Chengdu charms consumers with range of expos

The convention and expo industry in Chengdu enjoyed a robust year with more international events augmented by a range of consumer goods expos that appealed to the local public, said an official at the city's Bureau of Expositions.

During the world's first robotics and intelligent equipment expo that wrapped up on Dec 22, some 800 industry experts, scholars and entrepreneurs from more than 10 countries attended the event in Chengdu.

Industry insiders said the expo was authoritative, co-produced by International Robotics and Intelligent Equipment Industry Alliance and the China Society for the Promotion of Science and Technology Commercialization, two non-profit organizations supported by the Chinese government.

Luo Jun, executive president of the alliance, said the event will help the city tap the advanced manufacturing industry including robotics and 3D printing.

He said the Bureau of Exposition's use of conventions and expos as a platform to carry out more global cooperation projects and boost the local economy will be very inspiring for the southwestern region.

The bureau became a member of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events in January 2014, the association founded in 1928 to lead the global exhibition industry.

According to officials at the bureau, it is the city's second international membership after joining the International Congress and Convention Association.

Chengdu now has more resources to explore more opportunities and promote itself on the global landscape, said officials.

The bureau also sealed projects with exhibition companies from Germany and the United Kingdom and also signed agreements with international organizations.

The city hosted the 12th Michelin Challenge Bibendum in November, when decision-makers, industry representatives and scientists from around the world gathered in Chengdu to discuss sustainable mobility challenges and solutions.

According to the bureau, in 2014 the city hosted 530 major events including 214 exhibitions and 113 international conferences and forums.

More than 94 million people participated in the events, up 5 percent compared with the previous year. The total exhibition area reached 3.25 million sq m, up 8 percent. The industry generated direct income of 6.95 billion yuan ($1.12 billion) last year, up 14.9 percent compared with last year, said officials.

The city will also host the 2015 World Airport City Expo, the 2015 China International Logistics Expo and a 2016 world air route development forum.

Expos for the people

Besides going international, the city's expo industry also attracted a larger general public last year, according to officials from the Bureau of Exposition.

The bureau set aside 2 million yuan to host sales promotions during last year's consumer goods expos.

The mooncake and mid-autumn festival food expo last September attracted 280,000 visitors over 13 days.

Prices of products on display ranged from 100 yuan to 200 yuan. With discounts and other promotion events, the expo's retail sales volume reached 92 million yuan, up 31 percent compared with 2013, according to a report in the Chengdu Evening News.

During the 15th International Furniture Fair in July, local and national major brands presented their products with exhibitions designed to appeal to the younger generation.

A variety of promotional events were also offered as a treat for consumers.

From Feb 1 to 15 this year, a shopping festival and large fair will offer shopping for the upcoming Spring Festival. Products of all kinds from 46 countries and 34 provinces will be presented.

Even with the achievements, the city is still improving its convention and expo industry.

In December, a set of principles and standards were put into effect that can help further regulate the industry.

It is the country's second and the first local regulation on the convention and expo industry in the middle-western region.

In 2014, Chengdu won the title as one of China's Top 10 Best Convention and Expo Destinations awarded by the China Convention and Exhibition Society.

It was also named one of the most charming convention destinations in China together with Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou.

Named one of the top 10 cities by the China Convention and Exhibition Society last year, Chendgu has a growing international reputation for prestigious, quality events. Photos Provided To China Daily

The Modern Agriculture Expo attracted a large number of visitors from home and abroad.