Resilient diving expo

This certainly happened with the 11th annual ADEX event, which attracted more than 15,000 visitors and exhibitors from 30 different countries including Australia, China, Germany, Japan and the US. Held at the Bangkok Convention Centre (BCC) from March 31 to April 3 over an area of 13,000sqm, all the top dive associations and equipment manufacturers from around the world were present. Thailand's growth as a dive destination makes it a compelling choice as the host venue for the regional event. "The dive industry in this part of the world is still in early stages of development, but Thailand is one of the fastest-growing dive centres in terms of certificates issued," said Roel van Leeuwen, director of Suntec Integrated Media, the event organiser. "There were 20,000 certificates issued in 2000, but this year 70,000 are expected. At that rate, in two more years it'll be the highest number in Asia Pacific." The four-day event provided two dedicated trade days for dive operators and equipment suppliers to do business, and two public days to give the opportunity to the local market to check out the latest the industry has to offer. With exhibitions of this nature being planned well in advance, the crisis caused by the tsunami presented the event organisers with both challenges and opportunities. "The first thing we did was to write to all dive operators to announce the launch of the Tsunami Dive Recovery Fund and ask them for list of operators damaged or wiped out by the tragedy," said van Leeuwen. "We then charged a nominal entrance fee of 50 baht (US$1.30) that would contribute to this fund." Other activities aimed at uniting the industry in support of tsunami victims, which also had the effect of encouraging delegates to attend due to the worthiness of the cause, were centred in the Dive Recovery Pavilion. Products and services with a retail value of US$17,000 were donated at the pavilion by ADEX 2005 exhibitors and then entered into a silent auction, the proceeds of which went to the Tsunami Dive Recovery Fund. PADI also played a central role. The dive accreditation company booked three 90sqm exhibition area floor spaces and donated them back to tsunami-affected dive operators so that they could continue to get their operations back on track. PADI also raised US$35,000 at the PADI gala awards ceremony. "The tsunami has really brought industry people together," said Van Leeuwen. "On Khao Lak for example, where all dive operators were wiped out, we are sponsoring 25 locals to train as dive instructors in time for the upcoming high season. This will help send out the message to the world that we are ready." Virgin Radio and Asia Scuba Tour also teamed up for the event to offer the Virgin Dive, aimed at encouraging local market participation and for people to take the plunge for the first time. All Virgin divers were entered into a lucky draw where they could win a complimentary open-water dive course sponsored by PADI. Bangkok's BTS Skytrain also cooperated with ADEX in another bid to get more local participation in the event. Pacific World handled ground operations for the event, public relations were handled by local firm Spark Communications and logistics were managed by Asia Congress Events. Four hotels were chosen, but the proximity of the 600-plus rooms Sofitel Central, which is joined to the BCC by walkway, was a major advantage and a key reason for choosing the convention centre as the venue for the event. "Delegates enormously appreciated the fact that the venue was two minutes' walking distance from the hotel," said Van Leeuwen. "I have been very happy with everything. The support from the BCC has been fantastic, particularly with the mix of food and beverage, meeting rooms, hotel proximity and exhibition space. "The opening party by the pool for 400 people went very well, as did the PADI members awards ceremony sitdown dinner, also for 400 people. There is a little wear and tear in the venue, but it is overshadowed by the advantage of having the hotel linking to the exhibition centre. "It would be an even bigger advantage if we could look at integrating the adjoining Mall more next time." Martin Reed, general manager, Sofitel Central Plaza Bangkok and Bangkok Convention Centre, added that the combination of facilities, plus the experience in previously handling events of this nature had been the major reasons why Suntec Integrated Media had chosen BCC as the host venue. "We believe Sofitel Central Plaza was chosen because of the convenience of our location, our facilities, with hotel, convention centre and shopping plaza all under one roof and connected by walkway. "There were no unusual difficulties or challenges with ADEX. The organisers were very efficient and everything was very well coordinated." Verdict Shahram Saber, marketing manager, Padi Exhibitors at Asia Dive Expo 2005 claimed that good business had been done and were roundly supportive the venue and facilities, reserving special praise for the service. "This show is wonderful," said PADI marketing manager Shahram Saber. "It provides us with an opportunity to present who we are and that we know the way to dive. We can meet with industry suppliers and be a part of seminars that are an important opportunity to showcase the industry. We have a very high presence here to support the industry and our members. "It is a cooperative approach so that members can benefit from the PADI branding and launch new products, programmes and educational packages." Saber added that the highlights had been the seminars and the PADI awards evening gala dinner. "They went very well. We've been able to support the Thai, Sri Lankan and Indian dive communities by showcasing their products. "The attitude of the staff has been first class. The banqueting staff in particular were magnificent. We're not easy to deal with because we're perfectionists, but they lived up to it in terms of support, efficiency and quality of service and food. They made little touches that really made them stand out." The integration of BCC with the hotel and mall were also commented on by delegates. "Ease of access has been a major plus, especially with the underground train station next door," added Saber. "That in turn is integrated with the Mall, which is full of people. That helps bring people here." Susan Chen, sales manager of Saekodive, said business interest had been high this year. "We attend ADEX every year and this year has been very good for us," she said. "It provides us with an opportunity to meet international visitors. The venue is very good to. We're staying at the Sofitel Central Plaza, so it is very convenient for us." Apart from the generally positive feedback, some delegates expressed concern that there was a competing show that is working against the long-term prospects of ADEX in Thailand.