Tyrexpo Asia 2011, held in the Republic of Singapore March 29-31, attracted record crowds, according to the exposition's organizers, ECI International Ltd.
Independently audited statistics confirm that over the three days, 3,578 visitors attended the show in the Singapore Expo Centre. That figure represents an increase of more than 16% compared to the show's last staging in 2009.
The number of exhibitors also was a record. There were 160 suppliers from 43 countries. Companies from China, Singapore, Malaysian, Korea and India made up the bulk of exhibitors. Latvia and the United Arab Emirates were represented for the first time.
Keith Jarman, president of AME International LLC in Brooksville, Fla., attended the event. Here is his exclusive report on the exposition for Modern Tire Dealer.
(For visual coverage of Tyrexpo Asia 2011, click here to visit MTD's Facebook page.)
"Tyrexpo Asia took place at the Singapore Expo Centre. The biannual event drew record attendance to visit the 160 exhibitor booths.
"The show was opened by Dr. Stephen Evans, secretary general of the International Rubber Study Group. During his opening speech, Dr. Evans noted that continued urbanization and growth from the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) will test the supply limits of natural rubber for the next decade.
"The show attracted visitors mainly from Southeast Asian nations, but also drew attendees from Australia, Sweden and South Africa.
"U.S.-based exhibitors at the event included AME International, Atturo Tire, DM Marketing, International Marketing Corp, Lexani Tires, Mohawk Rubber Sales, Patch Rubber Co., Synergy Tires and Tire Group International.
"Florida-based AME International overcame adversity when its shipment of goods to display were mistakenly forwarded on to Indonesia. We had a big show planned, and were stunned to find a crate in our booth containing make-up and skin care products! By the time we traced the goods, our merchandise was already on a container headed to Indonesia.
"Thankfully, a local distributor had some goods, and we put together a simple display. All things considered, we had an excellent show and made good contacts despite the spartan appearance of our booth."
