Major imaging companies at Imaging Expo China in Shanghai

According to Koelnmesse, who coorganizes the event jointly with Shanghai International Exhibition Co. Ltd. (SIEC), the number of companies taking part in the German Pavilion already exceeds last year‘s figure, with twelve companies registered so far, including three suppliers that are making their debut at the fair. The fair organizers also plan to attract more visitors this year. Last year, the premiere event in Shanghai was attended by more than 62,000 visitors from 26 countries, including about 18,000 trade visitors. Large visitor groups from China and the neighbouring countries are expected again this year, including distributors, wholesalers, photo equipment retailers and professional users as well as representatives of retail chains and the press. In addition to the trade fair days, special public days will be an opportunity for consumers can obtain information on the industry‘s latest products and trends.

In order to increase the large share of trade visitors further and strengthen the event’s international profile, Koelnmesse has teamed up with the market research company, GfK, and Photo Imaging News to create a top-quality supporting program, which will feature international imaging experts from several countries. This will provide the international and domestic audience with interesting background information both an the global and Chinese/Asian market. All seminars and sessions are free of charge for trade visitors of Imaging Expo China/Interphoto.

The first part of a two-day business seminar organized by Gfk and Photo Imaging News will highlight topics such as the global imaging markets, plus an internationally focused session on the Asian imaging market and its future development. The seminar is scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. on July 13, 2006.

On the second day of the fair (July 14, 2006), the seminar organizers and their partners from the industry (including Fujifilm China and Kodak) will showcase the latest trends in photofinishing and studio technology. Recent developments of kiosk systems, minilabs and mobile imaging will also be addressed at the event.