China Foreign Trade Centre (Group) and Reed Exhibitions Sign Strategic Alliance Agreement

January 27, 2015

Reed Exhibitions, one of the world’s largest exhibition organizers, and the China Foreign Trade Centre (Group), a national state-owned, large scale enterprise and the world’s largest exhibition venue provider, recently signed a first-ever strategic agreement.

Wang Zhiping, chairman of China Foreign Trade Centre (Group) and Mike Rusbridge, chairman of Reed Exhibitions, were in attendance and signed the agreement on behalf of their enterprises.

Chairman Wang Zhiping noted in his address, “As the benchmarking enterprise of China’s convention and exhibition industry with over 50 years in the field, the China Foreign Trade Centre (Group) has accumulated vast experience from organizing and presenting many of the world’s top exhibitions, namely the Canton Fair and mega events such as China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou), International Building & Construction Trade Fair and International Automobile Industry Exhibition. In the meanwhile, we have additionally modernized two major exhibition venues, the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Pazhou Complex) and the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai Hongqiao).

He also noted that prior to the completion of the National Exhibition and Convention (Shanghai Hongqiao), the world’s largest exhibition hall in March 2015, these two venues spanned a combined building area of 2.6 million sqm with 738,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space and 143,6000 sqm of outdoor venues.

“It has been predicted that, in 2015, the total exhibition area of these two venues will exceed 10 million sqm, occupying one tenth of the total exhibition area in China,” Zhiping said.

Mike Rusbridge shared his enthusiasm, After more than three decades of rapid growth in China, today’s signing event is a milestone for Reed Exhibitions. The new strategic alliance agreement between Reed Exhibitions and the China Foreign Trade Centre is ‘a powerful statement of intent’ between two strong partners with one common goal to continue building world- leading exhibition events in China. Reed’s commitment to China has never been stronger with our eight outstanding member companies who currently organize over 50 events covering 12 specialized industries nationwide.”

He added, “This alliance will remain instrumental to the modernization and sustained success of the industry.”

Both parties view this new strategic alliance as a “rewarding relationship, long-term cooperation and joint development” with an aim to not only realize mutual benefits, but also to leverage their resources to achieve comprehensive cooperation and joint development in all levels and areas of the exhibition field.

The alliance includes regular executive meetings, resource sharing, professional talent cultivation, exhibition projects, organization and venue cooperation.

In May 2015, three mega medical and healthcare industry events, CMEF, API China and PHARM China, organized by Reed Sinopharm will collocate for the first time at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai.

The Chinese Government is actively exploring opportunities that can be gained through strategic collaborations. This partnership between China Foreign Trade Centre (Group) and Reed Exhibitions is an example of domestic and foreign exhibition enterprises combining their strengths and collaborating to create a win-win alliance.

It also signifies a desire to expand and open-up the economy by engaging global players and developing the Chinese convention and exhibition industry, from a large scale market to a cutting edge industry, whilst encouraging strategic growth.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact