Music China 2017 pulled in a record number of attendees the organiser claims, with a total of 105,125 visitors (2016 saw 90,125) from 86 countries and regions – a 16.6% increase on last year. Held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, music lovers from all corners of the industry had the opportunity to discover strong displays of product innovation, business opportunities, live music performances and educational seminars.
‘The new record not only suggests that there is an optimistic feel within Asia’s musical instrument and music education market, but also restates the fair as the largest industry trade event within the region,’ said Ms Judy Cheung, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd. ‘The fair has a great combination in terms of internationalism, professionalism and diversity. Together with unrivalled business exchange throughout entire exhibition halls, a full spectrum of fringe events and exciting live shows, the fair was continuously immersed with music, joy and positive vibes.’
This year, a total of 2,124 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions assembled in 125,000 sq metres of exhibition space and the fair’s product portfolio covered every aspect of the musical instrument industry, including pianos, bowed instruments, percussion instruments, woodwind and brass instruments, electronic and electric instruments, music education, sheet music and many others.
In addition, the show also featured 12 international pavilions, with dedicated areas for Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Taiwan and the UK.
Speaking about this year’s event Manuel Rodriguez, Executive Chairman of the eponymous guitar maker said: ‘The guitar is a universal instrument – anyone from any culture can play it, and we need to be everywhere to expand our business. Music China is now one of the most important shows, so we need to be here to cover the whole world.’
Susan Petrof, President of Czech piano makers Petrof said: ‘We have supported the fair since its beginning and we witnessed its improvement in terms of scale, internationalism and quality. Through the fair, we not only can promote our pianos, but also can bring the Czech Republic culture to Chinese and Asian market.’
Visitor enthusiasm wasn’t limited to manufacturers. Lasse Thernoe, Managing Director of Thomann Nordic ApS said: ‘We sell a variety of musical instrument including pianos, guitars, drums and many others. I have been visiting this fair for many years and I can see the show is improving. It is more comprehensive, well-organised and gathering all big brands and important suppliers. This is a one-stop platform that you can find different kinds of companies and instruments and fulfil your sourcing needs in an efficient way.’
The next edition of Music China will be held from 10 -13 October 2018.
Info: www.musikmesse-china.com or email music@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.