Exhibition industry in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen has been developing rapidly in recent years. Faced with a lack of space, Hong Kong's status as the capital of exhibition and sourcing is under massive threat. Global Sources Exhibition General Manager Tommy Wong said their company and HKTDC are two of the largest trade show organizers in town. Both parties hold large-scale electronics and home products trade shows. He believes if the two parties could cooperate and organize the two shows together, they would become the largest shows of their kinds in the world, further cementing Hong Kong's status in the industry.

Cooperate to counter challenges from Shanghai and Guangzhou

Wong said the exhibition date of Global Sources' electronics show is close to HKTDC's and both shows share similar visitors. He proposed that instead of vying for the visitors, why don't both parties work together to promote their shows? This will not only avoid vicious completion, but also attract more visitors to Hong Kong's electronics and home product shows. It will be a win-win cooperation. Wong said: "I suggest both parties publish each other's message on their promotional materials. That means we'll have information about HKTDC's show in our flyers. I think if we can work together, we'll be unbeatable. This will be a good thing to the attraction of Hong Kong's exhibition industry."

Wong also pointed out that Global Sources has been pitching HKTDC about this idea. They have spoke to HKTDC's Executive Director, Mr. Fred Lam, and put forward the proposal to relevant government departments. However, they have received no positive responses. Wong said the exhibition development should avoid a repeat of the port industry. Hong Kong used to be the biggest port and major logistics center in the Pearl River Delta region. But now Shenzhen's Yantian Port has caught up. If participants of Hong Kong's exhibition industry do not work together, he believes Hong Kong's status as the capital of exhibition and sourcing will be shaken in 3-5 years.

Electronics show fares well as buyers bid to fill up stocks

As for how the financial tsunami will affect the exhibition industry, Wong said as far as Global Sources' electronics show is concerned, the impact is minimal because booth numbers have increased 3-4% to 2,500. He said due to the weak economy, many buyers did not come to the show last Fall. As the sale season has cleared much of the stocks, the show will attract these buyers to come again. He said: "Many of our clients know that these buyers are running out of stocks and it's time they fill up again. Therefore even if the booth prices are similar to last years', we've actually sold more booths." Global Sources has invited 35 international top buyers, including LG, Osim, to attend Private Buyer Meetings in the electronics show, 10 more than last year's.