Reed Exhibitions has successfully hosted its first two events in China in the wake of Covid-19.
First API China was held in Qingdao, 9-11 June, followed later the same month at the new Shenzhen World venue by the Shenzhen Gift and Home Fair. That show ran 20-30 June and covered 160,000sqm of exhibition space, 50% larger than the 2019 edition, according to Reed Exhibitions’ Gillian Cartwright, writing in a Blog on the RX website.
Health and safety was a top priority at both events and face masks were distributed to guests who did not have them.
Like the first exhibition to return in China after lockdown, the Hunan Auto Show at the end of April, visitors to the Reed shows had to present their green travel QR code and accept an infrared temperature measurement, in addition to security checks, to gain access to the Qingdao and Shenzhen World venues.
The drill at the two RX June shows, according to Cartright, saw teams of cleaners make frequent rounds disinfecting and organisers constantly reminding attendees to respect social distancing measures and to wash their hands.
Medical rooms and ambulances were on hand at both shows in case of any emergency.
As a leading event for the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, the return of API China was a great confidence booster for the industry, helping it to jump-start business, accelerate innovation and re-establish vital supply chains. Filling a total exhibition area of nearly 50,000sqm, it gathered 800 leading companies and attracted 20,000 attendees.
Those unable to attend the event in person were able to take part via a hybrid element incorporating online learning, networking and business opportunities.
Shenzhen Gift and Home Fair, meanwhile, as EW reported 1 July, attracted over 2,000 exhibiting companies and 90,000 visitors. The show offered three on-site forums and many exhibitors used booth live streaming to attract attendees.
Reed Huabo Exhibitions launched a WeChat mini program to allow exhibitors and buyers to keep in contact 24 hours a day. Shenzhen World offered full 5G signal coverage and puts its new IT infrastructures to a good test.
“The success of API China and Shenzhen Gifts is a tribute to the hard work and persistence of the show teams who worked in close partnership with local government, trade associations and the venue to kick-start their industries whilst ensuring the safety of our customers, partners and employees,” said Michael Cheng, President, RX Greater China. “Not only does their return reflect the continuing demand for face-to-face meetings, but it is also a boost to all in RX China, Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions and Reed Huabo. We are back in business!”
