Why Taiwan is the premier destination for business events

Did you know? Fascinating facts about Taiwan’s ICT sector

- Taiwan ranks third in the world for the fastest download speeds using 5G, according to OpenGov.

- Taiwan is home to TSMC, the world’s biggest chip manufacturer, which powers products the world over, including laptops, phones and cars.

- Electronic components and ICT products account for 53% of Taiwan’s total exports and 31% of its total imports in 2021, based on figures from the Ministry of Finance.

As a world leader and pioneer in information and communication technology (ICT), Taiwan can be seen as a trailblazer in both high-end hardware manufacturing and software innovation.

Not only does Taiwan excel in research and development, it is also a global leader in sectors such as semi-conductors, electronics, manufacturing and medicine. And two years of the pandemic has done little to dent Taiwan’s prowess as an ICT hub, with its ICT market value reaching US$137 billion in 2021, a 25% increase from previous years, according to figures from the Industrial Technology Research Institute.

As well, Taiwan plays an integral role in the global supply chain network and in the development of a vast tech talent pool. For organisers, exhibitors and attendees, events in Taiwan not only offer access to world-class facilities, but also ensure that business and networking takes place in a thriving, forward-thinking environment, where knowledge and expertise can be shared and where business deals can flourish.

Where global tech pioneers gather

As a measure of Taiwan’s strength with regards to ICT innovation, the destination recently hosted COMPUTEX, the world’s leading technology exhibition, which took place in May at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. With 400 exhibiting companies and close to 10,000 visitors from 63 countries, it is a testament to Taiwan’s reputation as a game-changing ICT destination.

The event featured inspirational keynotes from world-leading CEOs, alongside displays of the latest software-hardware integration. These included consumer electronics products, chip technologies and gaming innovations. Delegates also experienced advanced technologies such as AI, quantum computers, cloud computing and all-new XR (extended reality) devices and applications, as well as sneak previews of how these could be applied to the metaverse. With access to real-time demos, delegates experienced not only what is possible now – they had a glimpse of the future, reaffirming Taiwan’s position as a leading ICT hub in the Asia Pacific region.

Upcoming events such as the 35th Asia Pacific Microwave Conference in 2023 and the International Particle Accelerator Conference in 2025 are further indications of how Taiwan is an ideal destination to bring buyers and sellers together, with the events expected to attract 600 and 1,200 participants respectively.

World-class venues in cutting-edge locations

The majority of Taiwan’s business events venues have traditionally been located in the capital city of Taipei and Kaohsiung in the south – a powerhouse for the semi-conductor industry. However, for those looking to host their next meeting in Taiwan, there are now more venues to choose from than ever before.

The International Convention Center Tainan, which opened in April 2022, features 600 standard-sized booths and offers 11 conference rooms of various sizes for up to 1,000 people. Its location in the coastal city of Tainan makes it a prime choice for those looking to combine business with pleasure, plus the surrounding area has built a strong reputation in areas such as green technology. The venue itself showcases this technology, with a solar panel equipped roof and energy-efficiency built in.

Come 2023, planners can look forward to an added choice when the Taoyuan Convention & Exhibition Center opens.

How events just got smarter in Taiwan

Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, which has implemented the 5G Project, has transformed into a ‘smart venue’ powered by 5G technology. This has made the use of holographic projections possible and enables event attendees at different sites to link up together. Events and exhibitions can also be viewed in 360 degrees, from different angles, providing a more immersive experience. The technology has also enabled 3D video streaming and a more efficient collection of visitor data, alongside real-time XR production and broadcasting.

5G technology is just the start. While businesses are keen to meet in person once again, the pandemic highlighted the many benefits that can be gained from hosting events online. For those organisers keen to incorporate digital elements into their live events, Taiwan’s ICT expertise makes this a seamless reality. The Bureau of Foreign Trade is actively looking at ways to combine online and physical events in more inventive and innovative ways.

One example includes the Taipei International Machine Tool Show and Taiwan International Machine Tool Show, which took place together for the first time in February and which featured a six-day physical event integrated with a one-month online counterpart. Other events have incorporated 3D catwalks and 360-degree panoramic photography.

First-rate financial support

Organisers can access a range of services from the MEET TAIWAN program, with the support of the Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Services range from business matching, site visits and venue recommendations to assistance on visa issues and subsidies. Event organisers are given support at every step, whether administrative, financial or venue-related.

This article is brought to you by MEET TAIWAN