Dropping the pebble of Korea's hosting of Hannover Messe has sent ripples across the pond to lap at the shores of CeBIT 2011. Together with Korean organizations, IPR Forum Co. Ltd. set off on a journey to shoot for the moon. When considering the number of exhibition participants and monetary results, CeBIT is recognized as the world's top exhibition. Simply attending may revolutionize an exhibitor's or visitor's business. With this influence, even if Korea doesn't hit the moon and gain the partnership, at least the attempt will help Korea to land among the stars.
Fighting the first fire first, CeBIT 2009 on March 3 in Hannover, Germany is just around the corner. The significance of CeBIT 2009 is the exhibition of changes in trends. “CeBIT initially exhibited hardware-centered products in earlier years, but more software solutions have been displayed each year,” stated Chairman Chris Maeng of IPR Forum.
Annual keynote themes of CeBIT suggest the future of the IT industry each year. This year's keynote theme, Webciety, gives one a great expectation. Last year's theme was Green IT, whose wave has hit countries everywhere this year to bring reforms. Not only will the topic of Green IT receive even greater emphasis this year at The New Green IT World in Hall 8, but the new theme of Webciety, which is a portmanteau of Web and Society, will take center stage. “CeBIT 2009 will once again reflect the global ICT market's newest innovations and trends. A great expectation comes from the recent trend of software that fits perfectly with both themes of Green IT and Webciety,” added CEO Maeng.
On top of the constant change in trends and products, another change about the exhibition is this year's partnership with a state rather than a country. “By teaming up with California,” said Ernst Raue, the CEO of CeBIT, “The 2009 show will provide particularly full coverage of a sector known for its innovative spirit.” The Governor of the State of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is scheduled to deliver an address at the opening event on the eve of the show to accept the historic honor.
IPR Forum shows perseverance through commitment, hard work, patience, and endurance to make the dreams of Korean organizations come true by Korea becoming the partner country of CeBIT 2011. On behalf of many Korean organizations such as KOTRA, the Seoul Business Agency, INNOBIZ, and the Gangnam District Office, IPR Forum is supporting many businesses to participate in the show. Moreover, as an official representative of Deutsche Messe, the company is in charge of many aspects of the exhibition's activities in Korea including marketing, inspection, analysis, seminars, and press conferences. This year at Korea Pavilion, IPR Forum will mainly serve its role as a bridge between participating Korean companies and CeBIT. And together they will cross their fingers to strive for closer collaboration as a partner country in 2011.
With the support of a strong bridge and representative like IPR Forum, shooting the moon is perhaps not a total fantasy. Not only is the IPR Forum known as an official Korea Representative of Deutsche Messe and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), it is also registered as a member of many foreign organizations such as the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), and InterEXPO. In InterEXPO, the IPR Forum is the only formal member from Korea. Also, as the organizer of the Asia CEO Forum, IPR has hosted this forum three times.
IPR Forum's journey to become today's vital representative started in 1994. The company was a representative of Korean businesses at COMDEX, the biggest IT show in the world at the time. In 2000, approximately two hundred Korean businesses participated in COMDEX and their booths were altogether as large as two football fields. Mr. Maeng was even recognized for his contribution with a Sales MVP award. However, as the IT bubble disappeared, so did COMDEX, which closed its doors in 2002. CEO Maeng recalls that the shutdown of the show was a huge loss for his company. But his perseverance made him realize that a crisis is only a new chance to enter another field. That was the new starting line of the company's business direction and prepared the company for a greater purpose today.
Straining itself with such diverse work, IPR has been building a strong network with foreign trade show organizers. Germany has long stayed on top of all IT exhibitions in the world market. Therefore, IPR Forum's role as the Korea representative of Deutsche Messe is vital in future collaboration with foreign exhibitions. Mr. Maeng's vision is to use the firm-built diversity networks to reach further exhibitions in China, Vietnam and Cambodia to increase the country's global awareness.
Active participation in top exhibitions like CeBIT and Hannover Messe, therefore, is a very significant movement. Maeng drew a big picture of this year's exhibition plans. He said: “Korea became a partner country of Hannover Messe in April 2009. This is a great opportunity to create Korea's identity in the global consciousness.”
Some say that Korea's aim to be a partner country in the near future is aiming for a miracle. But as the old saying goes, “Two heads are better than one.” Korean organizations and IPR Forum together can help each other be the best they can be and meet this challenge with no regrets. Until then, waves of hope ripple towards CeBIT 2011.
About Chris Maeng
Chris Maeng, the Chairman and CEO of IPR Forum Co. Ltd., is the foremost authority on information on local and international business, public relations, advertising and exhibitions.
Maeng is known as a jack of all trades whose clarity of thought and leadership come from solid career experience. He gained extensive sales promotion and advertising experience with Kyung-In Energy Co. Ltd., a joint venture with Union Oil of California and the Hyundai Group. He also served the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club as Secretary General in 1987 and 1988.
IPR Forum was founded by Chris Maeng in 1982 as a result of these unique experiences with leading Korean companies. He has assembled a team of professionals with years of sales, marketing, public relations and advertising experience committed to providing ethical, cost effective representation, advertising, exhibition, and trade consultancy services both domestically and internationally. CEO Maeng travels worldwide for sales calls, international exhibitions, outdoor advertising, and seminars. Based on his previous experience as a foreign affairs journalist, he still writes for several international publications.
