The 2010 UFI Open Seminar, hosted by TAITRA in Taipei , helped promote Taiwan ’s MICE industry and facilitated interaction between local and international industry professionals
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The annual UFI Open Seminar in Asia took place at TICC in Taipei on March 4-5, moderated by UFI APAC Office Regional Manager Paul Woodward. The seminar focused on the topic of Innovation for Business Growth. During eight speeches and one panel session, professionals from Taiwan , Hong Kong, the US , China , Thailand , Australia and Britain shared key concepts and successful experiences with 220 attendees from 24 regions and countries.
[subhead] International MICE VIPs Congregate at TICC
Two-thirds of the attendees were from overseas, including VIP guests like UFI President Manfred Wutzlhofer, Munich Trade Fairs International Group Managing Director Ronald Unterburger, UBM Asia Vice President Mike Tan, and BITEC President Prasarn Bhiraj Buri.
With the global economic recovery underway and Asia ’s continued rise, the UFI Open Seminar focused on how the MICE industry can best exploit the region’s resources.
Speakers from related industries predicted that innovation is key to the future success of MICE. They discussed prospects such as greener exhibitions, smartphone applications, internet communications, advertising of social media, immediate management of exhibition and localized exhibition plans. The UFI Open Seminar in Asia 2010 took place in TICC convention room 101CD. The background of the stage was well equipped with highlighted green light and two big projection screens which helped maximize the impact of the speakers during presentations. To minimize the language gap, TICC employed two professional interpreters, who supplied interpretations in either English or Chinese with two different channels, delivered to attendees through an infrared wireless link.
[subhead] When Innovation Meets Taboo
What is the solution when innovation meets taboo? Vertical Expo Services Co. Ltd Chief Executive Kenny Lo shared his thoughts on this issue using the examples of funeral and adult content. The Asia Funeral Expo has become so successful and famous that it has now become one of CNN’s recommended 88 things to do in Hong Kong this year.
Using TICC’s excellent videoconferencing system, Reed Exhibitions Latin American President Marco Giberti made a presentation from Miami in the US , marking the first time the UFI Open Seminar has used the system. In his speech, Giberti highlighted cultural differences by country or region and reminded all exhibitors to think globally and act locally.
[subhead] Capitalizing on Social Media
Ogilvy Public Relations Regional Director Brian Giesen emphasized the importance of social media such as blogs, QQ, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Youtube. Social media are no longer just social networking tools among teenagers but can be exploited for communication, promotion and advertising purposes by the MICE industry. Brian Giesen suggested that exhibitors could raise their profiles during exhibitions by uploading relevant photos, video, audio and articles.
The Shanghai World Expo will start on May 1, with the theme “ Better City , Better Life.” Chen Xiajin, Deputy Director General of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo, introduced the upcoming event with an official promotional video that demonstrates the World Expo’s links to 192 countries, 50 national organizations, 18 enterprises, and 80 cities. Technological and environmental progress is demonstrated through the innovative virtual World Expo website, use of solar energy, energy-saving LED lights, and new energy-efficient vehicles. Together they will help the Shanghai World Expo achieve its goal of zero carbon emissions.
The last speech was delivered by TAITRA Executive Vice President Walter Yeh. After offering thanks on behalf of TAITRA, Yeh pointed out the strengths of Taiwan ’s MICE industry, among the excellent location, close economic and trade relationships with China , and the expected positive influence of ECFA. In the near future, new exhibition halls in north, central and south Taiwan will provide additional capacity and provide a timely boost for Taiwan ’s thriving MICE industry.
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