Trade shows galore in Asia!
The trade show calendar is beginning to look increasingly busy in Asia, proof that in certain parts of the world there is optimism about the state of the amusement industry.
First up in 2009 is an event in an event in the major southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. The China International Amusement Exhibition (CIAE) takes place for a fifth time from March 10 to 12. According to organizer Hongwei Exhibition Service, previous shows have attracted a combined 27,000 visitors, although many of those are believed to be gaming based.
Immediately after this event, the Chinese Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (CAAPA) is due to stage its latest China Attractions Expo in Beijing, from March 13 to 15. Although most of the exhibitors are domestic suppliers of amusement equipment, according to CAAPA chairman Liu Jinwang, “previous shows have attracted visitors from India, South East Asia, South America, Africa and also Disney people from Hong Kong and California.” CAAPA has also hosted a number of smaller shows in places such as Shanghai and Suzhou.
IAAPA’s Asian Attractions Expo (pictured), the largest event of its kind in the region, takes place this summer in Seoul, South Korea. The dates are June 10 to 12 and the venue is the new COEX Convention & Exhibition Center.
Then, in November, a new trade show is planned for Singapore. The Amusement Parks and Attractions Show (APASAsia) is scheduled to be held at the Singapore Expo from November 27 to 29. Exhibitors are expected from 25 countries, according to the organisers. Park World reserves judgement on this and the event in Guangzhou, but will bring you further information as we get it.
One event that has fallen by the wayside, however, is Middle East Amusements Attractions Parks Leisure and Entertainment (MEEAPLE) exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The event was due to be staged by CMP International (organiser of the UK’s Leisure Industry Week), which has offices locally, but after struggling to define exactly what format the event would take, it has decided to postpone it by at least one year. Although Abu Dhabi is tipped for big things in the future, it does not yet boast the tourist appeal of Dubai, for instance, where DEAL remains the premier trade show for the attractions industry in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.
