Exactly what is the “APAC region?”
Good question—and absolutely essential to understand because it is the groundwork for our services. “APAC” is an abbreviation for Asia-Pacific. Unlike Asia, which is a continent, Asia-Pacific, or APAC, is a term used primarily in business to describe a group of countries. There is no consensus on which countries are included. Definitions are unclear and applied broadly. You wouldn’t be the first person to misjudge the sheer size of the region.
What is clear is that the region consists of amazingly diverse groups of unique, independent countries, typically including much of East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
So how many countries are in the APAC region?
According to the United Nations, there are 48 countries.
Does Idea International work in all 48 countries?
Yes, but most of our work is in the countries with the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The top 10 countries include China (including Hong Kong), Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Obviously, the countries with the highest GDP are the largest centers for business and new markets, so they attract the most exhibitions. For example, we haven’t worked in Laos or Papua New Guinea yet, but as their trade base grows, we’ll be ready.
Is the trade show industry really that robust in the APAC region?
The trade show industry in the APAC region strengthens year over year. Four markets book over one million net square meters – China, Japan, India, and Korea. Hong Kong and Taiwan are poised to surpass that million square meters milestone in the next few years. All of this reinforces the APAC region’s position as one of the most dynamic trade show markets worldwide. The UFI Global Exhibition Barometer, issued semi-annually, is an important gauge of global trade show health. The latest report revealed a positive outlook for 2019, one that is especially strong for the Asia/Pacific region which recorded its highest levels in the last five years. These exhibitions attract a growing number of companies expanding into global markets.
What are some of the strongest industries for trade shows in the APAC region?
Not unlike the rest of the world, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing are very strong. For example, many medical world expos are locating to the APAC region. These trade shows attract a global audience, not only people from the region. Plus, many attendees look forward to a show in an exciting new part of the world.
What are some of the constraints to exhibiting in the APAC region?
Venues in some countries have not kept pace with the growth of exhibitions. While countries like Australia and Japan are expanding their major centers (see our newsletter about how this is happening in Japan as the country prepares for the 2020 Olympics), hotels are not always adequate to the demand. For Western exhibitors who are used to accessible housing, this can be frustrating.
What are the unique advantages Idea International offers?
We know the APAC region. We know the venues, the labor environment, the types of materials that are common to the area and most economical. We make the exhibiting experience as seamless as possible for corporate exhibitors and their partners who are coming into the region—or for that matter, into a country or city—for the first time. We are familiar with the organizers and their practices, so we help you resolve issues like hotels, payments, and the like. Remember: the experience of working at Tokyo’s Big Sight doesn’t necessarily prepare you for the challenges of working in Mumbai. There are official government requirements in each country, and exhibitors need to work with a partner who can help them make sure nothing is overlooked.
Can you describe the overall exhibiting environment?
Providing and creating experiences is a priority, as is the use of interactive technology. Like we find at trade shows the world over, younger attendees are driving the demand for technology, mobile connectivity, networking, and collaboration. ROI is vital to organizers who are building a future where choosing the APAC region might be as common as choosing Orlando or Las Vegas.
Feel free to ask us questions. We are here to help empower you and eliminate the “smoke & mirrors” anxiety associated with exhibiting in the APAC region. We want you to know what to expect.
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