Mr. Ng talks about the criteria and trends of professional exhibition venues in Asia:
Criteria: “Greatness is created by a professional venue management team that is experienced, intelligent and flexible; and by their ability to provide a wide range of facility management and operations management services. In terms of the space, a great exhibition centre will be accessible and spacious and give organizers the choice of both indoor and outdoor venues.”
Example: “Take the Chenzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center (CZCEC) in China’s Hunan Province as an example. With a total site area of almost 134,000 sq. m., the CZCEC forms part of the recreational and sports district of the city. The centre provides show organizers and exhibitors with 50,000 sq. m. of indoor exhibition space and 15,000 sq. m. of outdoor exhibition space, allowing the venue to cater to all kinds of events – even those extending beyond the exhibition area.”
Trends: “Regardless of the political and economic uncertainty in Europe and the US, there is an increasing need for exhibition venues in China, where total exhibition space is growing rapidly; and in emerging countries in Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Myanmar, and second- and third-tier cities in China.”
Wish List: “While we are seeing technologically-driven change in the MICE industry, these large venues are hesitating to invest in new technology, given that it may be obsolete in a few years. In addition, many venues could innovatively rework their existing business models – instead of charging traditional rental rates, why not look at new ways of doing things?”
Vision: “Technology and sustainability. With judicious, targeted investment in technology – not just things like high-speed wifi, but technology like immersive AV solutions – large convention centres will not only be able to stay competitive, but will be able to host large-scale events with jaw-dropping visual and digital effects.”
