The 7th International Gaming and Entertainment Expo, along with two other relevant expos, opened here on Wednesday, with over 50 leading suppliers of gaming, professional audio and lighting equipment showcasing their new products in the exhibitions.

The organizer of these three expos, Coastal International Exhibition Co. Ltd, expected that by combining the relevant expos in one venue, and providing one-stop services, these exhibitions will draw in 5,000 potential buyers.

In addition to the three-day gaming expo, the multiple exhibition event also included The Third International Audio, Lighting and Performance Entertainment Expo, and the International Amusement and Game Machine Expo, all of which were held at the convention and exhibition center of Venetian Macao casino resort, the biggest of its kind in Asia.

The organizer said in a press release that many of the exhibitors have participated in the last edition of these expos, making the exhibitions "the most comprehensive sourcing and networking platform for professionals in the gaming and entertainment industries in the region."

Macao's convention and exhibition industries were appearing to be the rising star in the economic development of the island city, as local government sought to diversify its gaming-led economy.

However, behind the booming scene of the industry, problem still looms. "It is still difficult to run exhibitions here, for the industry has not yet formed its set rules, which has led to a lot of operational problems," said Yau Shu Tak, executive manger of Coastal International Exhibition Co., Ltd..

He added that industry in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland both have their own set of rules to standardize the operations, which can facilitate exhibition organizers and avoid problems such as events of similar themes being held at a short interval.

(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2008)