August 04, 2010:
Throughout the financial crisis, the difficult overall economic situation has affected the investment capacity of many exhibitors in Europe, which in turn has had a negative impact on trade fairs. To counteract this, EMECA members offer a raft of support measures and new services.

For small and medium-sized companies, attending a trade exhibition is an important way of promoting and advertising their business – an opportunity to present their products, identify new markets, monitor competitors and, above all, to widen their network of contacts. In times of crisis, when competition becomes even tougher, attending highly visible events – such as leading international exhibitions – is strategically important. BolognaFiere, for one, is aware of the commitment involved in attending an exhibition in terms of both economic resources and communication. It has acted decisively in both areas by increasing its promotion for events and the new products presented at them (examples being the Guide to New Products and the SAIE New Materials Space created at SAIE to promote innovative products) as well as by providing financial support for attendance at its events. Information on the use of these forms of facilitated credit is of course bound by the rules of bank/customer confidentiality. Nevertheless, there have been signs of interest and active participation, the company announces.
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Singapore (akm) - Singex Venues, the manager and operator of Singapore Expo, was invited to participate in a closed-door evaluation of its business operations by the Superbrands Singapore panel. Singapore Expo was ultimately assessed as having met all the panel's stringent standards, namely Achievement, Market Share, Recognition, Reputation, and Social Responsibility, and was therefore awarded the prestigious title of "Business Superbrand".

Melbourne (akm) - The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has launched the Melbourne Planner's guide 2010/11 featuring new and expanded sections detailing the destination's incentive offerings, proposed itineraries and the region of Victoria's Business Events products and services.

Paris (akm) - Fatex, the fashion sourcing trade fair encompassing manufacturing solutions for men, women, children, accessories and home items, is switching to new dates as of September 2010. Fatex's three newly scheduled business days will run September 5 to 7, coinciding with the fashion and creation trade fairs at Paris, Porte de Versailles. Organiser Eurovet has decided to synchronise its industrial manufacturing facilities with the industry's key trade fairs in France.