4.27.11
On exhibiting in Dusseldorf, Germany... (1) Nowhere in the world is punctuality more important than in Germany. Be on time for every appointment. Arriving just two or three minutes late can be extremely insulting to a German executive, especially if you are in a subordinate position. (2) Avoid putting your hands in your pockets during a conversation — it is considered rude. (3) Breakfast meetings are rare at German trade shows; business lunches are more popular. (International Exhibiting, Exhibitor Magazine and B. Einer as contributor)

3.1.11
For companies active in the many trade shows that already exist in China (and there are more and more being established every year), those differences represent an opportunity, especially important when typical Chinese consumers come to connect with products. In short, it’s about community–the “we” not “me” generation. This plays out in marketing content (messaging, graphics) that speaks to a brand’s larger impact on the group, or community, vs. its impact on the individual. Strong brands in China will communicate its impact on the group, but make this appeal in a very personal setting, like a trade show or event. But marketers must also remember that the group sensibility is defined differently in varying regions of the country. This is why there are no strong national leaders in any one business category, but rather entrenched regional leaders. This is both an opportunity and a threat, depending on the circumstance of your business. (M. Hubbard)

2.3.11
One thing I've learned about working with a multitude of languages is never to depend on verbal communication. I've worked on projects where the language of the client is Russian, business communication is in Russian and Chinese, adn the execution and contract requirements are in Chinese. It's an exercise in patience. You sepend a lot more time onsite to make sure everythign is done right. You get what you inspect, now what you expect. (B. Einer)

7.1.10
One lesson exhibit and event professionals should take away from Expo 2010... Have a sense of purpose in telling your story. Expo 2010 is the place to come to see how it's done. This is the place where they show you how to draw a line in the sand and say, "This is the story we want to tell” and not fritter the opportunity away. That's why 50 years from now, people will remember these exhibits. (M. Hubbard)

6.15.10
I have to admit, I was a little nervous about what I would find upon arrival in Turkey. Would anyone speak English? Do they like Americans? What do women wear and how are they treated? Is it safe? Will finding a taxi at the airport be a struggle? Surprisingly, it was much much easier than I thought. Customs was a breeze, money exchange was no problem, there was an English speaking taxi concierge right outside the exit doors, the taxi driver was especially gracious and welcoming, and the hotel staff was more than accommodating...much more than most U.S. hotels I have stayed. The food and restaurants were very westernized and offered a large selection of international cuisines. The city is beautiful, cultural, safe, and has a lot to offer. (A. Parsons)

6.7.10
There are some fantastic bamboo structures here at World ExPO. Architecturally, one of my favorite pavilions is Lichtenstein. Switzerland got a chair lift that goes to the roof of their pavilion and from there you can see the entire “country.” The Disney people have been by to look at it. At WWF, there is a giant globe aquarium. It’s quite interesting how it’s integrated into the exhibit and how much equipment it takes to support it. But in general the expo has done a tremendous job. There are two new subway lines that feed into the expo site so you really don’t have to have a car here. There are hundreds of restaurants and cafes, all new restrooms, and even recycled paper towels. (B. Einer)

5.23.10
One thing people don’t realize is how many things that are made in China are made for export only. You can’t buy them here. So don't expect to be able to find materials and products you can find wherever you’re from even if they are made in China. (B. Einer)

5.10.10
How do companies investing in China reap the windfalls they report? In many cases, these companies are in partnerships with Chinese entities. And the international marketers who come into China through these partnerships, investing copious amounts of financial and intellectual capital and shouldering most of the risk, find that they are still the submissive partner in the relationship. While this relationship might be blessed by those in Western C-suites, the rank and file -- even those at relatively high levels -- often don't get the memo about the new set of rules that come with a company's commitment to make it in this market. If you're leading your company's efforts in the China market, avoid wasting time and money by having the right people know they'll have to be more flexible than usual in managing the expression of your brand. (K. Goldberg)

5.3.10
Western companies must not only consider altering their domestic strategy for China, but must also alter their approach within China to account for the vast regional differences within the country. Consider the example of Wal-Mart, the undisputed champion of retail discounters in the United States. When Wal-Mart went to China, it quickly realized that it could not succeed by positioning itself on the basis of “lowest price,” as it had in the U.S. It was never going to be price competitive with the open-air markets, long a mainstay of low cost goods in Chinese society. Wal-Mart has, instead, taken a differentiated strategy, positing itself as a comfortable, convenient and reliable alternative to the open– air markets. In doing so, Wal-Mart’s China strategy has become more about the shopping experience than the price. (D. Xu)

5.1.10
What’s amazing about standing on the grounds of the World Expo in Shanghai, which opened today, is to realize that the physical expanse of this event (greater even than the Beijing Olympics!) is matched only by the importance placed upon it by the countries and brands exhibiting here. Unlike the World’s Fair of old, when people would travel across the world to glimpse the newest gadgets, the modern day World Expo is much more an affair that combines global politics, big-time commerce, and national pride. It should come as no surprise—especially after the Olympic Games—that China is pulling out all the stops. (K. Goldberg)