News
Music China attracts record numbers
Andy Barrett Nov 3 2008, 12:02pm
Exhibitor and visitor numbers up again, but financial squeeze begins to tell
The Music China show took place in Shanghai from October 9th to 12th with the organiser, Messe Frankfurt announcing record figures for the seventh successive year since the show’s inception.
The fair filled six halls with 1,106 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions, an increase of 87 exhibitors from the previous year. The number of overseas exhibitors totalled 286. The total exhibition area was 65,000 square metres. The event once again showcased leading Chinese and international brands resulting in almost every conceivable music product and accessory being exhibited on the show floor to the 43,238 visitors – an increase of more than 14 per cent.
Of these, 40,612 were domestic visitors, a 16 per cent increase from last year and there were 2,626 international visitors from 91 countries, which indicates that while the domestic attendance was dramatically higher, international visitors were down two per cent.
Despite this, and evidenced buy the number of international exhibitors, an increasing number of international music companies are seeking to do business in China, encouraged by a renewed education focus from the Chinese government, increased domestic consumer spending power and the growing transparency of distribution channels. All of this has led to a rise in exhibitors and national pavilions at Music China.
Music China hosted eight national pavilions from Britain (supported by the Music Industries Association), Austria, Czech Republic France, German, Italy, Spain and Taiwan.
Appearing for the first time at the British Pavilion was Oxford University Press. Alastair Henderson, OUP’s key account manager, pointed out that China has a huge potential market for The Oxford University Press.
“We have had a lot interest from teachers in our teaching books which they have never seen before,” he said. “We have a Chinese publisher who is thinking about licensing 26 books in our piano teaching series.”
As well as a raft of live music performances, many visitors took advantage of the various educational seminars at Music China, with the NAMM University organising several hands-on courses over two days, led by leading players in the Chinese market and a panel discussion featuring distinguished industry names. Altogether 950 people attended NAMM’s nine events, an increase of 53% compared to last year.
“We are delighted at the large increase of attendees at NAMM University this year. This is the third edition of the courses at Music China, and it is apparent that Chinese trade visitors to the show really appreciate the sharing of best practice, and learning from their very successful peers. The high-level line up of speakers was clearly mirrored in the dedication and number of attendees," said Betty Heywood, NAMM's director of international affairs.
Music China 2008 was organised jointly by the China Music Instrument Association (CMIA), INTEX Shanghai, and Messe Frankfurt. The next show is scheduled for October 13th to 16th 2009 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. For information, see www.musikmesse.com.
