• Historical high of over 22,000 trade attendees from 32 countries (20% increase)
• 220 exhibitors from China and abroad (6.8% increase)
• Total exhibition space of 9,000 square meters
• More than 50 exhibitors in a special exhibit area for Optics and Manufacturing of Optics

LASER World of PHOTONICS China 2009 took place successfully at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from 17 – 19 March 2009. Although the international economic slowdown is impeding progress in the global laser and photonics industry, the industry is still exhibiting strong growth in China. The growth in exhibitor participation combined with the increase in attendee quantity and quality provides ample evidence that the laser and photonics market in China has a promising future.  
 
Strong Exhibitor Participation Shows Industry Confidence
LASER World of PHOTONICS China maintained its positive growth trend this year. It occupied a total exhibition area of 9,000 square meters (m2). In addition, 220 exhibitors from 14 countries participated, which represents an improvement of 6.8% over 2008. Joseph Hu, vice general manager of IPG (Beijing) Fiber Laser Technology CO., LTD., said, “Though in a global economic slowdown, we are still confident about LASER World of PHOTONICS China, because of the high quality visitors here.”
 
LASER World of PHOTONICS China has always been known for the large number of international key players that exhibit at the event, and this year was no exception. Participating companies from overseas included TRUMPF, ROFIN-SINAR, Coherent, Newport Spectra Physics, nLight, GSI, Miyachi, Laservall, LINOS, and JENOPTIK. The show also included important domestic players, such as Han’s Laser, Chutian, Huagong and Ncrieo. Furthermore, many SME companies from Germany joined the German Pavilion. Besides lasers and laser systems for material processing and for scientific applications, LASER World of PHOTONICS China 2009 also featured a special exhibit area for Optics and Manufacturing of Optics, which consisted of over 50 enterprises.
 
Mr. James Ko, general manager of Tian Jin EO Technics Co., Ltd, commented, “LASER World of PHOTONICS China is very impressive. This is our second year in here. The size of the exhibition is enlarging substantially and having many high quality people. China is a potential market for [the] laser industry; we will definitely come to this exhibition next year.” Mr. Gao Yunfeng, CEO of Han’s Laser also expressed his pleasure, “We appreciate very much such an international platform provided by the organizer, which brings so many high-quality trade visitors here. That is the reason we always follow you no matter in China or in Germany.”
 
High-quality Attendees at a First-class Trade Show
There was much discussion and interaction during the 3-day exhibition. Attendee participation greatly outpaced the expectations of both the organizers and exhibitors alike. A recording-breaking number of over 22,000 visitors from 32 nations and districts participated, which represents an increase of 20% over last year. The best-represented countries outside of China were Korea, the USA, Taiwan, Germany and Hong Kong.
 
Even more importantly, attendee quality has also improved. Experts, industry leaders, decision-makers and buyers flocked to the show. Peter Chen, general manager (China) of Coherent (Beijing) Commercial Co., Ltd, said, “LASER China this year is even better than last year. The visitors increased in both quantity and quality.” Gunther Weinmann, laser technology general manager for TRUMPF China (Hong Kong) Ltd., also drew a favorable conclusion: “The show was very successful, and we had a lot of visitors. Many interested engineers, R&D and production people looked into how they can improve their new production with our laser technology.”
 
Accompanying Events Discuss Industry Trends
Another highlight at the show were the two accompanying events: The 4th International Conference on Laser Processes and Components (LPC 2009) discussed laser micro processing, macro processing, optics components, laser systems and safety, and facilitating cooperation and exchanges between the laser-photonics research community and industrial applications. The Optics Frontier – 2009 “Laser Technology Forum and Outstanding Achievements Release Conference of Chinese Optics 2008” examined the frontier of laser technology and its challenges. Experts from renowned companies all over the world also presented their most advanced laser devices to visitors. Together, the two events featured 48 speaker presentations from 47 experts and attracted over 900 professionals.
 
Four-show Synergy with Strong Government Support
LASER World of PHOTONICS China 2009 again joined hands with electronica & Productronica China, SEMICON China and the CPCA Show under the umbrella of the Shanghai International IT and Electronics Fair (SIIEF). SIIEF 2009 filled nearly 9 exhibition halls, covering over 110,000 m2 of floor space. This synergy produced China’s largest electronics and photonics trade show and provided attendees with a comprehensive platform for communicating and sharing ideas. SIIEF 2009 received great support from the government and from industry associations. Senior officials from the government, such as Lou Qinjian, vice minister from the Ministry of Industry and Information, Ai Baojun, vice mayor of Shanghai, and Li Yiping, director of Shanghai Pudong New Area, presented at the show.
 
LASER World of PHOTONICS China 2010 will be held at Shanghai New International Expo Center from 16 – 18 March 2010.