Vapouround magazine Vapouround Magazine Issue 26 | Page 154

N F E R EVENTS H IECIE SHANGHAI OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 1. SHANGHAI NEW INTERNATIONAL EXPO CENTER Words: Patrick Griffin. I arrived at IECIE Shanghai to fi nd organiser Carlos Chi waiting for me at the entrance. He gave me a quick orientation tour before the doors opened to the public which was very helpful indeed. The stands were laid out logically in equal-sized square sections throughout the two halls, making it one of the easiest expos I have ever attended to navigate through. Clear, logical stand numbering and an easy-to-read floorpan made the layout design virtually flawless. Other expo organisers should certainly take note. The fi rst thing which was obvious to me was this show was nowhere as hectic as the IECIE expos in Shenzhen but this allowed exhibitors more time to talk to customers and trade visitors. Shenzhen is the world centre of vape hardware manufacture and naturally draws in huge numbers of visitors from around the world so it would be unrealistic for Shanghai to attract the same numbers as its bigger brother. However some exhibitors expressed disappointment at the overall attendance numbers which were good for the fi rst two days but diminished signifi cantly by the fi nal day. While IECIE Shenzhen is a big international event, this show was able to focus a lot more on the Chinese and Asian market. It was good to see a large number of new companies at this event which were currently big enough to be represented at a show like this but not yet ready to expand further afi eld. Many people told me that while the prospect of getting into the European markets greatly appealed to them, they were some way from achieving that goal yet. 148 VM26