Impact on course to grow 20% this year - Challenger helps increase bookings

Impact Exhibition Management Co, the operator of Impact Arena exhibition centre in Muang Thong Thani, says it is on course for 20% growth this year despite the country's weak economy.

''Exhibitions are generally planned a year in advance, and we have not yet seen any changes in big events,'' said Paul Kanjanapas, the company's managing director.

''On top of that, weve surprisingly found our meeting, wedding and party business has had strong growth of more than 50% thanks to the opening of the Challenger exhibition hall.''

The five-billion-baht Challenger, which opened late last year, is the world's largest column-free exhibition hall. Measuring 459 by 131.2 metres with a 16-metre-high ceiling and exhibition floor space of 60,000 sq m _ larger than eight football fields _ it also offers indoor parking space for 2,500 cars.

Its most striking feature is the Royal Jubilee Ballroom, the largest in the country, with 3,500 sq m of column-free space, a 20-metre high ceiling and catwalks and mechanically adjustable suspension equipment with high load capacity.

The Challenger hall is booked for big events for the second half of this year such as Bangkok Gem and Jewelry Fair, Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIG & BIH), Thailand International Motor Expo, and the celebrations of His Majesty the King's 80th birthday.

According to Mr Paul, despite a weak economy, more than 50 wealthy couples have booked the Royal Jubilee Ballroom for weddings this year, generating revenue of 30 million baht.

Mr Paul attributed a popularity of the ballroom mainly to Impact's quality of services and the attractive decoration of the ballroom itself.

Including the Challenger hall, Impact now has exhibition space of 140,000 sq m, with capacity utilisation of 60-70% of available space.

Currently, local clients contribute about 70% of Impact's business, with the international market accounting for 30%. The company hopes to increase the proportion of the international market to at least 40% this year.

Impact drew about 16 million visitors last year, with the figure expected to increase to about 17 million this year.