In 2019, the Chinese exhibition and convention industry united to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, achieving notable successes and making significant contributions.A series of major exhibition events have been successfully organized, effectively promoting the development and growth of the exhibition and convention industry. Exhibition formats have been innovated, and industry models have diversified, leading to continuous optimization of industry structure and regional layouts, thereby propelling the exhibition and convention industry into a high-quality development trajectory.
As we enter 2020, we extend our best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year!"This is not merely a matter of goodwill, but a demonstration of confidence.""As professionals in the exhibition and convention industry, we have a compelling reason to embrace the next era of this sector."
2020 marked the conclusion of the 13th Five-Year Plan, with local authorities having initiated the development of the 14th Five-Year Plan.Several factors influence the development of the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans:① "The period from 2021 to 2025" serves as a transitional phase for achieving the complete construction of a moderately prosperous society and the attainment of two centenary goals. This plan is of paramount importance for long-term development in the future.② The Central Economic Work Conference in December 2019 emphasized the need to maintain stability while pursuing progress as the overarching work principle, to promote high-quality development, in the face of increasingly complex domestic and international risks and challenges.③ According to the "Global Business Environment Report 2020" published by the World Bank, China's ranking in the global business environment is 31st, and it has been ranked among the top 10 economies with the largest improvements in the business environment for two consecutive years.Due to these factors, the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans will place a greater emphasis on optimizing and stabilizing industrial structures, prioritizing the intrinsic proportions and quality of the modern service sector, and providing a superior operating environment for the real economy, ensuring that the national economy progresses on a solid foundation.Against this backdrop, the exhibition industry will undoubtedly achieve unprecedented strategic importance and be entrusted with greater responsibilities.
In October 2019, the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Fourth Session, passed a resolution on the importance of upholding and improving the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and advancing the modernization of the national governance system and governance capabilities.This is a critically important strategic task, and a fundamental guarantee for achieving the Chinese Dream.
Common sense tells us,The inherent properties and energy of an object are determined both by its constituent elements and by the structure in which those elements are arranged.For example: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, when arranged in sequence, total approximately 10,000.However, if we consider 51 raised to the power of 432, this would represent a truly astronomical and potentially alarming numerical value."Similarly, society thrives when governance is orderly, social structures are sound, and interpersonal relationships are healthy. This allows a society to withstand even the most significant challenges."
The central government's emphasis on upholding and improving the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, and advancing the modernization of the national governance system and governance capabilities, represents a crucial strategic focus.
Against this backdrop, we believe that the exhibition industry will undergo further structural changes in the coming years.These changes include:① The relationship between government and businesses will be more rational, with the government implementing industrial policies and providing public services more effectively. ② Two types of business chains will be further refined: the upstream and downstream relationships between exhibition companies, and the relationships between exhibition organizers and the industries they serve. ③ In particular, industry associations will have more robust structures, with enhanced communication and coordination between all parties. This will result in more effective signaling and regulation of the market, leading to the emergence of a national exhibition industry association.
According to Chinese zodiac traditions, 2020 is the Year of the Rat."Designers working with zodiac themes may find it challenging. While each animal – such as the dragon, tiger, horse, and ox – possesses admirable qualities, even seemingly less prominent animals like the rabbit and chicken have their own unique strengths.""However, the common derogatory expressions associated with rats further illustrate that, in people's perception, rats hold a low status, and are even considered somewhat unsavory."
Considering the inherent resilience of the human species, it warrants further reflection to reconsider the role of rodents.This small animal has low survival requirements, strong environmental adaptability, and rapid reproduction."In the face of adversity, all species strive for freedom," highlighting the crucial role of resilience in determining a species' survival and development."Perhaps due to this, despite being the smallest animal among the twelve zodiac creatures, the rat is ranked first."
Does the exhibition industry not face similar challenges?Compared to other industries, the exhibition industry's contribution to GDP is minimal.However,"The exhibition industry is a leading force, setting the trends that influence the success or failure of all other industries."The exhibition industry does not require significant capital or extensive equipment, but it relies on the keen insights and strong industry observation and judgment of its professionals. The industry's presence and trends are readily apparent within exhibition projects.In this context, we can state:**The exhibition and convention industry is the leading industry of all!**Over the past several decades of reform and opening up, history has demonstrated that the more a company needs to independently develop its market, the greater its need for exhibition and convention services.Despite its small size, the exhibition industry has gained recognition across various sectors due to its resilience and adaptable service capabilities.
Therefore, when viewed from the perspectives of strategy, structure, and ethos, we believe that:In the coming years, China will transition from a major player to a leading force in the exhibition industry, marking a new era for the industry.2020 marks the beginning of this significant phase.
Chen Jianxin
Master of Business Administration, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Shanghai Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, Honorary Chairman of the International Exhibitions Association, Chairman of the National Exhibition and Convention Industry Standardization and Technology Committee.
Previously held the position of Chairman of Shanghai International Exhibition Corporation and Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Council for Trade Promotion.
From April 2002, he held the positions of Deputy Director of the Shanghai Expo Affairs Bureau, President of Shanghai World Expo (Group) Co., Ltd., and Deputy Director of the Shanghai World Expo Bureau. From May 2011 to March 2014, he served as Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Commerce. From April 2014 to October 2018, he was the President of the Shanghai Exhibition and Convention Industry Association.
Jilu De
Ph.D. in Economics, Fudan University; Former Deputy Director, Research Department, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Foreign Economic Trade.
From January 1999 to June 2015, involved in all aspects of the Shanghai World Expo, from the initial planning and bidding process to post-event documentation. Previously served as Director of the Comprehensive Department of the Shanghai Expo Organizing Committee, and subsequently held the positions of Deputy Director and Director of the Office and Research Center of the Shanghai World Expo Bureau, as well as Director of the Thematic Interpretation Department, starting in 2003.
- From June 2011, served as Deputy Director of the Editorial Office for the "Shanghai World Expo Yearbook." - From April 2015 to October 2018, served as Secretary-General of the Shanghai Exhibition and Convention Industry Association.