TCEB Fosters Success of Third Edition of ASEAN Rising Trade Show Supports 8 Trade Exhibitions to Help Propel Thailand’s Leadership Position as Regional Exhibition Platform in ASEAN

27 March 2017, Bangkok: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB continues to move forward in upgrading high potential international exhibitions through the third edition of the ASEAN Rising Trade Show. The financial support programme for the international marketing of eight shortlisted international exhibitions emphasizes innovations related to the Thailand 4.0 Policy, and capabilities to attract international visitors to the shows. Bolstered by the success of the programme last year – with more than 30 per cent growth in international trade visitor numbers – TCEB continues to reaffirm Thailand’s leadership position as the regional exhibition platform in ASEAN.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Vice President, Administration and Strategic Support of TCEB revealed that, “Thailand’s international exhibition industry is a key platform to help support trade and investment in the ASEAN region, and is considered as an economic growth driver. With this importance, TCEB has been supporting trade exhibition entrepreneurs, helping them to drive their competitiveness forward and reach their potential. Now in its third consecutive year, the ASEAN Rising Trade Show, underlining the theme, ‘Think Big, Go Beyond’, is a proven successful initiative to improve the industry through three key strategies, which include upgrading the Thai exhibition industry; providing financial support for international marketing activities; and expanding ASEAN MICE Collaboration in line with the AEC.

“This year, the ASEAN Rising Trade Show joins hands with partners including the Global Association of The Exhibition Industry (UFI) and the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) to enhance its support criteria to be in line with the Thailand 4.0 Policy. This will help exhibition organisers to upgrade their shows and drive the country towards achieving Thailand 4.0. In addition to the support given to five key industries which are fundamental to building economic growth in the AEC: Automotive, Energy, Food & Agriculture, Healthcare & Wellness, and Infrastructure, the ASEAN Rising Trade Show campaign also targets another 10 industries to create the new S-Curve, a new engine of growth, by adding shows that showcase new innovations and technologies such as biotechnology and robotics.”

Mrs Jaruwan Suwannasat, Director of Exhibitions and Events of TCEB added that, “The success of the second edition of the ASEAN Rising Trade Show in 2016 showcased nine shortlisted international exhibitions in four industries. The total number of international trade visitors rose by 32.6 per cent, while ASEAN trade visitors increased by 30.3 per cent compared to the previous year. By helping expand collaboration and establish business connections for the supported shows to major trade associations in ASEAN, this campaign is instrumental to foster the long term prosperity of the industry, as demonstrated by overall revenue from international exhibitions earning the Thai economy up to 15.686 billion baht, with the contribution from ASEAN source countries rising 27.5 per cent in 2016.

The selection criteria for the shortlisted exhibitions in the ASEAN Rising Trade Show campaign includes exhibitions that are new and creative, relate to the Thailand 4.0 Policy, drive business sustainability for the international exhibition industry, demonstrate the ability to attract international participants from AEC member countries and contribute to the growth of the industry, are able to identify marketing issues and challenges facing the trade exhibition sector, and present solutions and strategic directions aimed at upgrading their show.”

The eight shortlisted international exhibitions come from four industries including Food and Agriculture industry: Food & Hotel Thailand 2017, from 6-9 September 2017, SIMA ASEAN Thailand 2017, from 7-9 September 2017, and FI Asia 2017, from 13-15 September 2017; the Energy industry: ASEAN Sustainable Energy Week 2017, from 7-10 June 2017, and Thailand Lighting Fair, from 16-18 November 2017; the Infrastructure industry: BMAM Expo Asia 2017, from 20-22 September 2017; and the Healthcare and Wellness industry: Thailand Lab 2017, from 6-8 September 2017, and Beyond Beauty ASEAN Bangkok 2017, from 21-23 September 2017.

Additionally, TCEB will submit nominations of marketing plans from the participating trade exhibition organisers to compete in the UFI Marketing Awards as a part of the bureau’s commitment to help promote awareness and success of the respective shows.

“TCEB expects that the success of the ASEAN Rising Trade Show will continue to drive the growth of trade visitors from ASEAN member countries by 30 per cent per year. Upon completion of the three-year programme this year, TCEB will create new initiatives that are in line with economic conditions and trends of international exhibitions,” concluded Mr Chiruit.

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About TCEB

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) - the government leading edge agency - has been the key to success for a wide range of global & regional business events since 2004. With our key strategic model, Growth Driver; TCEB works as your strategic business partner, delivers creative ideas, and provides solutions from our capable resources for every scale and various customised business events.

TCEB has formed numerous collaborations and networks linked to open up grand new chapters of business opportunities, and to strategically enhance every business success with special care that will spur lasting advancement and achievements. Our goal is to equipping business events industry at national, regional, and global stage for continuous development, long-term growth and sustainable success.

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For further information, please contact: Corporate Communications Division, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)

Ms Arisara Thanuplang Tel: +66 2 694 6095 Email: arisara_t@tceb.or.th

Ms Titiwanlaya Thaimongkolrat Tel: + 662 694 6103 Email: titiwanlaya_t@tceb.or.th

Ms Kwanchanok Otton Tel: + 662 694 6096 Email: kwanchanok_o@tceb.or.th

Ms Paniyada Mulalin Tel: + 662 694 6091 Email: paniyada_m@tceb.or.th