Jointly organised by Seatrade and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF), Sea Asia 2009 was held from April 21-23, 2009 at Suntec Singapore. In just its second edition, Sea Asia showed that a new event (launched in 2007) could quickly become a major international exhibition and conference. It also reinforced Singapore’s status as a business and knowledge hub for the shipping industry.
 
The statistics were glowing: 10,186 shipping executives from 62 countries attended the trade show and conference, themed ‘The Asian Voice: Clearer and Stronger’. The exhibition occupied 11,000 sqm and comprised 342 exhibiting companies and seven country pavilions. A post-event survey showed that US$75 million in sales leads were generated at the exhibition, excluding other deals negotiated on-site. The conference component was also solid with 10 sessions held over three days.
 
The organisers
Seatrade has been involved in developing maritime events and publications around the world for 40 years. The SMF, established in 2004, is a private sector-led body whose members cover the entire spectrum of the industry. Singapore is a major refining centre for Asia and one of the world’s biggest bunkering ports. Vanessa Stephens, global events director, Seatrade, says: “Singapore offers as rich a texture of maritime expertise and endeavour as can be found anywhere in the world. The pace of growth continues with new arrivals from Europe, India, North America and elsewhere.
 
What stood out
Sea Asia 2009 was held in the midst of the economic downturn, putting its success at risk. However, a strong conference programme with a theme that was in sync with the mood, and a diverse exhibition floor, counteracted all fears. The event was a resounding success, registering a 27% increase in attendance over 2007. “The Singapore Tourism Board also helped when it responded quickly to the economic downturn and rolled out the enhanced Business Events in Singapore scheme to assist event organisers,” says Stephens.
 
Awards success
Co-organiser SMF’s executive director David Chin says: “The award bears testimony to the successful partnership between the Singapore Maritime Foundation and Seatrade, the maritime community and the maritime authorities to organise a truly iconic maritime show in Singapore.”