XM Asia postpones first show until May

By Mark Armsden SINGAPORE The launch of industry show XM Asia has been delayed after organisers wanted more time to increase attendance at the event. Originally confirmed for January 21 and 22 at Suntec Singapore, XM Asia managing director Ms Cornelien Baijens said the event would now take place on May 7 and 8 in the same venue. XM Asia was themed "Internet and E-Commerce for Exhibitions" and is a sister event to XM Europe. The conference was also to have a related exhibition. All Asia Pacific exhibition organisers interested in generating streams of revenue through the internet were invited. "The reason behind the postponement is we have received some registrations from Asia, but not enough to be called XM Asia," Ms Baijens said. "With the registrations we have today, it would be more a Singaporean event than a truly international event. Due to the economic downturn in the region, exhibition organising companies were sending one representative instead of the two or three we hoped for." Ms Baijens said the May event would be more actively promoted at chief executive and managing director levels. "We will also try to engage more support from the national associations," Ms Beijens said. Keynote speakers were to be Mr Peter Sutton from CMP Asia, Hong Kong and Mr Jime Essink from the Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, the Netherlands. It was not known at press time whether the speakers would still be available in May.