Ahead of UFI’s Global Congress in Shanghai, Reed Exhibitions Greater China CEO Hu Wei told EW he is viewing the country’s fortunes with cautious optimism.
“While the economy is no longer registering double-digit growth, the country’s economic growth rate remains the envy of the world,” he said.
Wei pointed to the importance of the Chinese manufacturing sector. “It is continuing to evolve, however, that hasn’t prevented a number of trade shows related to specific industries from feeling the pinch due to the manufacturing slowdown.
“There’s a strong need to accurately and consistently cater to fast-changing consumer habits, which is not unique to the China market.”
A drive to attract new talent, meanwhile, was hailed as a success by Wei, as Reed China drives talent development programmes including the Reed Exhibitions Greater China Scholarship, the Young Talent Program and the Reed Exhibitions Marketing Certification Program.
“We are proud of how initiatives like these have helped to limit the adverse effect of the talent shortage in the local exhibition industry. They also help us bridge the generational gap between the growing number of our customers who are Millennials and the older customers Reed has traditionally been so strong in serving.”
