 25th to 27th November at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC). Messe Frankfurt plans to pair Meat Expo China with its Food Technology exhibition.

Richard Li, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) commented, “Realising the endless opportunities existing in the meat industry of China, now is the time for us to engage in the market. The joint operation between CIPC and Messe Frankfurt only stands to be positive. With our substantial history in organising successful trade fairs and our vast nexus of contacts, partnered with CIPC’s market knowledge and long history in the meat industry, this is bound to be a successful venture for both exhibitors and buyers in the burgeoning meat industry in China.”

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Netsun’s Q1 revenue down 18%, 2014 revenue down 20%

News this week: Shenzhen-listed online sourcing platform, Zhejiang Netsun, released its financial results for the quarter ended 31st March 2015. The company reported revenues of US$5.7 million, down 18% from the same quarter of last year. The company did not comment on the decrease in revenue. Net profit attributable to shareholders in the quarter dropped 19% year-on-year, to US$1.4 million. Earnings per share in the period were RMB 0.04 (US$0.0065).

For the financial year ended 31st December 2014, the Hangzhou-based company generated revenues of US$25.8 million, down 20% compared with 2013. Net profit attributable to shareholders in the year was US$5.4 million, up 1.3% from the previous year. Earnings per share in 2014 were RMB 0.16 (US$0.0258).

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Baidu’s Q2 revenue jumps 34%

News this week: This week, leading Chinese-language Internet search provider, Baidu, announced its first quarter results for 2015. Revenues were US$2.1 billion, a jump of 34% over the same period last year. Net income was US$395 million, down 3.4% over the first quarter of 2014. Diluted earnings per share in the period were RMB 6.76 (US$1.09).

More than 98% of Baidu’s revenues were generated from its online marketing services. The number of active online marketing customers increased 17.5% to about 524,000 in the first quarter of 2015, while revenue per customer grew to US$3,839 – an increase of 13.9% over the corresponding period of last year.

Robin Li, chairman and CEO of Baidu, commented, “Mobile’s tremendous momentum continued this quarter, with mobile contributing 50% of total revenue. Baidu’s platform is comprehensive and robust, and we plan to fully exploit the huge growth potential ahead – in mobile marketing, online to offline, and key select verticals such as healthcare, education and financial services – by leveraging our solid mobile foundation, exceptional technology advantage, and proven operational experience.”

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HKTDC’s gifts & premium show features 4,200 exhibitors

News this week: The 30th edition of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair closes today. The exhibition attracted a record number of more than 4,200 exhibitors from 38 countries and territories at the HKCEC venue in Hong Kong’s Wanchai district. To recognise the 30th edition of the event, the HKTDC set-up a special display charting the evolution of the exhibition over the past 30 years.

This year’s event also featured “premium zones” covering topics such as beauty products & accessories, fine porcelain gifts, health & wellness, etc. The exhibition also featured design awards and seminars covering topics including licensing opportunities, sustainable practices, and e-business opportunities.

At the same time, the HKTDC’s Printing & Packaging Fair opened at AsiaWorld-Expo on 27th April and also closes today. This is the 10th edition of this event and featured a record 420 exhibitors from Hong Kong, Belgium, Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam. The event covers printing and packaging products, services, industrial equipment as well as pre- and post-press logistics services.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Global Sources launches two new verticals

News this week: Earlier this week, NASDAQ-listed Global Sources officially announced the launch of its fashion vertical as well as a gifts & home vertical. The verticals connect buyers and suppliers across what Global Sources refers to as five media channels: an online marketplace, a magazine, alerts, a mobile app and their series of trade shows.

Several co-located shows close today at AsiaWorld-Expo including Fashion Accessories, Garments & Textiles, Underwear & Swimwear and the India Sourcing Fair: Garments & Accessories – as well as China Sourcing Fairs: Gifts & Premiums and Home Products.

Global Sources’ CEO, Spenser Au, commented “From product discovery to final orders, we help quality buyers find quality suppliers who establish long-term business partnerships. This is our 10th year holding the shows in Hong Kong and our shows have become a must-attend event for buyers in the gifts and home products industries. Top suppliers from China and across Asia showcase their newest products and this, in turn, attracts top buyers to attend every April and October.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Japan to launch first defence industry trade show

News this week: Japan will host its first international defence industry trade show at Pacifico Yokohama from 13th to 15th May 2015. The MAST Asia exhibition and conference is focused on maritime security. The show launch coincides with the lifting of a ban on defence exports in 2014 by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The Yokohama event, organised by MAST Communications, is expected to span 3,000 m2 of exhibition space, and feature international delegates from countries including Australia, France, Germany, Malaysia, Norway, the Philippines, U.K. and U.S. Two of Japan’s largest defence contractors, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, will join other exhibitors at the show.

Warren Edge, CEO of MAST Communications, said, “I’ve always had an interest to come here, but up until a few years ago, there was no appetite domestically for anything like this.” The organiser added that representatives of Chinese companies or its government will not attend, stating the decision to not invite them was taken “out of consideration of our hosts.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

UBM Asia expands health & beauty portfolio to Vietnam

News this week: UBM Asia, a subsidiary of UBM plc, will expand its health and beauty event portfolio to Vietnam with the launch of the new Vietbeauty show in 2016. The inaugural edition of Vietbeauty will be held from 18th to 20th August 2016 at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City.

The event will be supported by the Ho Chi Minh City Cosmetics Association, the Vietnam Essential Oils, Aromatherapy and Cosmetics Association, and the Ho Chi Minh City Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Exhibitor product categories will include cosmetics, skincare, hair care, nail care, spa and wellness products, beauty salons and aesthetic equipment and supplies. UBM expects to host more than 150 international suppliers at the event.

M. Gandhi, managing director of UBM Asia (ASEAN Business), said, “Given the opportunities arising from the country’s current economic growth, we chose to launch Vietbeauty to deliver a higher quality and level of business for buyers and manufacturers beyond what they have ever experienced before… Moreover, the event expects to have the strong participation of leading brands providing full packaging, labelling and ingredient sourcing for beauty manufacturers as well as seminars and events to improve the aesthetician skills for locals.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

1,900+ booths at Global Sources’ second phase electronics show

News this week: Earlier this week, Global Sources held the second phase of its spring electronics show featuring more than 1,900 booths focused on mobile electronics. The show ran from 18th to 21st April at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). Exhibitor product categories covered smartphones, tablets, drones, wearables and accessories.

The two phases of Global Sources Electronics combined featured a total of 5,500-plus exhibitor booths, and is reportedly the world’s largest electronics sourcing trade show. Global Sources hosted several dedicated product zones during the second phase this week including the robotics experience zone, drones experience zone, wearable experience zone, brand zone, as well as a specialised area for mobile accessories with more than 1,100 booths.

Tommy Wong, president of Global Sources Electronics Group, said, “Over the past 10 years hosting our events in Hong Kong, we have focused on attracting quality-focused, innovative electronics suppliers from China and across Asia. Our electronics show has gained a reputation as a place to discover the most cutting-edge electronics products coming out of the region. This, in turn, has attracted the world's top buyers to attend our events.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

2,100+ exhibitors at HKTDC’s Houseware Fair

News this week: Earlier this week, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened its Hong Kong Houseware Fair and Hong Kong International Home Textiles & Furnishings Fair at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The co-located shows ran from 20th to 23rd April.

The Houseware Fair, now in its 30th edition, featured over 2,100 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions. First time participants from Cyprus, Egypt and South Africa and a total of 14 group pavilions showcased their products at the fair. New zones at the fair this year included bath, beauty & healthcare; festive décor; home cleaning; storage solutions; and wine tools & accessories.

The sixth Home Textiles & Furnishings Fair featured more than 240 exhibitors, including first time exhibitors from Belgium, Indonesia and New Zealand. One of the highlights at this year’s show was the premium “Hall of Glamour”, which showcased top-quality and branded household textiles.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Bangkok’s IMPACT hosted 1,000+ events in 2014-2015

News this week: IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center recorded strong results in the 2014-2015 financial year, reaching its goal of hosting more than 1,000 events which generated a reported US$77 million in revenues.

In the first quarter of 2015, IMPACT generated US$24 million from 283 events, up from a total of 236 events and revenues of US$17 million during the corresponding period in 2014. The hosted events include meetings & conferences, weddings, parties, catering services, and exhibitions & concerts.

Paul Kanjanapas, managing director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd, said, “With our 2015 fiscal year, from April 2014 to March 2015, the number of events increases by 20%, or 166 more on top of 830 events coming close to our foreseeable target of 1,000 events yearly… All of these services will supplement additional revenue to the company, reaching that 2,500 million baht (US$77 million) target.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

China’s State Council releases latest directive on exhibitions industry

News this week: China’s State Council, headed by Premier Li Keqiang, has release an official directive which aims to boost development of the country’s exhibition industry. According to the lengthy guidelines, a ministerial joint conference, including a dozen central government departments, will be established to coordinate the formulation and implementation of new market rules.

The Chinese government has set a target to turn the country into a centre for exhibitions “with a sound development environment and a high level of internationalisation” by 2020. It also stated that licensing of economic and technological exhibitions will be gradually delegated to provincial-level commercial authorities.

Highlighting its desire to marketise the exhibitions industry, the government stated its aim to reduce the number of state-funded exhibitions, and encourage private organisers to take up the slack. It will also provide guidance to large-scale exhibition enterprises in partnerships, joint-ventures, mergers and acquisitions to establish industry-leading multinationals. Meanwhile, tax breaks and streamlined customs procedures will target small-scale exhibition companies to facilitate cross-border events.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Taiwan’s MICE events up 21% in 2014

News this week: The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) has recently released its 2014 MICE statistics reporting a total of US$1.23 billion in revenue generated from MICE activities during the year. The number of MICE events grew by 21% over 2013 reaching more than 500.

TAITRA’s flagship MICE promotion project, MEET TAIWAN, attributed the increases to leading trade shows including COMPUTEX, Taipei International Cycle Show, and the Taiwan International Boat Show. TAITRA also claims international trade visitors reached close to 190,000, and highlighted those originating from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Australia.

Walter Yeh, deputy secretary general of TAITRA, commented, “544 MICE events were registered in Taiwan last year. With the inauguration of new convention and exhibition facilities in the northern Taipei suburb of Nangang, the southern industrial area of Kaohsiung, and more planned for centrally located Taichung.”

Separately, MEET TAIWAN announced it will focus on cities in mainland China this year, including Urumqi, Shanghai, Suzhou, Harbin and Beijing, who are eligible for its FIT programme – where Chinese tourists can visit Taiwan as free independent travellers instead of being restricted to travel as part of a tour group. Sales missions are scheduled in 2015 with the first held this week August.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Hong Kong’s AWE to partner ZHICEC

News this week: Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) will cooperate with the Zhuhai International Convention & Exhibition Center (ZHICEC), which opened in October 2014, to jointly hold events at the two venues.

A cooperation agreement was signed during the “Hong Kong and Zhuhai Convention and Exhibition Industry Cooperation Conference” by AWE’s CEO, Allen Ha, and ZHICEC’s Chairman, Pan Keqing. Under the terms of the agreement, the venues will implement a “one event, two venues” policy to attract more events.

According to Allen Ha, the cooperation between Hong Kong and western Guangdong will become closer after the completion of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The cooperation between AWE and ZHICEC is also believed to provide opportunities for developing the conventions business.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

ICC Sydney set for Asia roadshow

News this week: The International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) will embark on an Asia-wide tour in the coming month to meet with business event decision makers ahead of the venue’s opening in December 2016. ICC Sydney will showcase its offerings at the events including a virtual tour of the completed venue.

ICC Sydney’s CEO and AEG Ogden group director of convention centres, Geoff Donaghy, will lead a team to participate in the upcoming Business Events Australia’s North East Asia Showcase in Shanghai (19th to 21st April) and the South East Asia Roadshow in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore (3rd to 7th May).

Donaghy was quoted saying, “ICC Sydney is stepping up its engagement across Asian markets. Our involvement in Business Events Australia’s high profile annual marketing mission in the region allows us to further showcase the range of innovative marketing tools that have already been incredibly well received by the industry.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Made-in-China.com’s profit down 14% in 2014

News this week: Earlier this week, Shenzhen-listed Focus Technology, the operator of Made-in-China.com, released its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2014. Revenues were US$82 million, nearly flat with the previous year. Net income in the year dropped 14%, down to US$19 million. Diluted earnings per share were RMB 1.02 (US$0.16) in 2014.

The Nanjing-based company generated the majority of its revenues through its online sourcing platform, Made-in-China.com. Membership fees generated 47% of total revenues, amounting to US$39 million. The company’s “Audited Supplier Services” generated 17% of total revenues, or US$14 million, while their other value-added services generated US$13 million – 16% of total revenues.

As of 31st December 2014, Made-in-China.com had 13,457 registered members. The majority of them (12,795) were registered on its flagship English-language site compared with only 662 members on its Chinese site.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

HKTDC’s four April fairs to attract 6,900+ exhibitors

News this week: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will hold four trade fairs later this month: Hong Kong Houseware Fair, Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Hong Kong International Home Textiles & Furnishings Fair, and Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair. The fairs will reportedly attract over 6,900 exhibitors.

In its 30th edition, the Houseware Fair and the Gifts & Premium Fair, will both be held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The Houseware Fair will run from 20th to 23rd April, featuring more than 2,100 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions. New products zones will be introduced at the fair, including bath, beauty & healthcare; festive decor; home cleaning; storage solution; and wine tools & accessories.

More than 4,200 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions will attend the Gifts & Premium Fair, running from 27th to 30th April. The sixth edition of the Home Textiles & Furnishings Fair, concurrent with the Houseware Fair, will attract an additional 240-plus exhibitors. Finally, the 10th Printing & Packaging Fair, jointly organised with CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Limited, will take place at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) from 27th to 30th April. Featuring more than 410 international exhibitors, first time participants at the fair will include those from Belgium, Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

UBM Asia’s Shenzhen Fair to feature 380+ exhibitors

News this week: The 13th edition of China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shenzhen (Shenzhen Fair) will open at Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (SZCEC) next week. Organised by UBM Asia, the three-day fair will run from 20th to 22nd April.

The Shenzhen Fair will showcase more than 380 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions, covering an exhibition space of 22,000 m2. The fair features various types of jewellery, raw materials, related tools and equipment, including gold, platinum, silver jewellery, pearl, diamond, gemset, jadeite jewellery, packaging & display, and other related products & services.

Specialised pavilions this year include the China Gold Association pavilion, the Baolin pavilion, the Korea pavilion, and the Designer pavilion. Other highlights of the show will include the China Jewellery Market Summit and new products launched at the Jewellery Parade.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Singapore to increase MICE marketing funds

News this week: This week, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced an increase of 35% in marketing budget will be made this year to boost the city-state’s MICE industry. The marketing strategy will focus on generating awareness through PR activities, advertising and increased participation in tradeshows.

According to STB’s assistant chief executive, Neeta Lachmandas, a “substantial sum” will go towards brand building and marketing campaigns. The STB will also build event attendance by raising awareness of specific events through advertising directed towards the delegates.

Lachmandas was quoted saying, “Prior to 2013 and 2014, we had a bit of a quiet period which we did not have that much of a destination branding for MICE. In the U.S. and Europe markets, we are targeting the association conventions as well as exhibition and conference event organisers; in Asia-Pacific, we see bigger opportunities for corporate meetings and incentives.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

UBM’s Sea Asia to welcome more than 14,000 delegates

News this week: Sea Asia, one of the leading maritime conferences and forum in the region, will welcome more than 14,000 delegates from over 60 countries and regions later this month.

In its 50th anniversary, Sea Asia 2015 will run as part of the Singapore Maritime Week at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 21st to 23rd April. Key events this year include the Sea Asia Global Forum and Offshore Maritime Forum. Industry players will discuss trends and issues impacting the maritime industry at Sea Asia Global Forum, while Offshore Maritime Forum will host industry experts to discuss various topics faced by the industry.

Singapore Maritime Foundation‘s (SMF) chairman, Mr. Michael Chia, said, “2015 is a big year with Singapore celebrating its 50th anniversary – a key milestone and opportunity to reflect on the sectors which have helped Singapore become what it is today. The maritime industry – which employs some 170,000 people in Singapore and contributes around 7% of Singapore’s GDP – has played a key role in driving Singapore’s development and this trend is set to continue.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

HKTDC Lighting Fair receives record number of exhibitors

News this week: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened its seventh edition of the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) with a new exhibitor record. More than 1,250 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions showcased their products at the fair this year.

The four-day fair was held from 6th to 9th April at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). There were first-time exhibitors originating from Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Russia and the U.K., as well as a new featured zone – the World of Professional & Industrial Lighting zone, which hosted about 40 exhibitors.

Other zones at the fair included the LED & Green Lighting zone, Hall of Aurora, Avenue of Chandeliers, Avenue of Inspiration, Commercial Lighting, Decorative Lighting, Advertising Display Lighting, and Lighting Accessories, Parts & Components.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

5,500+ booths at Global Sources’ electronics show

News this week: NASDAQ-listed Global Sources’ will showcase more than 5,500 booths at its spring electronics shows, Global Sources Electronics. The show will take place at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) in Hong Kong later this month.

Held in two phases, the show will feature exhibitors from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and other 14 countries and regions. The first phase will run from 11th to 14th April, showcasing electronics for home, office, auto and security products as well as electronics components; while the second phase will feature mobile electronics for smartphones, tablets, drones, wearables and accessories, running from 18th to 21st April.

President of Global Sources Electronics Group, Tommy Wong, said: “In addition to facilitating trade, our show has gained a reputation as a showcase for innovative products from Asia… Hong Kong is Asia’s trade show hub, while Shenzhen has become the Silicon Valley of electronics hardware manufacturing. Our show is the perfect platform for showcasing future technologies and products in Asia.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

TCEB places emphasis on Chiang Mai’s MICE

News this week: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has launched a promotional strategy that aims to place Chiang Mai as a premiere MICE destination in the region. The bureau would concentrate on generating more events in Chiang Mai by tapping neighbouring countries such as Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

TCEB has also teamed-up with the Pinkanakorn Development Agency, Tourism Council of Chiang Mai, Thai Hotels Association (North of Thailand), and the Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University through an MOU to develop an integrated MICE Intelligence Centre in northern Thailand.

TCEB plans to upgrade local exhibitions to become regional exhibitions, such as the Lanna Expo 2015, and by bidding for and supporting more major events. According to Chiang Mai’s governor, Suriya Prasatbuntitya, Chiang Mai has allocated a budget of around US$161,000 in 2015 for the Chiang Mai MICE City project as part of a provincial development plan.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

China’s e-commerce market up 31% in 2014

News this week: According to the latest data published by the China E-Commerce Research Center (CECRC), China’s e-commerce market grew by 31.4% in 2014 to reach a total market value of US$2.2 trillion. In particular, online B2B trading grew 21.9% year-on-year and accounted for around US$1.6 trillion – close to 75% of the total.

Online B2C trade reached US$450 billion and was up by 50% over 2013. The consumer sector was boosted by transactions on platforms including JD.com, and Alibaba group’s consumer-focused arms Taobao and Tmall – where Tmall’s trade was valued at US$123 billion in 2014.

The report also highlighted the growth in mobile usage as online transactions via mobile devices were up 240% reaching US$150 billion.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Saturday, April 04, 2015

TCEB takes its MICE road show to Japan

News this week: The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) plans to hold a road show in Japan later this month. The “Thailand Connect the World: Japan Business Events Road Show 2015” will be held on 21st April at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo.

Through the campaign, TCEB will promote Thailand’s MICE industry and introduce its new brand communication campaign – Thailand Connect the World – to the Japanese market.

The event will bring together more than 200 buyers, suppliers, international media and industry experts in a series of concurrent events – including a press conference, Thailand’s MICE showcases and a welcome dinner reception.

Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, president of TCEB, commented, “The event will provide new insights into Thailand's MICE industry as well as the overview of trade and relations between Thailand and Japan, and the Thai Government's policy in building the confidence and moving forward to the ASEAN Economic Community. A new marketing promotion created especially for Japanese MICE market will also be announced.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

SEEC Media records loss in 2014

News this week: Last week, Hong Kong-listed SEEC Media reported its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2014. Revenues for the year were US$57 million, down 10% year-on-year. The company recorded a loss of US$16 million, compared with a profit of US$2.2 million in 2013.

More than 70% of SEEC’s revenues were generated through advertising income, which amounted to US$42 million. That figure represents a 15% year-on-year decrease. The remaining revenues were generated through income from conferences & events (US$11 million) and sales of books & magazines (US$4.4 million). Income from conferences & events increased 22% year-on-year, however sales of books & magazines dropped 14%.

SEEC attributed the decrease in revenue to the slowdown of economic growth in China and competition from Internet media in China. SEEC’s flagship magazine, Caijing Magazine, posted a 10% decrease in revenue. To reduce the impact of the continuing drop in advertising revenues, the company plans to diversify its sources of revenue.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

HC International’s profits up 22% in 2014

News this week: Earlier this week, Hong Kong-listed HC International released its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2014. Revenues in the year were US$156 million, up 15% compared with 2013. Net income for the year was US$30 million – representing year-on-year growth of 22%. Dilute earnings per share in 2014 were RMB 0.2729 (US$0.044).

HC’s largest business segment, online services, generated 84% of total revenues which amounted to US$131 million. This represents 17% year-on-year growth. The remaining revenues were generated from HC’s seminars & other services (US$16 million), trade catalogues & yellow page directories (US$5.7 million) and anti-counterfeiting products & services (US$2.6 million).

Separately, HC International announced the resignation of Mr. Yang Ning, executive director and president of the company. Effective 30th March 2015, Mr. Yang resigned from his position for personal reasons.

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

furniPRO Asia to be part of IFFS in 2016

News this week: furniPRO Asia, a regional exhibition for the woodworking, furniture and panel production industries, will be co-located with next edition of the International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) to be held in 2016. furniPRO is organised by Koelnmesse. While MP International (a Pico Far East subsidiary) is a 40% owner of IFFS.

The co-located exhibitions will run from 14th to 16th March 2016 at the Singapore EXPO. furniPRO Asia will feature the latest furniture production technologies, key segment includes panel production & primary processing; furniture production & secondary processing; materials & nature function & components, and textile & upholstery.

Michael Dreyer, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd., said, “We are especially excited about the new opportunities we could offer to our exhibitors and visitors with the decision to be held in conjunction with IFFS next year. With the synergy, and additional publicity as a part of the ASEAN furniture exhibition circuit, furniPRO Asia will be stronger in positioning itself as the leading regional woodworking, furniture and panel production trade exhibition in ASEAN.”

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HKTDC’s Electronics Fair to feature 2,800 exhibitors

News this week: It is a busy few weeks for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The HKTDC will organise three trade fairs this month: the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition), Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) and International ICT Expo.

The Lighting Fair will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 6th to 9th April and it will feature more than 1,200 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions. New elements this year will include the World of Professional & Industrial Lighting Zone, which will showcase professional lighting fixtures and applications for specific uses and industrial environments.

The Electronics Fair and ICT Expo will be held from 13th to 16th April, also at the HKCEC. The HKTDC claims its spring electronics event is the largest in Asia. The Electronics Fair will have approximately 2,800 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions. Three new zones will be covered at the fair, including wearable electronics zone, connected home zone and unmanned tech.


This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.

Over 1,100 exhibitors at Global Sources’ SIMM

News this week: The Shenzhen International Machinery Manufacturing Industry Exhibition (SIMM) opened this week with more than 1,100 exhibitors from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and 16 other countries and regions.

Organised by Shenzhen Xieguang Convention & Exhibition Company, Shenzhen Huanyue Convention & Exhibition Company, and China Shenzhen Machinery Association, SIMM covered 110,000 m2 of exhibition space at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (SZCEC), running from 30th March to 2nd April.

Yao Jiguang, General Manager of SIMM, commented, “Visitors can find the latest intelligent systems, automation and robotics technologies throughout SIMM. Flexible manufacturing automation systems dominate the show floor, ranging from machining centers and CNC machine tools to sheet metal stamping and laser cutting. Many exhibitors are also showcasing complete assembly line systems instead of individual machine tools. Digital processing and manufacturing technologies are also highlights of this year’s show.”

This post is excerpted from BSG's weekly e-newsletter which is part of our subscription research service, BSG Tracker. Visit our website to find out more about this service. You can also follow us on Twitter for all the latest updates.