Impact to upgrade Thai centre facilities

BANGKOK Impact Exhibition Management is investing US$12 million to expand the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center (IECC) at Muang Thong Thani. The move is initially to create enough space to host the International Motor Show at the end of this year said managing director Mr John Sellers. But it is also seen as a long-term investment to equip Impact with the latest facilities and technology required to attract major events in the future and help turn Thailand into Asia's leading international convention and exhibition destination. The foyer of halls one to four will be expanded by 6,000sqm and is planned for completion by September this year. It will accommodate a 400-seat cafeteria, registration counters, VIP rooms, a business centre, foreign exchange booth, interpreters' room, a restaurant and four 100-seat meeting rooms. The international exhibition hall will be expanded by 30,000sqm by the end of 2003, bringing total exhibition space at the exhibition and convention facility to 80,000sqm. The floor's loading capacity will be increased and its ceiling will be higher, making it more suitable for heavy equipment displays .