The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), an official organisation dedicated to the promotion of association and corporate meetings, incentive events, conventions and exhibitions (MICE), in cooperation with the Trade Exhibition Association (Thai) or TEA, has received very positive responses from foreign journalists who participated in its annual “Industry Media Familiarization Tour” which took place in June 2006, in Bangkok, Thailand.

The purpose of TCEB’s and TEA’s “Industry Media Familiarization Trip” was twofold:

(1) to promote international exhibitions and attract exhibitors by introducing and familiarizing exhibition-related media to the advantages that Thailand possesses as an exhibitions hub; and

(2) promote international visitors to come to Thailand to visit exhibitions, by engaging mainstream and business media.

During the two and a half day visit, participating journalists representing media from China, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand met with top TCEB and TEA executives to discuss the many advantages that exhibitions staged in Thailand offer Asian multinational corporations as well as small-medium sized companies in a variety of industry sectors.

They also had the opportunity to visit five of Thailand’s premier exhibition venues and meet with Thailand’s leading Professional Exhibition Organizers (PEOs). Based on comments expressed by visiting journalists on the last day of the event, Thailand appears poised to become ASEAN’s premier exhibition hub.

According to Ms. Guo Hong, Deputy Director of International Special Issues & Supplements, International Business Daily, P.R.C., Thailand’s exhibition industry is highly developed and is of international standard.

“Among the great qualities that make Thailand’s exhibition industry stand apart from other exhibition destinations is its high level of professional service, its overall organizational capabilities, exhibition venues that are well designed and very advanced, and the serviceorientation of the professionals that are employed in the industry,” stated Ms. Guo.

“In addition, market information regarding various industries is readily available, the industry in Thailand is very IT-oriented, and the world class hotels, the unique culture, the great cuisine and the friendly and gracious people are very conducive to a great and positive exhibition experience, thus strengthening Thailand’s bid to become ASEAN’s premier exhibition hub,” she added wanting to do business in S.E. Asia, since Bangkok serves as a gateway for Indian manufacturers to enter the region.

Indian companies have targeted ASEAN as a potential market for a variety of Indian products and services, and Thai exhibitions can prove to be a most cost-effective platform to launch products, introduce new services, meet with existing customers and develop new commercial relationships.

Thailand’s exhibition industry offers great opportunities and is poised for regional leadership,” he added.

Mr. Willis Ke, Senior Deputy Editor-In-Chief, China Economic News Service, which also organizes exhibitions in Taiwan, feels the facilities and Professional Exhibition Organizers (PEOs) are world class.

“Thailand has a great opportunity to become a regional business hub, particular in the exhibition sector. Based on what I’ve seen, my company would be willing to interested in organizing Taiwanese exhibition groups to come to Thailand as long as the exhibition profile is suitable for Taiwanese manufacturers. Such exhibitions staged in Thailand namely in the areas of electronics, auto parts, furniture and IT will be of great interest to Taiwanese companies.”

And representing the Saigon Times Weekly, Editor Dr. Tran Ngoc Chau said “Thailand offers great opportunities for both Vietnamese exhibitors and visitors. As Vietnam continues its rapid re-development, manufacturers are seeking viable export markets, and based on what I’ve seen during my two and a half day visit, I’m confident that exhibitions in Thailand will provide a unique platform for our manufacturers.”

He went on to say that “Vietnamese visitors will also find great opportunities to view and learn more about leading edge products and services by visiting Thai exhibitions as qualified visitors with proven purchasing power.”

Mr. Vithaya Sintharapantorn, Director – Exhibitions Sector, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Vithaya was encouraged by the positive response expressed by all the visiting journalists and

stated that more such events would be planned in the future.

“In Thailand, shows are growing both in terms of content quality, presentational sophistication and marketing. Strategic partnerships are also being created between various ministries, state enterprises and agencies, and private local and international trade show organizers, all helping to support Thailand’s bid to become ASEAN’s exhibitions hub,” Vithaya concluded.