The 15th edition of Music China, held October 26 to 29 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, attracted 1,909 exhibitors and 90,125 visitors. The record-breaking 12-percent increase in visitor numbers, the growth in exhibitor numbers and the expanded exhibition space all reinforced Music China as a must-attend annual event. According to Judy Cheung, Deputy General Manager for Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., “This show started in 2002, and it has been developing together with the industry ever since. Whether attendees are looking for business partners, to buy instruments, to launch products, to gain industry knowledge or just to have fun, Music China is an all-encompassing platform that can accommodate their needs.”
Many exhibitors are attracted to Music China because of its penetration into the Chinese market. D’Addario & Co., Inc., is one such company. David Via, D’Addario’s Vice President, International Business Development, explained, “Our industry, as a whole, is not growing a lot when you look at it globally. Yet, China is a vibrant market that continues to develop. Not only do we see it in the western music and instruments, but we also see the resurgence of the eastern music and culture, as well. At the show, you can meet a variety of people and have the opportunity to really do business with the dealers, retailers and artists, as well as the consumers in China.”
The high-level industry forums, which were held alongside the show, were packed full of audience members who wanted to learn more about new business ideas and the evolving music-education market. One session, hosted by Mark Goff, Owner and President of Paige’s Music, gave the audience an in-depth insight into business survival of small-scale companies. After the session, Goff remarked, “The basic business strategies that I’ve shared are essential to sustain business. I believe every attendee will find it very helpful. I’m glad to have the opportunity to interact with some of the passionate players in the local industry. They’re so hungry for information. The result is overwhelming.”
Future shows under the Musikmesse brand include Messe Frankfurt, held April 5 to 8 in Frankfurt, Germany, and NAMM Musikmesse Russia, held September 14 to 17 in Moscow.