California Companies Heading to China

Golden California, an organization that promotes business in the state, has partnered with Hannover Fairs USA, a division of German show management firm Deutsche Messe, to produce the California Technology Fair at CeBIT Asia Oct. 10–13 at the Shanghai Intl. Expo Centre. Deutsche Messe organizes the flagship CeBIT in Hannover, Germany.

"We've worked very hard to increase the relationship between California business and China business," said Amy Lewis, Golden California's projects director. "We wanted to bridge that gap."

So far, according to Lewis, a few companies have signed on for booth space in the California Golden Pavilion. They include Personal Computer Memory Card Intl. Assn., WorldWater & Solar Technologies and Interface Masters.

"The first show isn't going to be very large," she added. "We didn't want it to be, because we wanted to highlight the companies that are there."

Lewis also said there would be plenty of opportunities for the companies to network, including a Hollywood-themed reception hosted by the organization. "It's going to be a lot of fun," she added.

Several benefits are listed in the exhibitor package:

• a fully furnished booth in the California Golden Pavilion
• exclusive media sessions featuring each California Technology Fair exhibitor
• matchmaking services and support
• California and Shanghai-based support from the U.S. Commercial Service
• California Golden Pavilion business seminars and panel discussions
• California elected officials in attendance to promote California Technology Fair exhibitors

Participating companies will also have the option of splitting the costs with other companies and co-exhibiting in the pavilion.

Lewis said the show was expected to attract 48,000 attendees.