China's Convention and Exhibition Center Boom

Abstract

There was one mega C&E center (over 50,000 square meters of indoor space) in China in 1992, totaling 160,000 square meters. By 2003, there were 16 mega centers, totaling 1,288,000 square meters-a growth of 805% in 11 years (Table 1). This paper records the history of the convention and exhibition (C&E) industry in China and examines the prevailing optimistic view of its prospects. The profit criterion and motives behind the establishment of C&E centers in China are explored. Potential developments are discussed and future research directions are identified.