Goingtomeet.com Press

A record year for diamond trading sets the stage for a promising show

Jewellery Trade Dubai, the trade wing of Dubai International Jewellery Week and the only business-to-business watch and jewellery event in the Middle East, will have a special spotlight on diamonds this year, and rightly so. The rapidly growing diamond trade in the region has been one of the instrumental reasons behind the establishment of a trade element as part of the high profile event, giving local, regional and international diamond traders a tailor-made platform to leverage their potential.

Dubai’s diamond trade has witnessed a record growth in 2007, increasing by 53% to reach $11.23 billion and confirming the Emirate’s role as an international diamond hub. According to the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), the Emirate’s rough diamond trade saw a 29% increase from 2006 to reach 4.82 billion, with trade in polished diamonds rising a massive 88% to hit $6.41 billion. Mr. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the executive chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the parent group of DDE, reconfirmed Dubai’s new global standing in the global diamond market. “2007 has been a year of record growth for the UAE diamond trade which has crossed the psychological mark of $10bn. Dubai has become now a mature diamond centre, combining its role as an international hub, a regional distribution centre and a local consumer market” said Mr. Sulayem, justifying the increased focus on diamonds at Jewellery Trade Dubai. “The special focus on diamonds at Jewellery Trade Dubai will play a key role in supporting and promoting the industry” said Ms. Trixee Loh, Senior VP, Exhibitions and Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre. “We are in the midst of an unprecedented boom, and providing a niche platform for the biggest players in the industry to meet, interact and establish new relationships will go a long way in complementing this upswing” she added.

Some of the biggest trade players in the local and international diamond market, including Shrenuj, Dimexon Eurostar and Rosy Blue, will play a significant role in the show. “Dubai is in the midst of a very exciting time for diamonds” said Sumit Kothari, Director, Shrenuj DMCC. “While the local consumption is definitely on the rise, Dubai is also emerging as the leading trading hub for the entire Middle East. For us, Jewellery Trade Dubai presents an exciting opportunity to meet new customers and display our comprehensive product range. It is a fantastic platform to showcase our company’s products, and the same goes for other companies as well” he added. Mr. Harshad Mehta, Chairman of diamond giant Rosy Blue, was equally optimistic. “We are extremely bullish about the diamond industry in the Gulf region, and particularly the UAE. We are planning to increase our presence in the Gulf market, which we see as a major sales centre because the growth in tourism” said Mr. Mehta.

This will not be the first time that diamonds have come under the spotlight at the event. Last year’s event saw the launch of The Diamond Academy, which proved to be a huge success. Exhibitors and traders at the event will be further supported by a workshop programme featuring presentations on Diamonds, Gold, Pearls and Gemstones.

Lending a solid helping hand to the flourishing industry and the event are leading international and regional associations formed to specifically promote the industry and maintain the highest standards of quality. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, International Diamond Laboratories and Dubai Diamond Exchange have played a key role in the industry’s rise, and continue to play an active part in its future plans. “There is a strong industry demand for accurate diamond grading services which assure customers that the diamonds they purchase are of the exact quality they expect. IDL certificates are a trademark of quality, objectivity and trust and we are proud to extend our services to diamond jewellery. We aim to provide precise grading through a scientific and objective approach using cutting edge technologies” said Mr. Peter Meeus, CEO of IDL.

Dubai International Jewellery Week 2008 is scheduled to be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11-15 November 2008. For the first time the show will bring together two of its three key components - Jewellery Collections Dubai and Jewellery Trade Dubai - to offer a comprehensive retail and trade experience to visitors and exhibitors alike from 11 to 15 November 2008. Areeq Dubai, the ‘Luxury’ event which includes brands from the crème-de-la crème of the jewellery world, will be held from the 13 to 15 November. Dubai International Jewellery Week is supported by the Dubai Diamond Exchange, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, International Diamond Laboratories and World Gold Council.

About Dubai International Jewellery Week
Website: www.jewelleryshow.com
Dubai International Jewellery Week presents:
LUXURY Areeq Dubai, 13 – 15 November

The luxury watch & jewellery boutique

RETAIL & TRADE Jewellery Collections Dubai, 11 – 15 November

The ultimate jewellery retail event

Jewellery Trade Dubai, 11-15 November

The Middle East watch & jewellery trade event

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Website: www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of Dubai International Jewellery Week (DIJW), Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) offers over 29 years’ experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 15 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.

If you plan to host an event in the tropics and is looking for a venue that is surrounded by a breathtaking view, built right at a historical site, and most importantly a place that predominantly speaks the English language, you may want to check out The SMX Convention Center of the Philippines.

The SMX Convention Center stands right along the historical Manila Bay and is the newest and largest convention center in the country and one of the largest found in Asia. This privately-owned 3-storey, 46,000 square meter building is designed to cater to both local and international events.

Its highly-technological facilities include high-speed internet access, fiber-optic cabling and teleconferencing options, which allow all kinds of events from hi-tech interactive trade shows, expositions, concerts to exhibits. You may see the complete information on the SMX facilities here.

To know the events to be held in SMX Convention Center, click here.

To read SMX Convention Center latest press release, click here.

For further information, contact:
SMX CONVENTION CENTER
Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex,
Pasay City, Philippines
Tel. No. : (632) 5568888
Fax No. : (632) 5562970
Email : info@smxconventioncenter.com
Website : www.smxconventioncenter.com
Dexter Deyto
Senior Assistant Vice-President
Email: pdd@smsupermalls.com
Czats Lopez
Sales and Marketing Manager
Email: catl@smsupermalls.com
Wines Dy
Exhibit Manager
Email: wfd@smsupermalls.com
Che Lazaro
Convention Manager
Email: ctl@smxconventioncenter.com
Iñigo Bilbao
Operations Manager
Email: ipb@smsupermalls.com

New Delhi, India: 2nd India Civil Aviation Week – Airport & Airline 2008 Expo held in March 2008 brought together 146 participants from 18 countries and 3352 trade visitors. The 3-day international conference focusing on ‘The Civil Aviation Industry in India: The Road Ahead’ attracted 41 leading speakers and 516 delegates.

The event was inaugurated by Shri Praful Patel, Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation, Govt. of India. In his inaugural address, Shri Patel remarked “It is the need of the hour that we bring in more participation in this fast-growing and vital sector. India’s aviation is now acknowledged world-wide as one of the fastest growing in the world. And of course, there is huge potential ahead for us in a country of 1.1 billion people.”

AA ’ 08 Expo showcased the latest in airports & airlines, general aviation, aircraft interiors, air cargo & logistics and maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) services – products, services and technologies aimed at improving the quality and ease of air travel in India.

The Who’s Who of the Indian civil aviation industry including the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Club One Air, Deccan Aviation, GATI, GMR Group, Kingfisher Airlines, Safexpress and many others were present at the event. There was also a significant international presence at the event with sizeable delegations from New Zealand - Partner Country to the event and Manitoba – an aviation hub in Canada. Other important displays were from the UK and France. Many international players are keen to penetrate the Indian aviation market, which is currently one of the fastest growing markets in the world.

A CEO Round Table on Aviation was organized in conjunction with Ernst & Young Pvt. Ltd., one of the leading consultancy firms in India and NDTV Profit, a leading business news channel in India. The panel discussion was inaugurated by Shri Ashok Chawla, Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India. Shri Chawla participated in the panel discussion along with other leading names in the aviation industry including Mr. B.S. Shantharaju, CEO, Delhi International Airport Ltd., Mr. Manav Singh, CEO and Managing Director, Club One Air and Mr. Kapil Kaul, CEO, Centre for Asia Pacifiic Aviation. The panel discussion was an interesting blend of perspectives from policy makers as well as industry majors from the fields of business aviation, airport development, aircraft financing etc.

The event was supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and a host of leading international associations like the International Business Aviation Council and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. The Airports Authority of India showcased its plans for modernizing 35 non-metro airports across the country at the event. The Delhi International Airport Ltd. and the Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. were Partner Airports to the event. In fact, the latter showcased the brand new world-class Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Ltd. which was officially dedicated to the nation just days before the event.

The 3rd India Civil Aviation Week will be held in New Delhi during August 2009 bringing key participants in the aviation industry under one roof to explore new opportunities for the progress of India’s growing civil aviation sector.

For further details please contact:
Hena Ahmad (Mgr- Communications)
Exhibitions India Group
Mob: + 91 9999600622
Tel: + 91 11 42795168
Email: henaa@eigroup.in

Kuala Lumpur, August 2008 – Leading Practitioners from China National Coal Association, Daegu City Gas, Energy Commission (Malaysia), IEA Clean Coal Centre, Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources Indonesia and many more will gather at Clean Energy & Power Generation 2008 to speak about energy in the face of climate change, energy policy and security of supply and clean power generation technologies.

With the depleting natural resources and the escalating threat of global warming, Asian nations are on a race to overcome their burgeoning population energy demands by looking to not just one but several channels of power generation to become less dependant on fuel imports. In its search for a sustainable energy supply and its endeavour to reduce carbon emissions, exploring all energy options to ensure a greener fuel mix so as to address climate change issue as well as ensuring the security and sustainability of their future energy supply

Through this power-packed event, it brings together senior decision-makers from across sectors to discuss the pertinent issues shaping the industry. Most importantly, participants will be able to find out more about Global Future of Energy, Asia’s Future Energy Security through Development of Next-Generation Regulatory Framework, Role of Nuclear Energy in Mitigating Global Warming and many more.

Clean Energy & Power Generation 2008 organised by Avail Corporation will be held on 14th and 15th August 2008 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Please contact Ms Priscilla Ng at +65 6324 9734, or email png@availcorp.com for enquiries on the event. More information is also available at www.availcorp.com.

About Avail Corporation

Avail Corporation specializes in the provision of strategic business events and sales services throughout the Asia Pacific region. Through a wide range of strategic conferences and summits, masterclass training, customized event planning as well as sales and marketing services. Avail Corporation’s focus is on the creation of value by providing economical and efficient channels of access, helping to fill the need for modernization of business thinking by preparing government and commercial conferences to explore these modern issues. For more information please visit www.availcorp.com

The timing of the HKTDC Summer Sourcing Show for Gifts, Houseware and Toys - 2 to 5 July 2008 - presents international buyers with a last-minute chance to expand their festive season inventory.

Encompassing the three pillars of festive season retailing success - giftware, houseware and toys - the trade show, now in its fifth edition, is a valuable sourcing point for the international industry. Last year’s buyers, over 20,000 of them, came from 96 countries & regions.

A first-time attendee in 2007 was Jamal Awad, Deputy Managing Director, Grand Stores, in the United Arab Emirates. Grand Stores stock many different products in photography, cosmetics, travel accessories, linen and household, gifts and novelties as well as tableware and houseware. At last year’s fair Mr Awad commented, “There is a wide range of products and I’ve found many items of interest. The fair is well organised with good facilities. This is a good place to do business with suppliers and I am already thinking about coming again next year.”

Richard Morgan, Managing Director, Morganware, Australia, first visited the fair in 2006. “I enjoyed it so much I had to come back this year,” he said when interviewed in 2007. “I have already picked up three new suppliers.”

Mr Morgan was one of many buyers who appreciated the more intimate nature of the Summer Sourcing Show, which presented 825 exhibitors in 2007. “The fact is, at this fair you have more time to sit and talk with the suppliers.” The more in-depth nature of the interaction between buyers and exhibitors is a characteristic of the fair.

The organisation of the event, which Mr Awad highlighted, is another of its strengths. With its diversity of products, zoning is essential and the fair is streamlined into product categories such as the Gift Ideas, Dining & Cooking, Home Living, Style & Décor, Fun & Play, Costume Jewellery and Ladies’ World. Another zone, Treasure Island, is dedicated to high-end, design-driven products.

Always evolving, the fair has announced two new zones for 2008. One is the Advertising Premium Zone, which caters to buyers of promotional gifts, novelties, posters and other items. The other is Home Tech, which offers healthcare electronics, home security devices, intelligent home appliances, home automation and small electrical appliances.

Besides being a trading platform, the Summer Sourcing Show will have a series of seminars. Topics like “Latest Trends, Updates on Product Safety Directives and Prospects of Toys Market” and “Latest Trends of Lifestyle Products and Gifts Market” will be covered. There will be new product launching sessions for participants to get the latest industry and product information.

For further information about the show, please visit www.hktdc.com/summersourcingshow

For trade media enquiries, please contact Ms Judy Ko of HKTDC
Tel: +852 2824 0026
Fax: +852 2240 4071
Email: judy.ko@tdc.org.hk

Planning to attend a conference in Thailand but a little bit unsure of where to stay? Well, worry no more because My-Rooms.Com has all the information you need in visiting Thailand.

My- Rooms.Com is a web guide to Bangkok hotels and resorts. From a list of hotel rooms and villa rentals to shopping arenas, nightlights and restaurants, this website contains complete information on where stay and what to do in Thailand.

Aside from this, the website also contains information on Thailand’s economy, geography, religion and weather. It even has a complete map of the places around the country.

So if you plan to visit Thailand or head there for a convention, you may visit My-Rooms.Com for your guide.

Contact information:
Address: 55/191 Dao-Rung Villa, Chaofa Rd., A.Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tel: +66 (76) 279-946
Fax: +66 (76) 279-945
Website: http://www.my-rooms.com/

The SIAL China 2008 reports a record of 27 718 visitors came to learn about the latest news and meet new contacts at the Asian Food Marketplace (an increase of 24% compared to 2007). 12% or 3 326 of the visitors came from outside China, mainly from Korea, Japan, Australia, and south-east of Asia.

Cécile BASSOT, Managing Director of SIAL Group, explains that “the great success of SIAL China 2008 it was due to the show’s quality and its position within SIAL Group (SIAL Paris, SIAL China, SIAL Mercosur and SIAL Montréal). SIAL China will continue to work on its objective to become the greater food and beverage trade show in Asia.”

The hotels and restaurants chose SIAL China to make their shopping
The boom in China’s hotel and restaurant industries continues to benefit to manufacturers and suppliers. SIAL China 2008 with its new concept, Cooking Trends area has received 4 435 professionals from hotels & restaurants, being an increase of 55% compared to the last year.

A new event: the Cooking Trends Area in partnership with Escoffier China
This new event showcased the creativity and talent of international famous 4* and 5* hotel chefs of Escoffier China. High level culinary demonstrations will be featured during 3 days: South African recipes, molecular cuisine, chocolate demonstration, foie gras, vacuum cuisine, bakery and Danishes, adaptation of local products to western cuisine.

On May 14th, the show has started in the best conditions with its inauguration by HEM NTSMINGA, South African Ambassador, Mr. LAWNICZAK, under secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas of Poland, HEM LADSOUS, French Ambassador, HEM ABOU, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Commission and Mr. SONG Kungang, President of China Dairy Industry Association.

South Africa – Guest Country of honor –
In presence of the South African Ambassador and a South African delegation, the products of the guest country were highlighted by culinary demonstrations, wine tasting sessions, and seminars.

1 100 exhibitors from 58 countries and regions on 40 250 sqm of exhibiting
The 9th edition spanned across 40 250 sqm and witnessed the participation of 1,100 exhibitors – a faithful reflection of the spectacular F&B industry. With 58 countries and regions represented, SIAL China fulfilled once again with an outstanding grade its commitment to internationalization.

Enrique SESE, journalist of DISTRIBUCION ACTUALIDAD, would like to “point out the large number of visitors and the interest for the explanations of the exhibitors on products. SIAL China was a pleasant experience which surprised me very positively. For my western point of view, two remarkable aspects: the presence of the Chinese products and the internationalization of the show.”

29 Chinese provinces represented on the show and 4 specific zones of Chinese products
Also at SIAL China 2008 the organizers welcomed again an increasing number of Chinese exhibitors as well as numerous Chinese municipalities and professional associations who organized pavilions to enlarge business trade in the Middle Kingdom. 29 Chinese provinces were represented on the show this year, with a strong participation of Shandong province, Zhejiang province, and Ningxia province. For the second time at SIAL China 2008, several zones have been dedicated to specialized products such as a dairy product zone, a sweets-and-snacks zone, a wine and spirits zone, and a coffee zone.

Wine & spirits exhibitors are always more numerous on the SIAL China.
SIAL China is also the 1st Wine & Spirits trade show with added value activities, to maintain its leadership, a range of offer has been proposed to the exhibitors and visitors:

The special focus during this 9th edition was to heighten the awareness in China mainland and to improve the Chinese perception of the international vineyards. 182 companies from 15 countries were exhibitors; they represented 29% of the international exhibitors. Among the wine & spirits exhibitors, you could find Ackerman Rémy Pannier, Chantovent, Gabriel Meffre, les Vignerons
Catalans, Australian Vintage, les Vignerons de Carthage, Russian standard Vodka, Vinhos Borges, Wines of South Africa …

SIAL China 2008 was given rhythm by numerous events during 3 days
Numerous events made in SIAL China permit to highlight the dynamic products in China. The Wine with the China Wine & Spirits Competition and its 435 products in competition, the Wine tasting Room and its 10 tasting sessions, the International Wine and Spirits Dinner supported by the wine exhibitors. The Olive Oil with the international extra virgin olive oil contest- OlivAsia and
its 65 products from 12 different countries in competition. And the Innovation of the products exhibited on the show with Trends & Innovations competition its 17 winners. For its healthy and organics characteristics, CARREFOUR rewarded the Special Trends and Innovation Award “Coup de Coeur – CARREFOUR” to the Israel Company: FASS FROZEN FOODS.

For the first time in SIAL China’s history, a Guinness World Record was taken into account in the show, “the biggest Cappuccino in the world”. After successfully making this record, all of baristas from renowned coffee companies worldwide and the visitors shared the biggest cup of Cappuccino.

More than 17 seminars of interest to both international and national participants was featured during the 3 days, with topics such as Intellectual Property, China Rice Wine, Food Safety, Trends and Innovation, the latest opportunities for Food & Beverage exporters in China, … .

SIAL China: the place to meet the leaders of the Chinese distribution.
SIAL China offers a wide range of opportunities to reach the Chinese consumers. Directly on the booth or in private area, the exhibitors took the advantage of the Special free one on one meeting with CARREFOUR, METRO, GOURMEDIS, and SINODIS. 117 companies were chosen according a pre-selection by products.

Thanks to the ever increasing quality of the show’s organization and program, SIAL China witnessed an unprecedented dynamism in the business exchanges between exhibitors and visitors, with numerous participants preparing already their booth for 2009.

In 2009, SIAL China will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Asia, come to celebrate this event and don’t miss your next appointment with business and knowledge in China:

ELODIE NIATEL- Communication Manager
Mail: elodie_niatel@exposium-shanghai.com

Manchester Central, formerly known as Manchester International Convention Center and GMEX, is a perfect venue for holding a conference or exhibition because it has all the facilities to host a convention and exhibition event.

Located at the heart of United Kingdom’s major destination points such as airports, stylish hotels, world-class restaurants, and nightlight and cultural scenery, Manchester Central remained one of Europe’s sophisticated cities, which influenced the world in fashion, business, science, style, music and culture. In fact, Manchester Central received a recognition as Excellent in Business Tourism award in the recent England’s Northwest Tourism Award 2007.

The Manchester Central offers variety of spaces for event organizers, be it an intimate event or large-scale, high profile international exhibitions and conferences. In addition, the venue, among any other in Europe, has facilities for disabled people. The entire first floor is very accessible by lifts and chairs. Aside from this, Manchester Central has done a lot of improvements to make the venue more accommodating through:

-refurbishment of the toilet facilities in the main exhibition space;
-creation of dedicated area for assistance dogs;
-removal of cobbles at main venue access points and replacement with level paving;
-installation of highlighted nosing and additional handrails to external steps and ramped access points;
-installation of deaf alerter, the radio-based fire alarm warning and messaging system; and
- a programme of training for all staff in disability awareness.

Contact Information:

How about attending a prestigious event but at the same time enjoying yourself at the comfort of a beautiful scenery with absolutely world-class service, dining, and accommodation? Yes, you heard it right, mixing business with pleasure is possible at this five-star International Asia Pacific Convention Center & HNA Resort Sanya in China.

The International Asia Pacific Convention Center and Resort was “double-purposedly” made to serve its guests to the fullest. But more than a mix of business and pleasure, this largest luxurious five-star convention resort in Sanya offers 16 multi-function rooms that can accommodate a small group of 20 people to as large as 1000 persons.

In addition, this is one of the modern convention centers in Hainan equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment such as a six-language simultaneous translation system, PHILIPS DCN digital conference system, PHILIPS Visual System, simultaneous interpretation system, ultra-light computerized lighting system and film projector, with a service team well-trained to serve the guests at its best.

Another interesting thing you should look forward to in this convention-resort are the interiors of their function rooms. Each room has its design taken after and is named after the capitals of the Asia Pacific region.

This convention-resort center is owned and managed by Hainan Airlines Group, which features 611 luxurious and spacious guestrooms, all of which are decorated with different styles and with broadband internet access. The three-storey Euro-classic convention center is 5400 square meters.

To see events held in International Asia Pacific Convention Center and Resort, click here.

CONTACT:
Address : Sanya Bay Resort District Sanya, Hainan 572000, China
Tel : (86+898)88332666
Fax : (86+898)88332266
Website : www.iapccsanya.com
E-mail : sales_sanya@hnair.com

The Los Angeles Convention Center is not your typical convention center in LA. Aside from its world-class facilities, LACC has also been recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency as an “earth-friendly green venue” by recycling over 50% of its waste.

What makes it easily convenient as a convention center is that LACC is located strategically in the heart of Los Angeles:

It is adjacent to the STAPLES Center, Financial district and Civic Center; and

It is rightly positioned at the hub of major freeways, LA Dash Transit System, Metrolink Trains and Metro Rail and Bus Systems.

The Los Angeles Convention Center boasts of the most technologically advanced, architecturally pleasing and functionally superb venues in the world with a total size of 720,000 square feet of exhibition alone, not to mention the 147,000 square feet of meeting room space. LACC is the right place to host any event of all sizes.

To read more press releases about LACC click here.

To see the events currently hosted by LACC click here.

Contact Los Angeles Convention Center:
Email:administration@lacclink.com
Main telephone:(213) 741-1151/(800) 448-7775
Address: Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Fax:(213) 765-4266
TDD (Hearing Impaired):(213) 763-5077
Exhibitor Services: (213) 741-1151 ext 5470 (Exhibitor Service Orders and Verification)
Event Services: (213) 741-1151 ext 5360 (Event Coordination and Operations)
Sales Office: (213) 741-1151 ext 5340 (Convention Center Booking Information)
Public Relations: (213) 741-1151 ext 5319
LACC Security:(213) 765-4605 (Non-Emergency and Lost and Found)