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Breakthroughs and Opportunities, Guiding the Future of the Convention and Exhibition Industry
2025-04-07
Breakthroughs and Opportunities
Guiding the Future of the Convention and Exhibition Industry
— An Interview with Mr. John Chan, General Manager of Shenyang New World EXPO
Amid significant shifts in the economic landscape, the convention and exhibition industry is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. In 2024, this sector faced immense pressure from increasing complexity and uncertainty in the global economy and numerous domestic economic hurdles. Fortunately, the industry is positioned for new growth with the issuance of important documents at the beginning of this year, such as the Special Action Plan for Boosting Consumption and the Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment in 2025, as well as the approval of the national territorial spatial plans by 2035 for several key cities by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. In this context, how the Shenyang New World EXPO (hereafter referred to as "EXPO"), a key player in Northeast China's convention and exhibition industry, will navigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities as Shenyang aims to become an international central city in Northeast Asia remains a question. Recently, we had the opportunity to interview with Mr. John Chan, the newly appointed General Manager of the EXPO, to gain valuable insights into his viewpoints regarding the present situation of the industry, its future direction, and the distinctive strengths of the EXPO.
Challenges and Future Direction of the Convention and Exhibition Industry
"In recent years, the domestic economy has encountered numerous challenges, particularly due to a continuously sluggish real estate market that has caused funding shortages in related supply chains, reduced investment enthusiasm among businesses, and weakened consumer confidence, all of which have negatively impacted the overall economic environment," Mr. Chan stated. He further noted that as a result, many companies have reduced their exhibition plans due to budget cuts, with some even cancelling specific events. This has made convention and exhibition projects far less extensive and influential than they used to be. Consequently, the industry's growth has noticeably slowed. Many small and medium-sized convention and exhibition enterprises are struggling to survive in an increasingly competitive environment.
At the beginning of 2024, a nationwide initiative was launched to organize and standardize government-related conventions and exhibitions. This signifies a reduction in the number of such events as well as decreased government participation and financial investment. For instance, the number of government-related conventions and exhibitions held at EXPO in 2024 decreased by 40% compared to 2023. This presents a significant challenge for convention and exhibition projects that have historically relied on government event support. Many conventions and exhibitions, once led by the government, will need to reevaluate their positioning and seek new paths towards market-driven operations.
Given this situation, industry professionals need to collaborate and actively engage with government departments to offer insights and suggestions. On one hand, it is essential to explore innovative strategies to recapture the interest of exhibitors and attendees, thereby enhancing the appeal and influence of such events.
On the other hand, it is important to actively advocate for the government to implement supportive policies for the industry, such as tax reduction and exemption, fiscal subsidies, financial support, and other measures. These measures will help lower operating costs of relevant enterprises, alleviate financial pressure, and promote the market-oriented development within the industry. At the same time, it is also necessary to strengthen self-discipline within the industry by standardizing the organization and operation of conventions and exhibitions and improving their quality and professionalism, so as to better position the industry to thrive in a more competitive and market-oriented environment.
Opportunities and Challenges for the Convention and Exhibition Industry in 2025
New opportunities and challenges await in 2025, despite the numerous challenges the convention and exhibition industry faced in 2024. As China continues to expand its high-level opening-up to the outside world, the connections between China and the rest of the world are becoming increasingly stronger, leading to a rise in cross-border cooperation and exchanges. Shenyang, a pivotal city in northeast China, is actively striving to establish itself as an international hub in Northeast Asia. Mr. Chan noted that local governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of the convention and exhibition industry: It serves as a catalyst for regional economic development, provides significant social benefits, enhances a city's visibility and influence, and promotes cultural exchange and integration.
Furthermore, an increasing number of international brands, multinational enterprises, and professional organizations are seeking opportunities to participate in conventions, exhibitions, and activities in China, fueled by the continuous improvement of China's international influence. This will create significant market opportunities for the convention and exhibition industry. Shenyang, a strategic city in Northeast Asia, is well-positioned to emerge as a major destination for international conventions and exhibitions, thanks to its advantageous geographical location, strong industrial foundation, and favorable policy environment.
Mr. Chan further emphasized that local governments aiming to boost the globalization of their cities and host more globally influential events should prioritize improving urban infrastructure and services while also promoting the city's image, culture, and tourism services. To achieve these goals, key visitor areas and public transport facilities must meet the standards for international tourist cities, which include beautification of the environment, public cleanliness, safety measures, convenient public transport, and multilingual signage, among others. The support facilities along the main tourist routes in the city also need further enhancement to ensure that both domestic and international visitors enjoy a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Actively promoting the city as a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination is also a crucial strategy for enhancing its competitiveness. By utilizing a multi-channel approach that includes both online and onsite promotion, the city can showcase its unique convention and exhibition resources, professional service capabilities, and excellent supporting facilities, to attract more domestic and foreign conferences, incentive tourism, large enterprise activities, and exhibition projects. At the same time, this emphasis can enhance the quality of life for city's local citizens.
Why is EXPO the Venue of Choice
Mr. Chan analyzed the strengths of EXPO becoming the venue of choice for events in Shenyang, highlighting both its facilities and services.
In terms of facilities, EXPO is one of the most state-of-the-art convention and exhibition centers in northeast China. Just a 20-minute drive from both the airport and the high-speed rail station, EXPO is located on the Golden Corridor adjacent to Shenyang CBD. EXPO holds 24,000 square meters of gross exhibition space and 4,000 sqm of multi-functional convention, meeting and banquet space. The surrounding area boasts various entertainment and shopping amenities, with more than 20,000 high-quality guest rooms offered within a 10-kilometer radius. EXPO's guests benefit from the connecting Shenyang K11 Art Mall and New World Shenyang Hotel since it provides a comprehensive range of services and a unique convention and exhibition experience for exhibitors and attendees.
In terms of services, EXPO is managed and operated by Shenyang New World EXPO (Management) Limited (SML). SML is a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-listed CTF Services Limited with 30 years of professional experience in the management and operation of event and exhibition venues including the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. EXPO is committed to the principle of "limitless service and constant improvement for lasting excellence", striving to provide customers with an outstanding service experience. Throughout the service process, the venue emphasizes personalized services to meet individual needs by thoroughly understanding each client's requirements, and developing tailored service solutions for them. To boost service efficiency and quality, EXPO has persistently refined its service procedures, established a rapid response mechanism, and strengthened its oversight of service quality. It also conducts regular surveys and evaluations of service standards to promptly identify and address any issues that may arise during service provision, thereby ensuring that its service quality consistently remains at the forefront of the industry. Such rigorous control over service quality not only increases customer satisfaction but also boosts the venue's market competitiveness, making EXPO truly the venue of choice.
"The convention and exhibition industry is currently navigating a landscape of both challenges and opportunities. As a key player in northeast China's convention and exhibition industry, we have a crucial responsibility to promote industry growth and support the city's efforts in globalization," said Mr. Chan, who added, "Looking ahead, we will continue to leverage our advantages, consistently improve our facilities and service quality, and actively adapt to market shifts, while exploring innovative development models. At the same time, we will emphasize our role as a platform to drive the integration of the convention and exhibition industry with the urban economy, culture, tourism, and more, contributing to Shenyang's development as an international central city in Northeast Asia."
Mr. John Chan, General Manager of Shenyang New World EXPO
Aerial View of Shenyang New World EXPO
Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade
China National Computer Congress
Launch Ceremony and Investment Promotion Event for the Development of Shenyang as an International Central City in Northeast Asia
The Enterprise's Annual Party at Shenyang New World EXPO
For more information, please contact:
John CHAN - JohnChan@shenyangnwexpo.com
