The Asia Performance Entertainment Expo (APEX), the first and largest trade show for the performance and entertainment industry in Asia, wrapped up on November 19, 2023, with a total of over HKD100 million in business value generated during the three-day event.
APEX showcases the latest trends and innovations in the industry
APEX, which was held at the Venetian Macao from November 17 to 19, 2023, attracted more than 300 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors from over 20 countries and regions, including China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Australia, and the United States.
The expo featured a wide range of products and services related to the performance and entertainment industry, such as stage equipment, lighting, sound, special effects, costumes, props, makeup, training, education, management, marketing, and more.
APEX also showcased the latest trends and innovations in the industry, such as 5G technology, virtual reality, augmented reality, holograms, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.
Some of the highlights of the expo included:
- A 5G live streaming platform that allows viewers to watch performances in real time from different angles and perspectives, as well as interact with the performers and other audience members through chat and social media.
- A virtual reality system that creates immersive and realistic experiences for users, such as being on stage with their favorite artists, attending concerts and festivals, or exploring different cultures and locations.
- An augmented reality app that enhances the visual and audio effects of live shows, such as adding fireworks, lasers, animations, and subtitles, as well as providing information and trivia about the performers and the venues.
- A hologram projector that creates lifelike and high-definition images of performers, celebrities, and historical figures, as well as allows users to communicate and interact with them.
- An artificial intelligence platform that analyzes the preferences and behaviors of the audience, as well as the performance data and feedback, and provides personalized recommendations and suggestions for improving the quality and profitability of the shows.
- A blockchain system that secures and verifies the transactions and contracts between the performers, the organizers, the sponsors, and the fans, as well as protects the intellectual property rights and the privacy of the parties involved.
APEX fosters cooperation and exchange among the industry players
APEX also provided a platform for the industry players to network, cooperate, and exchange ideas and insights, as well as to explore new opportunities and markets.
The expo hosted several forums, seminars, workshops, and competitions, featuring experts, scholars, practitioners, and influencers from the industry, who shared their knowledge, experience, and vision on various topics, such as:
- The impact and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance and entertainment industry, and the strategies and solutions for recovery and resilience.
- The development and prospects of the performance and entertainment industry in the Greater Bay Area, and the potential and benefits of cross-border collaboration and integration.
- The best practices and case studies of successful and innovative performance and entertainment projects, such as Broadway shows, Cirque du Soleil, Disney, Universal Studios, and more.
- The emerging and future trends and technologies in the performance and entertainment industry, and the opportunities and risks they bring.
- The skills and competencies required for the performance and entertainment professionals in the digital age, and the resources and platforms available for training and education.
APEX also organized several cultural and artistic activities, such as performances, exhibitions, demonstrations, and showcases, featuring local and international artists and groups from various genres and disciplines, such as music, dance, theater, comedy, magic, acrobatics, and more.
APEX receives positive feedback and support from the industry and the government
APEX received positive feedback and support from the exhibitors, the visitors, the speakers, the performers, and the media, who praised the expo for its professionalism, diversity, creativity, and quality.
APEX also received support and recognition from the government and the industry associations, who expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the expo’s contribution to the development and promotion of the performance and entertainment industry in Asia.
The organizers of APEX, the Macau Convention and Exhibition Association and the Macau Performance and Entertainment Association, announced that they were very satisfied and proud of the results and achievements of the expo, and that they were looking forward to hosting the next edition of APEX in 2024.
They also thanked the sponsors, the partners, the exhibitors, the visitors, the speakers, the performers, the media, and the staff for their participation and cooperation, and for making APEX a successful and memorable event.
