Already renowned in China for its regattas, expansive beaches and the sailing venue in the upcoming 29th Olympic Games, Qingdao is using its advantages to attract more international conventions and exhibitions.

According to April statistics from the Qingdao International Convention Center (QICC), more than 70 domestic and international exhibitions are planned this year, including the China International Consumer Electronics Show (SINO-CES), the 7th Qingdao International Auto Show and China (Qingdao) International Marine Fair (CIMF).

"The exhibition industry has been growing rapidly," said Mayor Xia Geng. "We are trying our best to build Qingdao into a famous exhibition city across the globe."

The local government began implementing a plan last year to accelerate development of the exhibition industry. By 2010 it plans to double the size of exhibitions and the number of visitors compared to 2005.

The city will by then have forged its image as a noted international exhibition city, the mayor said.

To reach that goal, the local government is making efforts to attract more influential domestic and international exhibitions to Qingdao, while the impetus provided by the coming Olympics has already brought increasing numbers of national exhibitions to the seaside city.

SINO-CES, Qingdao International Beer Festival, China (Qingdao) International Fashion Week and CIMF have both national and international influence, covering more than 30 industries including apparel, home appliances, marine machinery, automobiles and fishing equipment.

Statistics from the local industry and commerce department show that the number of registered exhibitions held in the city have increased 106 percent since 2003.

City estimates say the number will continue to grow 10 to 15 percent annually to make the exhibition industry another engine powering the local economy.

Last month Qingdao received an award for its performance in hosting large events from the China Convention and Exhibition Society (CCES).

The Qingdao International Beer Festival ranked among the 10 most-influential festivals in China in 2007. It attracted 3.6 million visitors, including 75,200 foreigners, and the participation of 45 overseas beer brands. It is now the biggest gala of its kind in Asia.

SINO-CES, sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), has attracted global attention with the help of CEA, which promotes the event internationally.

The 2007 SINO-CES show featured 1,316 booths and attracted more than 40 famous enterprises from both home and abroad, including Intel, Sony, Lenovo, Haier, IBM, GE and HP.

Significant international fairs to be held in the city this year include the 7th Qingdao International Auto Show, the 6th CIMF and the China (Qingdao) International Tourism Expo set for this month. Preparations are now well underway for the 9th China (Qingdao) International Gifts, Handicrafts & Houseware Exhibition in June.

Events scheduled for the second half of the year include the SINO-CES in July and China Fisheries & Seafood Expo in November.

Qingdao's exhibition industry has joined foreign trade, tourism and manufacturing as pillars of the city's economy.

Among the efforts by the local government to cultivate the industry are schools to produce professionals in exhibition planning, management and business.

(China Daily 05/06/2008 page24)