Reed Exhibitions' Mike Rusbridge Addresses Managers at China Summit 2012

January 25, 2012
Rachel Wimberly
Evidence of Reed Exhibition's global expansion plan is likely the strongest in China, where the company currently has six member companies: Reed Exhibitions China, Reed Sinopharm, Reed Huabo, Reed Huaqun, Reed Exhibitions (Shanghai) and Reed Guanghe. Managers from all of those member companies recently were brought together at the Reed Exhibitions Greater China 2012 China Summit. Every year, the one-day conference, which takes place in Beijing, brings together executives from the top echelons of Reed worldwide with the company's senior managers in China. This year, Reed Exhibitions' chairman and CEO, Mike Rusbridge, used his keynote address to discuss Reed China's focus for 2012. In his speech, Rusbridge said that, despite the worldwide economic downturn, he felt China was in good health, and the Reed portfolio in particular was doing well. He also referenced Reed China's new International Promotion Program (IPP), an initiative launched in 2011 to increase global content at local shows through a streamlined sales and marketing strategy. Following the introduction of the IPP, non-Chinese visitors to Aluminium China, the company's aluminum trade fair, for example, jumped 76 percent. By applying the IPP program to more shows, Rusbridge said there would be additional growth in the portfolio. He also told the audience that he felt China had outgrown the tag of ﾓemerging economyﾔ, adding, ﾓChina is a world-leading economy. I think when we in the West refer to it as emerging, we are talking about maturity, not growth.ﾔ One of the core programs that Rusbridge said he felt set Reed apart in China was the fact they utilized an International Sales Group that specialized in bringing customers from a diverse range of economies to local Reed events. He added, ﾓBecause ISG employs local talent, the staff understands the cultural considerations, as well as the commercial concerns of the regions in which they work. The important message I want to give you is that, although we're a global business, we are actually a network of local teams developing local markets.ﾔ To further strengthen the company's business in China, it also will introduce sector development managers to Reed operations worldwide. ﾓIn 2012, we will continue to innovate, rather than simply consolidate a strong position,ﾔ Rusbridge said. ﾓWe won't settle for being a key player in mature markets, or having a leading position here in China. Rather, we want to sharpen our competitive edge by achieving fast, smart growth across a diverse range of sectors by recruiting talented, experienced people to help us make the most of new opportunities.ﾔ He closed his address by adding, ﾓBy 2014, one third of our business will come from high-growth emerging markets. Over this year, and the next, China will have a critical local role to play in helping us to achieve this global ambition.ﾔ

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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
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