Faced with the prospect of having to redefine its markets, China’s experience of the economic crisis is different from that of the West. Its trade shows will provide an important route forward
 
 
 
The 2009 China (Guangzhou) International Expo on Pro Sound and Light show took place in early March at the China Import and Export Fair Pazhou Complex. Given the prevailing economic conditions, the event was not only a challenge but also an opportunity for those manufacturers in the Pearl River Delta.’

Despite the influence of the financial crisis, Guangzhou Expo has made great progress under the government’s guidance and the support of its exhibitors, especially the co-operation given by the Industry Association of South China Entertainment Equipment and Enping Municipal People’s Government. The scale of this year’s exhibition set a historical record, with 60 per cent of growth over last year. More than 400 exhibitors from China and abroad displayed their advanced technology and products.

Eastern Acoustic Development was located at the entrance of Hall 15.1 and showcased DiGiCo’s SD7 and SD8, loudspeakers from ADC, mixing consoles from APB and Lab.gruppen’s C-series amplifiers. ‘So far the economic climate has done little to our business,’ said Guangzhou sales manager Wang Hongbin. ‘Good products always take a leading role in the market. Looking for good products has been the investment principal for everybody and we are able to provide products and system integration.’

The stand for LAX was divided into two sections, one offering its own domestic products and the other its international lines, including TW Audio and JBL loudspeakers, Soundcraft’s Lx9 console, Crown amplifiers and dbx processors. ‘We are quite happy with this show and have held a dinner for our clients and distributors from around China,’ said sales and marketing manager Michelle Lu. ‘The LAX brand and our distributed products do not conflict with each other, but are complementary. LAX is a national brand and will be taken to different markets.’

Taiwan-based manufacturer Mipro brought in staff from its Guangzhou office to attend this show, and had many new products to offer to the Chinese market. These included the wireless MA loudspeaker system, KTV acoustics products, MP-K amplifiers and MP-S speakers.

DSPPA (Guangzhou) Audio had a prominent booth showcasing its three main brands – DSPPA, ABK and Otewa – where new technologies and new products caught professional visitors’ eyes. The highlights of the booth were an internet media matrix and a hi-tech public address system. ‘I don’t think we can ignore the influence of the current economic environment, but it has had little impact on the Russian and South African markets, ’ commented China export manager Chen Jinjun. ‘We plan to invest in promotion and to attend more exhibitions for distributors around the world in order to enhance the DSPPA brand. We are confident about the domestic market, as our product is cost-effective. Our products will give our clients what they want.’

Bardl used the show to introduce new additions to its line. ‘We have moved into a new factory and our newly researched products will be released next month and shown at the Pro Light & Sound show in Germany,’ said Bardl sales manager Jenny Li. Italian loudspeaker driver manufacturer Faital Pro came to the show with its main China agent – Foshan Fengyi Electronics. ‘We are very confident about the Chinese market and our products are more competitive than before,’ explained Faital China area manager Han Siyuan. ‘We are looking forward to cooperating with more Chinese audio manufacturers to produce better products.’

Guangzhou Tuojin Digital, meanwhile, displayed JBL loudspeakers, Soundcraft’s GB4 and GB8 consoles, QSC’s RMX amplifiers and HPR active speakers, Crown’s XL amplifiers and the Bose Panaray line array.

A variety of additional activities took place during the exhibition. The third Huicong Buyers Conference provided a platform for face-to-face discussions between exhibitors and purchasers, while the team behind the Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies discussed the development of the entertainment equipment industry and the purchasing body for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo presented a forum on the event. The third China Cup DJ contest was also staged during the show.

Successful in most people’s eyes, there were different opinions to be heard however. The deafening sound on the show floor remains a problem with many visitors unable to assess the performance of the equipment on show. If there was an underlying message, though, it was one of maintaining confidence through difficult times.