With the effects of the global financial crisis still being felt, some organisers have combined events to tap into a larger pool of participants, while others have downsized mega events. A few have even departed from Singapore. But in an interesting twist, one event has returned home this year – and plans to stay put.
Jacqueline Ng, director, industry development, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), says: “With constant pressure to innovate and re-invent to maintain relevance, we are seeing a trend for events to sharpen their focus, addressing the current market need, trend or a certain niche sector.”
She cited Global Entrepolis @ Singapore (GES) as an example.
Premier Event
When GES began in 2003, it was positioned as the world’s premier business networking event; or as a former association partner wryly put it, “the mother of all events”.
GES attracted more than 10,000 participants from more than 70 countries. The four-day event packed in more than 40 conferences, seminars, elevator-style pitches, breakfast and lunch presentations, networking cocktails, and an exhibition.
But by 2007, interest waned as GES grew too large and lacked focus. A committee member from a then-supporting organisation says: “GES was too diffused, trying to cater to everyone, with too many simultaneous and competing activities. Much time was wasted moving around, as GES occupied almost all of Suntec Singapore.”
Sharp return
After a hiatus in 2008, a scaled-down and sharper GES returned in November 2009, running alongside the Apec meetings in Singapore. Held at Raffles City Convention Centre, GES drew 1,500 local, international business and political leaders.
This year’s streamlined GES on October 7-8 will again be at Raffles City. Themed “Global trends, Asian insights”, GES 2010 comprises a summit for high-level executives with two parallel tracks, social functions and site visits.
However, as of mid-July there was no indication of projected delegate numbers.
GES, co-produced by Singapore Business Federation and the country’s Economic
Development Board, has fared better than some private-sector ventures that failed despite STB funding and support.
Recent withdrawal
Leipziger Messe withdrew its Games Convention Asia (GCA) this year. Held in Singapore from 2007 to 2009, it stood out for its creative marketing and presentation.
LMI Asia managing director Joerg Zeissig says: “It is a regrettable but necessary decision. We will continue to keep an eye on the Asian games market so that we can pick up again with new concepts if this becomes appropriate.”
Another casualty is the niche Open Source Singapore Pacific-Asia Conference and Expo (OSSPAC). Its debut in February 2009 was during the worst period of the global economic downturn. Only 380 delegates attended, half the expected number. This September, it reopens in Sydney as OSSPAC Australia.
Kent Barnard, president of organiser KB Conferences, says: “We are seriously looking at bringing OSSPAC back to Singapore every April to May, beginning 2011, so we would hold two OSSPACs each year. We feel that Singapore was not given a fair chance; it was held during a terrible economic world crisis.”
Familiar face
After seven years, Glasstech Asia has returned. Owing to the uncertain political situation in Thailand and global recession, co-organisers Singapore Glass Association and Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS) cancelled the 2009 show in Bangkok.
They decided to move the 2010 event to Singapore’s new Marina Bay Sands. About 4,500 trade professionals attended the exhibition from June 29 to July 1, which introduced solar and “green” technology to the conventional glass building materials display.
CEMS exhibition director Steven Tan says: “The visitor turnout surprised us. With the economic climate expecting to recover, we are optimistic that attendance for trade shows will improve over time.”