Embracing the World: EXCO, South Korea’s Premier Exhibition & Convention Center

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Pioneering Global Connectivity

Established to support the export of regional industries and energize the economy, EXCO, South Korea’s leading exhibition and convention center, has been a cornerstone of economic growth since its inception in 1995. As the first non-capital region-based convention center in South Korea, it opened in 2001, becoming a central platform for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) industry in the region.
EXCO’s journey to becoming a global exhibition and convention center is marked by hosting significant international events. These include the 22nd World Energy Congress in 2013, the 7th World Water Forum in 2015, the International Society for Education through Art in 2017, and the 10th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience in 2019. A landmark achievement was the successful hosting of the ‘World Gas Conference 2022’, often referred to as the ‘Olympics of the Gas Industry’, in May 2022.

Preparing for the Future

As EXCO approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, the region anticipates enhanced global accessibility with the opening of the New Daegu-Gyeongbuk Airport in 2030. This development is expected to significantly boost visitor access to Daegu. In anticipation, EXCO is focused on improving profitability and enhancing its unique brand through passionate employee engagement and comprehensive marketing strategies by 2024.

Enhancing Regional Economy and Industry

EXCO plays a pivotal role in revitalizing the regional economy by hosting exhibitions that promote Daegu’s future industries such as ABB (AI, Big Data, Blockchain), UAM (Urban Air Mobility), healthcare, robotics, and the semiconductor industry. The International Green Energy Expo, a leading renewable energy exhibition, and the International Fire & Safety Expo Korea, the largest of its kind in the domestic fire safety field, have both seen record participation and are poised for further expansion in 2024.

The Daegu International Future Auto&Mobility Expo (DIFA), previously organized by Daegu City, was elevated to a government event co-hosted with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy last year. This collaboration has significantly expanded the exhibition’s scale, contributing to the regional economy by fostering cooperation in the UAM and drone sectors. The International Electric Power Industry Expo Korea showcases the future direction of Gyeongsangbuk-do’s nuclear and electric industries, and the upcoming Medi Expo Korea 2024, held concurrently with KOAMEX, will display cutting-edge trends in the medical industry. Additionally, EXCO organizes various industry exhibitions like K-FOOD EXPO and Daegu Machinery Expo (DAMEX), aiding in corporate market expansion.

Expanding Global MICE Capabilities

In 2024, EXCO aims to continue enhancing its operational rate and vitalize the MICE industry by attracting new exhibitions and conventions. Collaborating with MICE-related organizations, international bodies, central government, and local governments, EXCO plans to bring government rotating exhibitions, previously limited to the capital region, to Daegu. This initiative will support local small and medium enterprises in developing customized technologies and products that reflect government policies and industry trends.

Preparing for the Future Airport and Specialized Exhibitions

In preparation for the opening of the New Daegu-Gyeongbuk Airport in 2030, EXCO, along with Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do, plans to host new exhibitions related to future airports. Given the growing interest in electric vehicles, EXCO also intends to specialize in secondary battery exhibitions in collaboration with private PEOs. Continuous cooperation with related organizations will enable the hosting of diversified and specialized exhibitions in fields like system semiconductors and webtoons.

Facility Enhancement for MICE Activation

EXCO currently consists of two exhibition halls: the West Wing and the East Wing. Plans are underway to enhance the East Wing by 2026, adding meeting rooms, small conference rooms, and VIP waiting rooms, thereby increasing the attractiveness of EXCO as an event venue.

Leading Sustainable MICE with ESG and Customer-Friendly Management

In line with the global trend towards ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, EXCO is contributing to sustainable MICE industry practices. As a green convention center, it employs renewable energy facilities like solar power, geothermal energy systems, and solar water heating. EXCO is expanding eco-friendly exhibitions and derivative events, aiming to grow as a customer-friendly, interactive platform, enhancing visitor satisfaction and breathing together with its customers.

Embracing Technological Innovations and Sustainability

EXCO’s commitment to sustainability and technological innovation is evident in its infrastructure and operational strategies. Utilizing advanced technologies like AI and blockchain, the center is at the forefront of the digital revolution in the exhibition industry. This technological edge not only enhances the visitor experience but also ensures efficient and sustainable event management. By integrating these innovative technologies, EXCO is not just a venue for exhibitions but also a showcase of the future of convention centers.
This forward-thinking approach, combined with its role as a hub for international cooperation and cultural exchange, solidifies EXCO’s status as a global leader in the MICE industry. Its strategic location in Daegu, coupled with the upcoming airport, positions it perfectly to leverage the increasing global connectivity and attract a diverse range of events and visitors. EXCO’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation makes it a model for convention centers worldwide, promoting a future where business and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.


 
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EXCO, Korea’s Top Destination for Exhibitions, Conventions and Meetings

https://korean-machinery.com///inquiryEXCO was first opened as a regional convention center in 2001 and has been faithful to its role and function as a local landmark while devoting itself to its original task of promoting business opportunities for local SMEs and local culture.
Over the past years, not only has the number of events and visitors increased dramatically, but also the construction of the second exhibition hall was confirmed in the last year in order to meet the growing demand for exhibitions. This has marked a milestone in its advancement as an exhibition center. By December 2020, EXCO will offer exhibition space of 30,000m2 on the first floor to satisfy the requirements of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy for a global top exhibition center. Therefore, EXCO is anticipated to be able to create synergy effects from the enlargement and transform into an international exhibition center.

 

Actively Nurturing Future Growth Engine Industries – Future Automobile, Water, Medical, Robot, IoT, etc.

In addition to upgrading the existing core industries such as textiles and machinery, EXCO is also focusing on laying the groundwork for the expansion of the exhibition center to keep pace with changes in the industrial structure of Daegu City that seeks to become a city to lead the 4th Industrial Revolution. Such efforts include planning new exhibitions on the future growth engine industries such as future automobile, water, medical, robot, and Internet of Things (IoT), and expanding the pre-existing exhibitions in terms of both quantity and quality.
Having been recognized for successfully planning and organizing the exhibitions and conferences exclusively for the Daegu and Gyeongbuk industries, EXCO plans to keep up this trend in 2018.
As a starter, it will categorize exhibitions into: Business Events – Green Energy Expo, ICT Convergence Expo Korea, Fire & Safety EXPO KOREA, Daegu International Future Auto Expo, Daegu Automatic Machinery Expo; Public Events – Daegu Flower Show, Daegu Baby&Kids Fair, Daegu Pet Show, Daegu Urban Agriculture EXPO, Daegu Christmas Fair; Exhibitions Focused on Internationalization – Daegu International Beauty Expo, K-Food Expo, Medi Expo, etc., which are preparing to advance overseas step by step. The company devotes itself to exploring customized development strategies for each event and raising satisfaction of the participants through globalization of the fair and active buyer development.

 

 

Aiming at killing two birds with one stone – profitability and publicity – through globalization and community cooperation

The 1st Daegu International Future Auto Expo (DIFA) and the 1st Daegu Christmas Fair held last year were well received by domestic exhibition experts and EXCO was recognized for its ability to plan and hold new exhibitions. In particular, DIFA has established itself as a small but strong motor show at home and abroad, pioneering forays into niche markets differentiated from the existing motor shows.
In addition, EXCO is also making efforts to hold large-scale international conferences that have been providing the impetus for the development of new exhibitions through strengthened cooperation with the Daegu Convention Bureau. EXCO also intends to promote international conferences related with local and future growth engine industries based on the experience from organizing three energy-related international events including the World Energy Congress Daegu (WEC Daegu 2013), 7th World Water Forum, and 2021 World Gas Conference.
EXCO’s CEO Sang-Wook Kim explained, “EXCO is aiming for the qualitative growth of business in the aspect of being a partner for development of local SMEs. Exhibitors and visitors participating in the event play a major role by revitalizing the local economy through customer satisfaction. We will continue to position ourselves as the best international exhibition and convention center in Korea by taking this year as the foundation of EXCO’s second leap forward.”

 

Major Exhibitions in 2018

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Korean Exhibition Industry Maintains Its Fame As a “Golden Goose”

https://korean-machinery.com///inquiryThe exhibition industry, often referred to as a “Golden Goose,” is attracting worldwide attention. Korea’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry also seeks to revitalize the exhibition industry through a project plan to expand the infrastructure such as the construction of the COEX Jamsil and the 3rd KINTEX exhibition center.
Combined with cultural heritages accumulated over thousands of years and exciting modern attractions, state-of-the-art convention facilities and affordable accommodation, Korea’s MICE industry makes the country one of the fastest emerging MICE destinations in the world.
According to the results of the Korea Exhibition Industry Statistical Survey (2016) published by the Association of Korea Exhibition Industry (AKEI) on September 28, 2017, a total of 568 exhibitions were held in Korea in 2016. The average number of exhibitors was 151 and the average number of visitors was 13,388. This indicates an increase in the number of exhibitions, average exhibition area, and average number of visitors compared to 2015. In particular, the number of exhibitors increased. In addition, the domestic organizers’ overseas expansion showed a significant increase compared to that of previous years. The total sales of the industry in 2016 totaled KRW3.454 trillion, exceeding the KRW 2.11 trillion of the flourishing film industry in Korea.

For convention and exhibition organizers, as well as business travelers, this month’s Korea Buyers Guide covers major exhibition centers in Korea and how they are being better-equipped for international conventions and exhibitions.

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