By Patrick Avenell in Shunde
SHUNDE, CHINA: The Shunde whitegoods exhibition has defied the economic downturn, selling out all 439 stands in the increased floor space, according to Koelnmesse vice president, Asia Pacific, Michael Dreyer.
Speaking to media at the ninth Shunde show yesterday, Dreyer said that in the second year of joint organisation between Koelnesse and the People’s Government of Shunde, the expo has adopted a triple treat of themes to attract vendors and delegates.
“This year, we introduced three focal themes to the exhibition: trade, technology and service,” Dreyer, a German national, said. “Forums and seminars will also run parallel to these themes to provide more information on latest industry developments.”
In order to better facilitate interaction, stimulate ongoing business deals, and attract new potential importers, Shunde 2009 has introduced the Buyers’ Salon. Dreyer said this involved pre-show business matching to “enhance the effectiveness of their visit”.
He then listed Auchan from France, Toyomi from Singapore, ThreeSixty Sourcing from the US, Glen Dimplex from Ireland and the Taurus Group from Spain as examples of this practice.
“We have put in quite a few new elements into this year’s expo … such as the supporting programs in order to add more value to both our exhibitors and visitors. We hope to provide a more comprehensive and cohesive experience for them to conduct business,” Dreyer said.
In closing his remarks to the assembled press, Dreyer highlighted the growth Shunde has experienced in the eight years since its inception.
He said the show has grown to become the one of the most prolific home appliance exhibitions in China, and that is has attracted “a lot of attention in Asia”. He reported that Koelnmesse’s inclusion as a co-organiser will generate further traction with both local and international vendors and suppliers as the relationship strengthens.