Asia Outdoor Trade Fair

China Outdoor a Mega Market of the Future

Originating from the European Outdoor Show, the Asia Outdoor Trade Show has been successfully held as an international professional trade show since 2006, and has become an annual carnival for the outdoor tourism industry. Features will be a climbing competition, fashion show, and tent city

Outdoor Is Still A Quite New Market In China.

Since 2002 an enormous dynamic has ensued. An average growth of 25-30% per year is considered normal. If all typical outdoor sport segments would be added up, the Chinese market volume in 2010 would amount to 10-11 billion RMB (approximately 1.63 billion A$). High growth rates are noted in the northern provinces, in the middle and in western China. Experts estimate that China’s outdoor market will reach 30-40 billion RMB (approx. 4.75-6.4 billion A$) in 2020 and thus be on position no. 3 in the world, right after USA and Europe.

2 Trade Shows At The Same Time

The 6th “Asia Outdoor” will occupy 3 halls approximately 35,000 sqm. The organizers expect between 17,000 and 18,000 outdoor visitors and 390 outdoor exhibitors in 2011. The “Asia Outdoor” show this year will be combined with the new "Asia Bike" show in Nanjing. The first “Asia Bike” in Nanjing will be allocated to a hall of 12,000 square meters right next door to the “Asia Outdoor” show.

The City of Nanjing

Nanjing is one of the six historic imperial capitals in China, called Jinling in ancient times. (Founded approx. 500 BC). The City is located on the Yangtse River, about 300 km from Shanghai. Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu province with a population of more than 7 million. The Jiangsu province is one of China’s most important economic regions. The lively and vibrant city of Nanjing not only offers many places to visit, but also is surrounded by famous outdoor areas. The "Asia Outdoor" show has taken place in Nanjing since 2006.  To cater for the growing demand for exhibition space, the 6th “Asia Outdoor” in 2011 will move from the Exhibition Centre at Lake Xuanwu to the new Nanjing International Expo Centre.

Nanjing International Expo Center

At the end of 2008 a new 5-star exhibition centre was opened in Nanjing. As one of the most modern exhibition and fair-grounds in China. the International Expo Centre is located in Nanjing Hexi New Town, within sight of the Olympic Sports Park (venue for the Youth Olympic Games 2014).

Nanjing Hexi New Town constitutes the modern part of Nanjing on the Yangtze River. The fair visitors can reach the new Nanjing Expo Centre from Nanjing Down Town via subway within 10-20 minutes. The entrances of the 2 subway lines are just 5 minutes off from the exhibition centre. The new expo centre has hotels close by, and is near to the highway and the airport.

For more information see the website

http://www.asian-outdoor.com/html/en/index.html

Sports & Events Tourism Exchange

Sports & Events Tourism Exchange is one of the biggest shows in South Africa. The event will showcase the sports tour and travel industry under one single roof. This exhibition,  which will be held between 27-29 July 2011, .will attract many visitors from different parts of the globe. The venue: is the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

For more information see the website http://www.sportsandevents.co.za/#/welcome/

Be Destined to the Destination

As the world’s largest organistation of official destination marketing organizations (DMOs),  Destination Marketing Association International is dedicated to improving the effectiveness of over 2,800 professionals from nearly 650 destination marketing organizations in over 30 countries.

They provide their members — professionals, industry partners, students & educators — with educational resources, networking opportunities, and marketing benefits available worldwide. 

DMAI's 97th Annual Convention will be held ob the 20 - 22 July 2011 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana.

For more information contact  info@destinationmarketing.org 

or email www.destinationmarketing.org

Outdoor Continues To Blaze Trails

The green trend continues to grow, as more and more people discover the pleasures of the great outdoors. The remarkable growth in outdoor recreation and holidays in recent years is likely to continue in the current business year. Accordingly, the industry’s interest in exhibiting at the European Outdoor Trade Fair (14 - 17 July, 2011, in Friedrichshafen, Germany) is greater than ever. With more than 660 registrations (6 per cent more than last year) from 38 countries, the leading international trade fair of its kind is experiencing unprecedented demand for exhibition space.

"We keep climbing higher,” says Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen, looking forward to the 18th edition of the leading international trade fair OutDoor. "All of the industry’s top players have already confirmed their attendance. Many established companies will be represented with expanded exhibition booths in 2011, and new companies as well as renowned names will be on hand for the first time at the trade fair on Lake Constance.” These include American clothing and running shoe manufacturer Pearl Izumi as well as Adidas Eyewear, both of which will take part as exhibitors at the trade fair for the first time with their own booth concepts.

The organisers are also seeing greater demand in the climbing area. "The run on climbing halls B2 and B3 has been remarkably strong this year,” says OutDoor project manager Stefan Reisinger. "Trade visitors can look forward to an expanded offering in the areas of climbing and alpinism.”

The OutDoor Conferences, which took place for the first time last year, will also be part of the trade fair in 2011, ensuring a lively exchange of information in the conference rooms as well as at the exhibition booths. Last year’s Early Morning Breakfast events were particularly popular among attendees, and this year they will once again offer a variety of topics and workshops in the mornings before the trade fair opens.

For further information, go to the European Outdoor Trade Fair website  http://www.outdoor-show.com/od-en/

The 2011 Travel Goods Show March 6-8, 2011 Next-Gen Travel Goods: For Travel Days, and Everyday

On March 6, Chicago's McCormick Place becomes travel goods central, when it hosts The Travel Goods Show, the world's largest trade show for travel products.

Today's travel goods aren't reserved solely for travel days — most people's number-one piece of travel gear is something they rely on every single day. It's a laptop or tablet carrier, a purse, a wallet, briefcase, messenger bag or backpack. And if you were to peek inside those purses, briefcases and everyday bags you'd see they're filled with travel items that help improve organization, provide comfort and enhance personal safety. Whether it's a trip around the world or a trek across town, travel goods are everyday problem-solvers that let people bring along the things that make them feel at home.

What's more, the new generation of travel goods provides more value, more versatility and functionality. And they help people travel smarter — lighter luggage helps dodge overweight baggage fees, travel clothing combines versatility with reduced bulk, better carry-on bags keep you organized and avoid checked bag charges.

With more than 2,000 lines representing more than 40,000 products, The Show is the annual must-see event that sets the tone for the travel goods industry. For more information about the The 2011 Travel Goods Show, see the website http://www.travel-goods.org/the-travel-goods-show/contact or email Cathy at cathy@travel-goods.org .

Australian to Speak at IT&CM China 2011

Mr Tony Ridley, Director, Business Intelligence and Consulting, Australia will be speaking at IT&CM China 2011 on 14 April 2011 on the topic “Crisis Management – Are You Ready?”

Tony has generated significant value to clients and companies by enabling business growth, maximising return for assets, expanding market share and cost efficiencies.

Hundreds of companies and departments have benefited from the direction and input he has provided. Business leaders and managers have been empowered to make informed decisions when developing or implementing strategy or responding to tactile issues, small and large.

With over 20 years in the security industry and the past decade focused on travel and people risk issues, Tony has gathered significant experience in all areas of security and travel risk management. From the Sichuan earthquake, to the Mumbai terror attacks, Bali bombings and Thailand airport closure, Tony has managed and directed thousands of individual cases.

Tony spent 13 years in the Australian Army, predominately in Special Operations with the SAS.

In recent years, Tony has added a variety of additional skills from marketing, to travel intelligence, social media management and business information software and strategy solutions to his areas of specialisation.

For more information about IT&CM China 2011 see the website TT

IT&CM China 2011 Education Program

IT&CM China 2011 is organising a total of nine seminar sessions including the opening keynote address. Topics cover a multitude of pertinent and practical MICE and general business topics that delegates can immediately apply to that workplace.

Mr Jacques Arnoux, Managing Director – Asia, Pacific World Asia, China will be a speaker at the Keynote Panel Discussion to be held on 13 April 2011 at the Sky Lobby, Level 7, ShanghaiMart Expo. He will be speaking on the theme of IT&CM China 2011 "China’s Next MICE Wave".

Jacques Arnoux was born in Shanghai but raised in France, Jacques moved to Hong Kong in 1963, where he joined Audio Tours and Travel, then owned by Hong Kong travel veteran, Bill Newport.

He left in 1977 to be the Assistant Executive Manager of The Excelsior. Thereafter, he became the General Manager of the Royal Garden. After three years as a hotelier, Jacque bought Pacific World. He was the Chairman of one of South-east Asia’s most successful destination management companies, specialising in MICE with offices throughout South-east Asia and in China.

The DMC has, since August 2006, become part of TUI Travel’s major Accommodation & Destinations (A&D) brands, which include Hotelbeds and Intercruises. Jacques was appointed Managing Director-Asia for Pacific World/Hotelbeds in January 2009.

A major diving force in the inbound MICE in Asia, Jacques was the Founding Chairman of the SITE Hong Kong Chapter. He was an elected member of SITE's International Board of Directors for six years and the first board member from Asia.

Jacques was awarded the first EIBTM Travel Personality of the Year at IT&ME in 1994.

           

Mr Ni Hui, Executive Vice-President, CTS MICE Service, China, will also be a speaker at the Keynote Panel Discussion on 13 April 2011.

Mr Ni is a graduate of the Beijing Foreign Studies University, where he majored in English. In his current role, Mr Ni is responsible for managing the daily operations of the whole company, making strategic plans for future development and has eight departments reporting directly to him.

He has more than 15 years of industry experience in outbound travel, MICE and tour operation management. Prior to joining CTS MICE Service, Mr Ni worked in CITS Head Office and CYTS MICE. His first job was with the Information Office of the State Council of China.

CTS MICE Service Co Ltd, headquartered in Beijing, is staffed with over 200 MICE specialists in 12 account teams. Among them, eight teams provide service to multinational corporations from various industries such as pharmaceutics, IT, banking and insurance, automobile and telecommunications. The other four teams provide business activities services, sports events management and DMC, PCO and PEO services.

For more information about IT&CM China 2011 see the website http://www.itcmchina.com/ 

Leading China's Next MICE's Wave

Since 2007, IT&CM China has established itself as China's leading professional Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) business and networking event dedicated to "Promoting China to the World and the World to China".

The quantum growth of the show over the last four years is testimony to China's appeal as the World's next MICE powerhouse - realising the possibility that the future of the MICE.

IT&CM China is a spin-off from IT&CM Asia, the region's premier meetings and incentive travel show. For 18 years, IT&CM Asia has played a vital role in promoting the Asia-Pacific region as a MICE destination, as well as a source for MICE visitors.

IT&CM China will take place 13-15 April 2011. The venue is the  ShanghaiMart Expo. which is located in the Shanghai Hongqiao Economic & Technological Development Zone and surrounded amidst many excellent hotels, commercial buildings and convenient transportation links. As one of the leading exhibition centres in Shanghai with a total of 37,000 sqm of pillarless exhibition space and multi-functional convention facilities, ShanghaiMart Expo is an ideal venue for a variety of trade events.

For more information go to the website: http://www.itcmchina.com/

The Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe

The internationally acclaimed Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe is bringing its gravity defying rendition of Mulan from China to the State Theatre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Originating from a traditional Chinese myth, the family-friendly acrobatic show, Mulan tells the story about a young girl named Hua Mulan who brings honor to her family by becoming a warrior and enters a glorifying war against the bandits. The story of Hua Mulan was adapted as a major Walt Disney animated feature film in 1998, delighting families around the world. 

The visually spectacular show is ideal for families. Mulan features thirty five performers, with the youngest being twelve years old.  The show has made an outstanding breakthrough in acrobatic techniques, with incredible displays of Silk Trapeze, Meteriors and Hoop Diving. A team of professional martial arts performers have been incorporated into the show so that audiences can enjoy high-level martial art techniques and adventurous scenes, which bring about a unique and breathtaking visual experience. 

It opens on Thursday 10th February and is on until Sunday 13th February. For more information contact the theatre website: statetheatre.com.au.

Amway Convention Sydney

More than 8000 Amway representatives from China visited NSW in four waves of arrivals in January in one of the largest and most lucrative corporate visits in the state's history. Amway China’s highest achieving sales distributors visited New South Wales for five days for their Australian incentive tour. This was the second time Amway China has selected Sydney to be the incentive travel and leadership seminar destination to reward their top performing sales distributors.

They injected more than $40 million into the local economy through accommodation, travel, sightseeing and shopping. Delegates enjoyed exclusive access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge's eastern walkway as part of their busy itinerary, donating money for the privilege towards buying special bikes for disabled Australian children.

The sightseeing schedule included a day trip to the Hunter Valley vineyards,  Sydney Harbour cruises and excursions to the Blue Mountains.

As I live in the Hunter Valley region of NSW, it was good to see that the Chinese Amway delegates visited our area. They were bussed to the area and visited Hope Estate, Wyndham Estate, Lindeman’s or Calais Estate Winery over eight days.

Gus Maher, Director of Hunter Valley Events,.commented on the huge amount of logistical organisation that went into organising the visit to the Hunter Valley. “It is an event, not just a day tour”, Mr. Maher said.

Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism executive manager, Dean Gorddard, said the high profile event was “good financially and good for profiling”. “It is a very large conference from a really important emerging market that is growing very strong and very fast,” he said.

Mr. Maher agreed: “From a wine perspective, China is a great emerging wine market and a lot of Australia and Hunter Valley producers are working hard in China as an export market, therefore, this is a great opportunity for us to highlight characteristics of Hunter Valley wines,” he said.


Mr. Maher said Amway has placed an order of 20,000 bottles of premium First Creek wines being produced as a commemorative gift for their delegates.
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Amway Delegates were treated to wine games including wine stomping; an extensive wine tasting and detailed tuition; a “Chill Out Café” where fruit platters, juices and ice cream were enjoyed; and a fresh product market. A range of local suppliers, including chocolate companies, Hunter Valley Cheese, The Hunter Olive Centre and The Australian Regional Food Store showcased their produce. At each venue there was a band, koalas from the Australian Reptile Park, indigenous artists, up to 80 translators, as well as extensive decorations and entertainment. They then enjoyed a magnificent dinner at the winery. The four major wineries each employed 20 to 30 staff on each of the eight days, while Hunter Valley Events also employed an additional 40 staff for each day of the visit.

Great Country Pub Song

Moonan Flat is definitely on the map in the country music world. Susan Ranson wrote the song "The Victorian Hotel" about the towns pub. She performed it with her band "Byg Swig" at the recent 2011 Tamworth Country Music Festivals. It won first prize in the "Great Country Pub Song Competition" with a prize of $2,500.

Susan said "The best moment was when they called my name, there were screams from everyone. I didn't think we had it, I'd already put my guitar in the car." "Our song had humor and a beat that people could get up and dance to, I think that made the difference." "A lot of other songs were very informative and you could tell they were very proud of their local, but people were dancing during ours." " I got my inspiration from the personalities and locals at the pub and the Vic's history, it is well over 100 years old."

A visit to "The Victorian Hotel" at Moonan  Flat is a must for anyone visiting the Upper Hunter region of NSW in Australia. You may even hear Susan Ranson and Byg Swg perform "The Victorian Hotel".

Chinese New Year Festival

The Chinese New Year  Festival is underway in Sydney now. It has grown from humble beginnings to an exciting progam with something for everyone. Creative Director and producer of events Gill Minervinni said "It has turned from a small Chinese-focused event into a Sydney wide and international event.that attracts all walks of life." "Its all about sharing cultural backgrounds and building understanding between people of different cultures." The Festival is a packed program of events that cater for all ages.

Some of the featured events are -
Chinatown Food  Tours - Jan 29, Feb 2 and 12. Bookings phone 9265 9333
Coolie: Asian-Australian Performance Festival - Feb 1-13 Three performances at the Belvoir Street Theatre. Phone 9699 3444
Chinese New Year at the Gallery - 30 free events at the Art Gallery of NSW. Watch traditional Art performances, story telling, tours, workshops, films demonstrations and roving entertainment. Phone 1800 679 278. Website - artgallery.nsw.gov.au
Sydney Chinese Film Festival - Feb 5-15 Chinese commercial blockbusters and arthouse movies at the Event Cinemas, George Street. Website - sydneychinesefilmfestival.org.au
Chinese New Year Twilight Parade - Feb 6 Will feature more than 2,500 performers, floats, illuminated animals, music, dragons and fireworks.phone 9265 9333, website sydneychinesenewyear.com.au 
Cinema Alley - Feb 11 Contemporary Asian video art in Haymarket. Website - 4a.com.au\
Dragon Boat Races - Feb 12-13 This is the largest dragon boast in the southern hemisphere at Darling Harbour.  Website - sydneychinesenewyear.com.au

The First Emperor: China’s Entombed Warriors

One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the incredible life-size terracotta warriors have captivated audiences around the world. This amazing discovery stunned the world and exploration continues to this day. Some of the amazing discoveries are now on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.  

Discovered by villagers in 1974 when digging wells in their fields, this vast underground army was created to protect the tomb of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shihuang (259–210 BCE) in readiness for the afterlife.

The First Emperor: China’s Entombed Warriors brings to Australia over 120 rare objects, featuring ten complete terracotta warrior figures including foot soldiers, generals, kneeling bowmen and horses. Displayed alongside these iconic figures are ceremonial vessels and bells, ornamental gold and jade, weapons and armour, palatial architectural remains, pottery and ceramics. Significant recent finds which have rarely been seen outside of China include an exceptional life-size bronze crane and swan, only discovered in the last decade.

The First Emperor: China’s Entombed Warriors reveals the fascinating story of a key figure in world history, who unified China, leaving a legacy that has lasted over 2000 years.

These Chinese national treasures can normally only be viewed at a distance, in the vast earthen pits where they were first discovered. This is a rare opportunity to see the legendary warriors up close, examine the details and intricacies of individual pieces, and glimpse into the world of Qin Shihuang.

Exhibition Details

Where - Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road The Domain Sydney 2000

When - 2 Dec - 13 Mar 2011

Opening Hours – daily 10am – 5pm, Wednesdays from 5 January until 9pm
Saturdays from 8 January until 8pm.

Cost - $20.00 adults, $15.00 members/concession, $55.00 family (2 adults + up to 3 children)

More Information - Art Gallery of New South Wales 1800 679 278 ,

                          Website - http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/first-emperor/

                          Email - artmail@ag.nsw.gov.au