Guangdong, China (May 16, 2024) — Three hundred twenty-five visitors representing 221 companies have participated in one of the three RTMWorld VIP Imaging Expo events held in the Middle East and Africa in April.
Each event lasted just one day and was only open to buyers, distributors, and suppliers. Each was invited personally, having a proven ability to import products, even if they had never done so from China.
Over three-quarters of the attendees have never purchased from China nor visited Zhuhai, where many of the Chinese-based exhibitors are based.
Many visitors attending the first printer, copier, and supplies expos wanted to know how the organizers found and invited them to the events. C-RT had spent months researching the latest up-to-date buyer database from various government and customs reports.
Visitors thanked organizers for bringing the event to the regions, adding they were placing large orders with new suppliers at the event. Other buyers also commented on the quality of the exhibitors.
“These VIP events are a daunting concept for organizers and exhibitors alike, especially when held only a few days apart,” said David Gibbons, international events and communication director of Comexposium Recycling Times (C-RT).
According to the newly appointed vice-general manager of the Zhuhai-based organizer, Cecile Zheng, the exhibitors were promised at least 150 large VIP distribution companies. “We surpassed our goals of 300 visitors from 150 companies by 32% over the three days,” she said.
5-star hotels and venues that could provide extraordinary catering were chosen to provide a relaxed environment for business.
Those exhibitors who were kept the busiest had used the database supplied by the organizers to pre-arrange appointments with the buyers.
“A unique feature of this VIP Expo model is that every exhibitor is given a full list of expected attendees ten days before the expo,” Gibbons explained. “We provide an updated list within a week after the expo is completed.”
“We have helped build a sense of community and industry in these three locations,” said Gustavo Molinatti, the C-RT event manager. “I was constantly approached by visitors thanking C-RT for bringing these events to the Middle East and Africa. It is very satisfying knowing you are helping to build their respective businesses and the industry in these regions.”
The African continent is home to 1.4 billion people, and as an emerging market, there is a growing demand for printers, copiers, and supplies. This is unlike the mature markets of North America and Western Europe, where the demand for similar supplies has flattened and is declining.
Over 14 days in June, exhibitor-suppliers and visitor-buyers will again participate in VIP Expos in three more cities in Latin America: Santiago (Chile), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Lima (Peru).
C-RT has also run the RemaxWorld Expo in Zhuhai, China for 18 years. This year’s three-day expo will be held from October 17 to 19, 2024.
