Hong Kong to host Fortune Global Forum 2001

<p>Hong Kong has been named as the location for the next Fortune </p><p>Global Forum in May 2001, with the theme of "Next Generation Asia". </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>According to Fortune Multimedia president John Needham, the term "next </p><p>generation" was borrowed from the computer industry, and the emphasis of </p><p>next year's global forum will be on emerging technology, new economy </p><p>companies, youth culture and the impact of the youth market on </p><p>business. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"'Next generation' is a euphemism for the future of business, so it </p><p>gives us latitude in terms of content for the forum," he said. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Among other topics will be Hong Kong's identity in post-WTO China, and </p><p>key issues facing MNCs. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Confirmed sponsors include Arthur Andersen, Bank of China, British </p><p>Telecommunications, Dell Computer Corporation, Goldman Sachs and Nortel </p><p>Networks. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Invest Hong Kong is the host sponsor, and Cathay Pacific the official </p><p>airline. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Last year's Fortune Global Forum in Shanghai was a resounding success - </p><p>as Mr Needham put it, "We couldn't keep a lid on it." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>More than 300 delegates flew into town to attend, in addition to 200 or </p><p>so delegates from within China. Next year, however, the intention is to </p><p>keep numbers down to the traditional 150-200 invited delegates. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"Asia has come roaring back," said Mr Needham. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"Hong Kong was chosen as the location for the next global forum because </p><p>of its vitality; it is an exciting, cosmopolitan city which is </p><p>rebounding strongly. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"Last year, Shanghai used the forum to 'unveil' the Pudong business </p><p>district, and China viewed the forum as an important business component </p><p>in its 50th anniversary celebrations." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Fortune will publish a special edition to be distributed at the forum, </p><p>and Mr Needham is putting together a range of multimedia options for </p><p>sponsors and advertisers to take advantage of in reaching the creme de </p><p>la creme of the business world who will be at the forum. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"As media has become increasingly fragmented and consumers are more and </p><p>more busy and difficult to reach, advertisers need high-impact </p><p>multimedia programmes to achieve their communication aims," he said. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>For example, Fortune will team up with CNN to create an integrated </p><p>print/TV/Web offering for advertisers. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The Fortune Global Forum (which took place in Paris this year) is one of </p><p>about 14 conferences that the company organises annually. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>