Hub of hi tech convergence, niche markets & innovation sees 5% increase in visitor turn-out
May 8, 2010 Taipei, Taiwan: Negatives like ‘never ‘ ‘no way' ‘impossible' simply are not in the vocabulary of top athelets who go all when the chips are down. In the same way the 37th TaiSPO successfully wrapped up with dazzling success on May 2 by overcoming challenges to come out ahead. At the same time as the four-day show (from 29 April to 2 May) was unfolding European air travel was shutdown due to volcanic ash spewing across that continent from Iceland. That normally would spell disaster for a trade show. But in spite of this the show's 385 exhibitors fielded 1,715 booths (a 13% booth increase on last year) and compensate for a decline of 100 foreign buyers from last year by increasing local visitor turnout by 9% which still boosted total turnout by 5%. And 1,865 foreign buyers still joined TaiSPO 2010 in spite of the belching volcanoes and economic hiccups. Not bad considering the handicap. This year's foreign buyers chiefly came from South Korea, Japan, China, the U.S. and India. The SEEDS of SUCCESS: Value-Added, Hi tech & Innovation The resilience of this event is based up the decades of experience and innovation prowess. Local manufacturers of sporting goods have successfully through the years mastered hi tech convergence to create a full menu of value-added products. They have transformed from OEM/ODM contractors into founders of original high-end brands that are recognized worldwide, said Peter W. J. Huang, Executive Vice President of TAITRA in his opening remarks. Meanwhile, George Wood, chairman of TSMA (Taiwan Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association) also cited as a contributing factor the commitment of local manufacturers in producing high unit-price, high-standard sporting goods, which stand out from the competition. Where good IT-linked sports begin! Display at the exhibition included a vast collection of IT integrated products, for which Taiwan is renowned. Jogging machines equipped with LCD monitor, for example, allows joggers to travel through virtual landscapes such as Hollywood Boulevard. The 3D gaming platform mounted on an exercise bike allows users to tone up while engaging in virtual races. On the other end of the scale was a massage chair that turns on sonic and light waves to ensure deep, genuine relaxation and quality sleep. Nearby was a soccer game machine that projects scores onto the station. Taiwan's 1st time to host WFSGI Manufacturers Forum Held for the first time in Taiwan, this year's WFSGI Manufacturers Forum is a huge success. Mr. Ulrich Wittmann, a correspondent for the prestigious Sport Fachhandel, a German journal dedicated to the sporting goods industry, expressed his surprise at the attendance by important WFSGI members at the event, including representatives of New Balance, Intersport and National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). Nearly 300 vendors engaged in intense discussions during the jam-packed forum. Scouting the Outdoor Village This year featured the “Outdoor Village” that brought together the vast and varied production of local-manufactured sporting goods. Visitors scouted skate/ski gear, bicycles, diving and water sports gear, tents, beach bikes and golf equipment – all presented in realistic outdoor settings. Meanwhile the 202 1-on-1 procurement meetings held on the second day put 38 major buyers from around the world in contact with producers and suppliers. Mark Jeffery, procurement officer of Canada's largest fitness equipment retailer Fitness Depot, said he is satisfied with the efficient, time-saving arrangements that allow both parties to enter talks with eyes fully opened. Having never missed a TaiSPO since 2004, Paul Singh, CEO of the New Zealand-based fitness equipment store Fitness Fusion, says the show was worth the trip, “If you don't come back, if you miss a year, you miss new products and it can make a big difference to your company.“ Ian Young, who represents the Australian company Action Sports, agreed that, since sporting goods manufacturers in Taiwan are so committed to innovation, he would have problems it he ever missed a TaiSPO. Though the next TaiSPO may be held ahead of schedule at the request of many participating companies, the show will remain Asia's leading platform for procurement of sporting goods. And with TAITRA (Taiwan External Trade Development Council) vowing to make TaiSPO 2011 even better with more selection of products and activities, it's best to place the next one at the top of your trade show calendar. |
