Initiated by the International Organizers Network, a joint activity of AEO and SISO, jwc has organized a visit of the construction site of Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, along with a workshop addressing the most important topics for the future operation of the venue.

Participants from major international organizers (Clarion, Comexposium, Informa, EJ Krause, Fiera Milano, Tarsus, Reed, UBM) attended along with representatives of the Government of Shenzhen, the operating companies Zhaohua Int’l Exhibition Operation Co.Ltd. and SMG and representatives of the investors CMSK and OCT

jwc is advising the Government of Shenzhen and the investors on master planning, functional design and operations since 2015.

Subjects of the workshop discussions in Shenzhen included topics like project timeline, venue layout, venue characteristics, surrounding facilities and infrastructure, theme protection, pricing policies and protection of IP rights.

Organizers were impressed by progress of the project, with one participant stating: “I have never seen such a huge and well-organized worksite in all my life! For sure it will be an impressive venue when it’s finished.”

The venue will offer 400,000 square meters of first class exhibition space, divided into 18 halls of 20,000 sq. m.each and one hall of about 50,000 sq. m.

Each hall will offer immediately adjacent conference and meeting facilities as well as a central conference center with a capacity for 7500 pax.

The venue will have three main entrances in addition each hall will have a separate entrance facility. The halls will be connected by a central corridor with two levels, the upper level offering fast connections throughout the venue with people movers, while the lower level connects directly into the halls.

Currently about 30,000 people are working on the construction site. Construction of the venue will be complete in June 2019, with a soft opening taking place in the second half of that year.

The venue will accept bookings from mid-2018. Picture of the construction site.

Chris Skeith, CEO of the AEO, said, “The ION is a strategic alliance between members of AEO & SISO who are ‘independent organisers’ operating around the world. In a short space of time, the network has gained significant interest, and we are very pleased to have held our first delegation visit less than a year since launch.”

“Network members welcomed the visit to Shenzhen, to hear and see the opportunity the new development will bring. Seeing the construction site, meeting officials, and seeking clarification on process and practice will help everyone develop and plan for the future. The group was very impressed with jwc’s contribution and that jwc had brought together senior representatives from key organizations in Shenzhen; participants very much look forward to a continued dialogue to help shape best practice at this brand new venue,” He added. “The ION are working on a number of initiatives seeking to open up opportunities and drive standards globally. We hope this successful delegation is the first of many such beneficial visits.”