Source: China Convention & Exhibition
Time flows on, and 2016 has already been behind us for several days. Now let us look back at 2016, summarize the year, and review the days experienced by China's convention and exhibition industry. Too many things happened during the year, but several of them remain especially memorable. Please allow us to recall the top ten news stories of China's convention and exhibition industry in 2016.
Top Ten News Stories of China's Convention and Exhibition Industry in 2016
1. China Exhibition Economy Development Report 2015 was released
On January 14, 2016, the China Exhibition Economy Development Report 2015 was released at the 12th China Expo Forum for International Cooperation. The report showed that the overall growth rate of China's exhibitions slowed in 2015. At the macro level, the industry displayed five major features: the total domestic exhibition market increased, the overseas exhibition sector rose steadily, the government strengthened guidance for transformation and upgrading, information technology became an important means of promoting exhibition development, and the exhibition venue market continued to heat up.
2. The 119th Canton Fair saw increases in both buyers and export transactions for the first time in three years
The 119th Canton Fair closed in Guangzhou on April 5, 2016. Data showed that, after several consecutive sessions in which export transactions and the number of overseas buyers both declined, this session recorded the first rebound in three years. The simultaneous rise in buyer attendance and export transactions indicated that China's foreign trade enterprises had improved their overall capabilities through their own efforts and that new momentum was accumulating.
The 2016 spring session registered 185,596 overseas buyers from 210 countries and regions, a slight increase of 0.43% over the 2015 spring session. Asian buyers remained the main group, with 106,462 attendees, up 1.32% and accounting for 57.36%; European buyers numbered 31,118, up 2.42% and accounting for 16.77%. Buyers from Belt and Road countries have continued to show strong interest in the Canton Fair since 2013. This session registered 81,601 such buyers, up 0.80% and accounting for 43.97% of the total.
3. Inter-ministerial joint meeting on promoting exhibition industry reform and development was held in Beijing
On May 13, 2016, Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng chaired the inter-ministerial joint meeting on promoting the reform and development of the exhibition industry. The joint meeting system was established with the approval of the State Council. The meeting focused on implementing the spirit of the 18th CPC National Congress, the Third, Fourth and Fifth Plenary Sessions of the 18th CPC Central Committee and the Central Economic Work Conference, reviewing the implementation of the Several Opinions, analyzing the development trend of the exhibition industry during the 13th Five-Year Plan period, and deploying the next stage of work.
The meeting pointed out that, as an important part of modern services, the exhibition industry is aggregative, radiating and driving in nature, with broad influence, strong relevance and great development potential. It is significant for promoting economic and social development and plays an important role in driving economic growth, expanding market consumption, promoting economic and trade cooperation, increasing employment and advancing urban construction.
4. The fourth CIFTIS opened a window for the globalization of Chinese services
The fourth China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services closed on June 1, 2016. A total of 34 countries and regions organized official delegations in the name of their countries or regions, an increase of nearly 90% over the previous session. This year's fair turned the once less-public term 'trade in services' into a widely discussed topic for a period of time.
Buyers from 126 countries and regions registered for the fair, nine more countries and regions than at the previous session. The number of country delegations also grew substantially, with 34 countries and regions organizing official delegations, up nearly 90%. Among the signed projects this year, 121 were international projects, with intended contracts totaling USD 19.88 billion, accounting for 20% of total intended contracts. Behind the internationalization of CIFTIS is the orderly growth of China's service trade layout in the international market.
5. Yunnan Metropolitan Construction became the controlling shareholder of Chengdu New International Convention & Exhibition Center
On June 17, 2016, the equity structure of Chengdu Century City New International Convention & Exhibition Center Co., Ltd., under Chengdu Exhibition & Tourism Group, underwent a major change. Yunnan Metropolitan Construction Group was added to the original six natural-person shareholders. According to the capital contribution information, Yunnan Metropolitan Construction Group invested RMB 308.053692 million and held 51% of the shares, becoming the actual controller of Chengdu New International Convention & Exhibition Center. Deng Hong, the company's former actual controller, transferred about 8% of the shares to Yunnan Metropolitan Construction Group and now holds only 27%. The remaining five natural-person shareholders transferred a total of 43% of the equity.
6. Hangzhou International Expo Center opened the curtain on sixth-generation venues
On September 4 and 5, 2016, Hangzhou International Expo Center, managed by Beijing North Star Events Group, made a stunning appearance during the G20 Hangzhou Summit and wrote a new annotation for 'China service'. It integrates the convention and exhibition, tourism, commerce and culture industries, bringing more expectations for innovative venue operation models. From hardware facilities to software services, from operating models to profit models, it will open a new chapter for China's sixth-generation convention and exhibition venues.
7. Shenzhen New Exhibition Center held its groundbreaking ceremony on the morning of September 28
On the morning of September 28, 2016, the groundbreaking ceremony for the 500,000-square-meter Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center and municipal supporting works was held at the project site in the airport new town of Bao'an District. This marked the start of full-speed construction for Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, the two centers and one hall, and the airport new town. After completion, Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center will become the world's largest exhibition center.
The first phase of the project involves an investment of RMB 19.6 billion and is expected to drive nearly RMB 80 billion in direct investment in surrounding rail transit, municipal roads, utility tunnels and supporting commercial facilities. The construction of Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center will strongly promote the development of the airport new town and Shenzhen's industries, and will play an important role in Shenzhen's development into a modern, international and innovative city.
8. The 7th China (Linyi) International Trade and Logistics Fair highlighted the overseas mall strategy
With the theme of 'trade connecting five continents, beautiful Linyi', the 7th China (Linyi) International Trade and Logistics Fair opened at Linyi International Convention and Exhibition Center on the morning of September 24, 2016. Prepared under the broader background of integrating into the Belt and Road, the fair highlighted the strategy of building overseas malls along the Belt and Road.
This session strengthened invitations to buyers from Belt and Road countries and regions, comprehensively displayed the unique advantages of local industries and markets, and actively promoted the internationalization of Linyi Mall.
9. China Convention and Exhibition Industry Alliance was inaugurated
On October 27, 2016, the China Convention and Exhibition Industry Development Forum and the founding conference of the China Convention and Exhibition Industry Alliance were held in Beijing. The alliance was formally established. Five hundred guests attended the meeting, marking a new stage in which China's convention and exhibition industry will advance through broad cooperation.
10. UFI's 83rd Global Congress opened in Shanghai
On November 10, 2016, the 83rd UFI Global Congress opened at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. As one of the most important international meetings in the exhibition industry, the congress lasted four days. More than 500 leaders of industry organizations, entrepreneurs and scholars from over 50 countries and regions attended to discuss the further development of the global exhibition industry. This congress was one of UFI's largest annual gatherings.
