Shanghai chosen to host inaugural Asia Business Travel Market (ABTM)

Shanghai has been chosen to host the inaugural Asia Business Travel Market (ABTM) on 3-5 September 2003. Presented by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), leading worldwide business to business event specialists, ABTM will be held at Grand Hyatt Shanghai.

"We looked at several cities to host our first show. The choice was obvious - without doubt, the thriving metropolis of Shanghai was the clear winner," said ABTM Event Director, Andrew Lee. "The marketplace for business travel in Greater China is surging and Shanghai is right there providing the perfect platform. The growth of business travel in China will inevitably be clustered around the fastest growing cities, led by Shanghai," said Mr Lee.

Greater China's annual business travel expenditure is in excess of US$4.2 billion and growing at an average rate of 20 percent annually. The thriving business hub of Shanghai is already home to half of Fortune 500 companies. Overseas investment continues to pour into this city, with US$8 billion already secured for 2002 - an upward revision from its earlier target of US$6 billion (Source: Xinhua Information Centre).

"We are delighted that Reed Travel Exhibitions has chosen to hold the inaugural Asia Business Travel Market in Shanghai," said Mr Yao Mingbao, Chairman, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administrative Commission. "The Mart comes at an opportune time as Shanghai, as well as China, rides the crest of the wave of the business travel boom. The staging of ABTM in China's economic powerhouse is testimony to the potential the city presents to the business travel industry not only in China, but the wider region as well," said Mr Yao.

Exhibitors are also eagerly anticipating the launch of the show, judging from the strong support received when RTE sought expressions of initial interest to ABTM.

"We are delighted with the overwhelming interest shown by exhibitors. It shows we are doing the right thing, at the right time and at the right place," said Mr Lee.

Introducing: "The Lounge"

Also making its debut at ABTM is The Lounge - a revolutionary, style-setting exhibition scheme. The Lounge is a fuss-free stand building package that does away with additional administrative hassle and booth setup. Its appeal is in the all-inclusive standard costing and fringe benefits.

Priced at US$5,000, it comes with a six square metre display and meeting area fully furnished with chairs and table; plus display poster boards, plants and other amenities. The package also includes two exhibitor badges with entry into all conference, plenary, workshop sessions; tea breaks, networking luncheons and social functions.

"This will free exhibitors to concentrate on their key priorities - securing contacts and conducting business," said Mr Lee.