Promoting Incheon
For an agency that has devoted itself to promoting Incheon as an ITHub in Northeast Asia, securing world class IT company structure and preparing core position to stabilize the local IT industry were only the beginning of this journey. Since its establishment in 2002, IITPA has been hosting Incheon International Information Technology Communication (ITC) every year and has made the exhibition the cornerstone of Incheon's IT development. "As Incheon's representative IT exhibition, ITC 2008 celebrates its 7th anniversary under the theme of "Experiencing Tomorrow, Today!" ITC2008 will run for three days starting Thursday, November 13th, announced President Jun.
Expectations in Songdo Conventia
What makes this year stand out is the location. For the first time in seven years, the exhibition will be held in Songdo Conventia (the Incheon International Convention Center), the very first center that was built in the International Free Economy Zone. "ITC 2008 is a dynamic venue where visitors can have a glimpse of the future by viewing the latest IT technologies. It is a place to obtain new knowledge, a place where youths can lay the foundation of their dreams of becoming the future scientists of Incheon, and a place where we can witness Korea's IT prowess," President Jun introduced. ITC 2008 is also a forum for the exchange of promotional, marketing and business ideas. Throughout the exhibition, Incheon-based, blue-chip IT companies will have the opportunity to boost their brand power and grow as Incheon's representative enterprises.
IITPA doesn't forget to reward the hard work of IT companies. "During ITC 2008, the 5th Incheon IT Technology Award will be presented to companies which have developed outstanding new technologies. This award is meant to recognize the efforts of Incheon's IT leaders who nurtured the market with new products. Additionally, the award will inspire the IT industry to continue the advancement of technology through new ideas," said Jun. A number of small and medium sized companies are expected to be rewarded this year at ITC 2008. ITC 2008 will see the participation of major buyers from more than ten nations. IT agencies from more than five nations will facilitate discussions on international business and exports. "We expect the ITC 2008 to be the global exhibition along with the upcoming 'Global Fair and Festival 2009 Incheon, Korea," said President Jun. IITPA is also looking to promote and invest in blue ocean initiatives for Incheon. These include the 2014 Asian Games, u-IT Cluster Support Center, and the Incheon Robotland to increase the synergy of the exhibition and strengthening the brand of the city.
Blue Ocean Initiatives
Global Fair & Festival 2009 Incheon, Korea is designed to share the accomplishments and developments of Incheon. Since it is Incheon's vision to become a global economic hub by the year 2020, Incheon will exhibit developments in the Incheon Free Economic Zone as well as urban redevelopment plans of old downtown areas. "Global Fair & Festival will present Incheon as a model future city equipped with urban competitiveness, cutting edge technology, and energy efficient, environmentally friendly facilities," said Jun. Beginning on August 7, 2009 and running until October 25, 2009, Global Fair & Festival Incheon will share the vision and direction of future cities. "50.1 % of our citizens live in urban areas and they face never-ending environmental issues, overcrowding population and overflowing transportation all in a limited space. This is not a problem that only Korea is facing.
The Global Fair & Festival will provide a venue for global institutions to seek solutions for urban issues and work to create a better future for our globe," added President Jun. Lastly, Jun predicts that Global Fair and Festival will mark a turning point for foreign investors. President Jun said, "The Global Fair & Festival will present Incheon's development models while putting the entire city on exhibition." will keep updating the information on the website in four different languages: English, Russian, Chinese, and Korean. The Federation of International Robot-soccer Association (FIRA Robot World Cup) and Robot Land are the other publicity pavilion IITPA is counting on to bring a synergy effect. From August 16 - 20, 2009, Incheon will host FIRA Robot World Cup along with Robotics Academic Contest. Competitive robot players from thirty countries with 300 relating researchers and professors will participate in this event.
Those who come to Incheon to participate will also be able to attend Global Fair & Festival since the Robot World Cup will be held shortly after the festival. IITPA is not only an event coordinator, but has been also serving as a top consultant for Incheon companies to reach out to the global market. By participating in global exhibitions and conferences like CES, IFA, CeBIT, and GITEX, IITPA served as an evangelist of the Incheon IT company's strong products. Due to the help of IITPA's professional consulting, 50 companies participated this year and brought total of $ 870,000,000 in profit. As a valuable part of Incheon's development project, IITPA has been serving a multi-role of booster, consultant, facilitator, event coordinator, representative, and u-Incheon innovator. The city of Incheon is becoming more prestigious every day due to its innovative IT industries. All these unique and innovative ingredients are to melt in the pot of Incheon to create a multi-purpose luxury town that can be the heart of the Korean and global economies. Keep posted on ITC 2008 and other upcoming events in the next few years to witness the growth of the IT industry's leaders.
