It’s that time of year again, when all those looking to reach Shanghai’s expat population gathers together at the Shanghai Exhibition Center for three days of loco laowai fun. We spoke to Julien Wagner, from World Events Agency (the folks organising the show) about what we can expect from this year’s show.

Tell us a bit about what the Expat Show actually involves?

Expat Show Shanghai covers everything you need to know when moving to or living in Shanghai, from education to financial advice, from health insurance to travelling. It is both a B2B platform on the Friday and a wonderful day out for the family on the Sunday.

What kind of people do you find typically come along?

We have two different populations: professionals on the Friday, that are looking for building ties with exhibiting companies or simply enquiring about their services; and the families, that are coming on the weekend to spend a good time together discovering things and finding everything they will need to make their life easier in Shanghai. Mostly expats are from the USA, Europe and Australia, but we also have many Asian expats.

Is it primarily for newly arrived expats? What is the value for expats who have lived in Shanghai for years?

It’s especially designed for the newcomers, but we also have many people that have been around for years visiting the show. They can find new projects to support in the association village, benchmark their insurance policy, book their next holidays, find a new rug for the house, invest in a property or simply watch their kid having fun.

What feedback have you had from expats who have attended previous shows?

Very useful is [the phrase] we hear the most. Many people also love this type of big gathering where you have so many opportunities to meet new people.

Is it directed at people with families?

Definitely, Saturday and Sunday are dedicated to families. You can leave your child at the kindergarten, let him play in the kids’ fun area, buy him some nice food, and watch him do sport on the playground. We even have a changing room for the babies if necessary.

What about the stall-holders at the show? Who can we expect to see there?

Well, the list is too long to be mentioned here. What I can tell you is that you will find everything you need. And to make it easier this year, we have divided the show into four areas: Safe Present Bright Future, House Made Home, Outings and Lifestyle. Details are available on the website.

How do you judge the 'success' of the Expat Show?

Ask around you. Most of the foreigners know about it. That is very satisfying for us to be mentioned as the reference for a newcomer and as a very friendly yet professional event for all the community.

At the end of three days, what do you hope to have achieved?

From the first to the second edition, we had an impressive growth in both visitors and exhibitors. With the economic situation, we are confident to achieve the same as last year (12,000 visitors and almost 200 exhibitors) but still hope to do slightly better.

Expat Show Shanghai 2009, 18-20 September. Free entrance, register online for electronic badge and prize draws. 10am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday, 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Shanghai Exhibition Center, 1000 Yan An Zhong Lu. Tel: 5196 1180.
Web: www.expatshowshanghai.cn.
Email: [email protected]