On March 24th, Mr. Zhang Guohua, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Commerce, convened a special discussion, focusing on understanding the key challenges, recommendations, and opinions faced by local exhibition and convention companies in the context of the COVID-19 prevention and control measures. Attendees included Mr. Sang Jingmin, President of the Shanghai Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, Mr. Tu Jianqing, Secretary-General, as well as representatives from several local exhibition organizers, exhibition engineering companies, and exhibition logistics companies. Representatives from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Commerce's Exhibition and Convention Affairs Department, including Mr. Li Lei, Director, and Ms. Shi Chen, Deputy Director, as well as representatives from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Commerce's Exhibition and Convention Promotion Center and the Pudong New Area Exhibition Affairs Bureau, also participated in the discussion.
Attendees reported that the pandemic has significantly impacted the exhibition and convention industry, with common issues including high operating costs, a high rate of foreign exhibitors canceling their participation, and difficulties in coordinating dates. They requested that the relevant authorities expedite the clarification of the resumption timeline and secure special funding and tax exemptions. President Sang Jingmin stated that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the exhibition and convention industry. The exhibition and convention industry association will act as a bridge between enterprises and the government, strengthening coordination and communication to prepare for the resumption of operations.

Zhang Guohua, Chief Economist, noted that the pandemic has presented significant challenges to the development of the city's exhibition and convention industry. He urged local exhibition and convention companies to work together to overcome these difficulties. Specifically, he emphasized the following: 1. **Prioritize Collaboration:** The exhibition and convention industry plays a significant role in driving the city's economy. All exhibition and convention companies should prioritize collaboration and work together to navigate the current challenges, continuing to leverage the industry's role as a vital link in the value chain. 2. **Embrace Innovation:** During the pandemic, exhibition and convention companies should strengthen collaboration and innovate exhibition service models. They should actively explore and implement hybrid models that combine online and offline experiences.“Dual-Track Exhibition”New Approach: The third key element is enhanced coordination. The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Commerce's Exhibition Affairs Department should strengthen communication with departments such as the Public Security Bureau and the Health Commission, establishing clear communication channels to expedite the resumption of trade shows and support the Shanghai Exhibition and Convention Bureau in achieving high standards, delivering impactful results, and establishing significant influence.