WORLD - Reed Exhibitions CEO Mike Rusbridge has highlighted significant growth opportunities for trade show organisers in Indonesia, along with Brazil, as key to the company’s international expansion plans.
The comments follow the release of Reed’s half-yearly results, which included a 23 per cent rise in exhibition revenues to £486m (US$759.8m) in the six months to 30 June 2012.
Key expansion initiatives over the first half included a partnership with India-based Manch Communications, a joint venture (JV) in China to launch Reed Hongda Exhibitions, and a JV with the Panorama Group in Indonesia.
“Beyond the BRIC economies, Indonesia ranks high in the business agenda of multiple industries around the world,” Rusbridge said. “Our customers are telling us to bring them to Indonesia and help them find new business. We believe this is the right time to be there.”
Across Latin America, Reed recently assumed full ownership of its Alcantara Machado JV in Brazil and acquired intra-logistic trade show, Movimat in that country’s capital Sao Paolo. In total, 52 of Reed’s 81 Americas events are in Brazil.
“Brazil is a clear opportunity for Reed Exhibitions global brands and expertise and we are committed to growing our portfolio through acquisitions to sustain our leadership in the region,” Rusbridge said. He pointed out Brazil is the organiser’s fourth largest country in terms of business, with events across 10 cities, supported by 250 employees.
Reed also ramped up its Turkish operations in the first half of 2012, recently inking a partnership agreement with Turkey’s largest exhibition organiser Tuyap. The strategic importance of this partnership is highlighted by the opportunities it gives Reed to offer stakeholders a presence in Turkey, “a growth region of significant importance,” Rusbridge continued.
Likewise, the immensity of opportunity in China remained critical for the exhibition giant. Reed organises 46 events in the country encompassing 10 industry sectors, with 34 events slated to run this year.
“We plan to effect a significant increase in the number of international exhibitors and buyers by utilising Reed’s global resources with international offices and extensive sales networks across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the US,” Rusbridge added.
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