CITY GEARS UP FOR EXPO

In 2007, Shanghai hosted two big international events: the Special Olympics, that drew 10,000 athletes and officials from around the world; and the Fifa Women’s World Cup. Both events were held in China for the first time. James Zheng, managing director of the Shanghai International
Conference Management Organisation, which manages the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), said the events were important in showcasing Shanghai’s event capabilities.

“The Special Olympics had a huge impact on the city,” he said. “The international delegates and media could see for themselves how compact the city is and how easy it is for foreigners to get around.”

LUXURY BRANDS
There is a trend that suggests Shanghai is drawing more events from luxury brands.
Montblanc held its annual World Meeting in the city for the first time last year, bringing in 250 delegates from around the world. In March, Italian fashion house Ferragamo celebrated its 80th anniversary with three days of festivities around the city. The glitzy events included private dinners, a cocktail party for 1,000 people at the Shanghai International Cruise Terminal and a fashion show.

This year has also seen a number of highprofile events held in Shanghai. Last month’s inaugural Lujiazui Forum brought together 300 government officials and top international financial executives to discuss China’s financial reform and its repercussions.

The BMW Asian Open, one of the most important events on the golfing calendar, was held here in April. This month, the second Asian Luxury Travel Market will be held at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre.

The number of higher-profile events is tied to the number of venues also coming online.
The later half of this year will see the opening of Shanghai’s newest skyscraper, Shanghai
World Financial Centre. The building features the highest event space in the world – 750 sqm on the 94th floor, 423 metres above ground – which will be served by a car lift.

There are convention facilities on levels three to five of the building. On the fourth floor, the 800 sqm Grand Conference Hall links with a roof garden of 500 sqm on one side that is ideal for cocktail events and a 300 sqm foyer on the other.