Event: VIV China contractor calls time early

VIV exhibitor Produmix, in Hall W2 at Beijing's New Exhibition Centre, tries to carry on business as usual at midday of the last day of the show as carpets and stand equipment disappear around them

VIV China 2012 an overall success but disappointment as contractor calls time early

The most successful VIV China exhibition yet, came to an early close when the contractor to the VNU organisers decided to begin removing equipment prior to noon on the third and final day of the show - despite the organisers strenuous efforts to the contrary.

Business was still being done when chairs and tables were being removed from stands, corridor carpets coming up and the electricity being shut off by contractor Dragon Link. Exhibitors had to scramble to protect their exhibits and visitors had to negotiate hazards in order to continue.

"We're a lighting company," said one European exhibitor. "There's not much we can do when there's no power!"

Other exhibitors were also unimpressed claiming that the show was for three days and the last day was important to them. However, one Chinese exhibitor told The Global Miller that it was the exhibitor's prerogative how long to stay, but to pull up the carpet and force exhibitors to leave was not acceptable.

Mr Yao Jian Ping of a Guangzhou company called Wangchuan Xuwu, and a Chinese visitor to the show on the last day, also expressed reservations. "Its a pity it's closing early," he said through an interpreter.

"It's quite disappointing but quite common in China and this is better than what happens at most shows," he said as carpet disappeared behind him. "
VNU, the organisers of the event, did their best to delay the contractor's actions but could not stop the breakup. They told The Global Miller that this was the most successful of all VIV China exhibitions held to date with between 12,000 and 14,000 visitors in total and over 400 companies exhibiting. While 2008 was considered the most successful, this was looking to exceed that although final figures would not be available for some time.

Other exhibitors told The Global Miller they had experienced a good response and had done good business.