Mega event case study: Quanzhou International Auto Show

All the factors that made it possible to safely welcome 30,000 attendees during China’s busy ‘Golden Week’ holiday.

With safety and health a primary concern, the show delivered multiple layers of prevention and control measures.
With safety and health a primary concern, the show delivered multiple layers of prevention and control measures. Photo Credit: Pico

Welcoming attendees exceeding 30,000 all while in the thick of China’s busy ‘Golden Week’ holiday, here are some factors that contributed to the success of the 28th Quanzhou International Auto Show held at Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center (JJCEC) from 1-4 October.

With safety and health a primary concern, the show delivered multiple layers of prevention and control measures, on top of China’s national anti-epidemic guidelines. One, typical box offices were removed to reduce person-to-person contact — all visitors had to register for the show online, then use e-tickets and ID cards for entry.

Multiple entry checkpoints to prevent overcrowding.
Multiple entry checkpoints to prevent overcrowding.

Once on the JJCEC grounds, it was mandatory for visitors and participants to submit a health code check, temperature reading, ID and security checks before reaching the exhibition hall. To prevent overcrowding, measures such as several entry checkpoints, as well as spreading out customer service counters and medical aid stations were implemented. Outdoor exhibition areas were also utilised to add space to the event.

Within the exhibition hall itself, the premises were frequently disinfected and staff on site for safety inspections. Multiple communication channels were also utilised to remind attendees of event safety guidelines.

To navigate the potential traffic bottleneck since the 28th Quanzhou International Auto Show coincided with China’s busy ‘Golden Week’ holiday, the JJCEC team created a traffic diversion scheme, adding temporary additional carparks and effecting special parking instructions to thin out traffic around the venue.

“This event is one of the three major shows of its kind in Fujian province. JJCEC’s unique capabilities in organising exhibitions and its advanced facilities allowed us to host a first-class car show during the pandemic, providing participants with both a high standard of service and a safe environment," said Luo Xianqiu, representative of the organiser.