Xiamen meetings and event biz grows

Preparatory meetings continue in Xiamen in advance of the city’s hosting of the BRICS Summit next September.

The event is expected to showcase the city’s meeting and exhibition industry venues. Through the first three quarters of the year, Xiamen hosted more than 130 events, up 23 percent year-on-year. The expositions included more than 1.3 million square meters of exhibition space, up 16 percent year-on-year.

“Xiamen’s service system for international events is in the first tier nationwide,” said Wang Qiongwen, the city's director for meetings and exhibitions.

“The city's strengths include advanced facilities, support service and professional staff,” added Mr. Wang.

High-end events this year included the G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting, the World Business Leaders Roundtable and the World Cities Day Forum.

Major annual events include the China International Fair for Investment and Trade and the Xiamen Stone Fair, both of which are the largest of their kind. Other events include the International Buddhist Items and Crafts Fair, World Ocean Week and Xiamen International Fashion Week.

The city also hosts a number of events that draw large numbers of guests, including the Xiamen International Marathon, a 70.3 Ironman and a choral festival.