As the dust settles from a turbulent period in China’s domestic economy, one venue emerges with clarity, purpose and a renewed sense of momentum. Shenyang New World EXPO has begun to turn heads—both at home and abroad—not only for the scale and sophistication of its facilities but also for its ability to steer the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry into its next phase.
At the centre of this quiet revolution is John Chan, the newly appointed General Manager. He’s not one for fanfare but speaks with conviction. “We’re not waiting for favourable winds,” he says. We’re adjusting our sails.”
The story of Shenyang EXPO in 2024–2025 isn’t just about brick and mortar. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and a city awakening to its global potential.
2024: A Year of Retrenchment and Reflection
Mr. John Chan, General Manager of Shenyang New World EXPO
When 2024 arrived, optimism was in short supply across many industries. China’s real estate market had been dragging down confidence for months, and its effect was spilling over into other sectors—including events and exhibitions. “It was hard to ignore,” Chan admits. “Cash flows were tightening, investment appetites had cooled, and marketing departments were taking a scalpel to event budgets.”
The result? A measurable decline in exhibition bookings across the country. Government-related conventions—a steady pillar of the events calendar—were particularly affected. In Shenyang, state-backed gatherings at EXPO fell by nearly 40% from the previous year.
It wasn’t all economic, either. A nationwide push to streamline public spending added another layer of pressure. But amid the cancellations and postponements, Chan saw something others missed: “When the storm passes, the question becomes—who’s ready to lead?”
Beyond Survival: The New Mission
Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade
What followed wasn’t a retrenchment but a reset. Rather than chase lost business or dwell on government withdrawals, Chan and his team set their sights on repositioning EXPO—and Shenyang itself—as a serious player in the Asia-Pacific events circuit.
And it wasn’t just wishful thinking. Early 2025 saw the release of several significant policy signals, including the Special Action Plan for Boosting Consumption and a bold Foreign Investment Stabilisation Strategy. Add to that the State Council’s ambitious 2035 national spatial plan, and suddenly, the clouds began to part.
“Policies can be a compass,” says Chan. “But what matters most is what you do with them. That’s where we focused: action, not anticipation.”
The Emergence of Shenyang on the MICE Radar
The Enterprise’s Annual Party at Shenyang New World EXPO
Shenyang has always been a city with industrial muscle—home to automotive manufacturing, aviation, and logistics. But its emergence as a regional events and exhibitions capital is a newer story, one driven not by historical legacy but strategic reinvention.
“Shenyang is geographically gifted,” says Chan, pointing to its location at the crossroads of Northeast Asia. “It’s two hours from Seoul, three from Tokyo, and has direct rail links to the rest of China. That’s a dream for business travellers.”
But, geography alone won’t fill expo halls. That’s why the local government has begun pouring resources into beautifying the city, overhauling transport infrastructure, improving multilingual signage, and promoting cultural tourism—all prerequisites, Chan says, for a truly international event destination.
Why EXPO? Why Now?
EXPO’s rise isn’t accidental—it’s the result of long-term vision and the practical detail that event organisers crave. Here’s what makes it stand apart:
Launch Ceremony and Investment Promotion Event for the Development of Shenyang as an International Central City in Northeast Asia
Location, Location, Location
Just 20 minutes from Shenyang Taoxian International Airport and the city’s high-speed rail station, EXPO is seamlessly accessible. Nestled along the Golden Corridor, the venue sits within arm’s reach of the Shenyang CBD, K11 Art Mall, and New World Shenyang Hotel.
World-Class Infrastructure
The numbers are compelling:
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24,000 sqm of column-free exhibition space
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4,000 sqm of configurable meeting and banquet areas
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Over 20,000 upscale hotel rooms within a 10-kilometre radius
“Exhibitors aren’t just renting space,” Chan insists. “They’re buying peace of mind.”
Service Philosophy: What You Don’t See Is What Matters Most
Behind the polished marble and LED walls lies a human-centred operating culture that is EXPO’s true engine. Managed by Shenyang New World EXPO (Management) Limited, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed CTF Services Ltd, the venue draws on 30+ years of expertise—including stewardship of the iconic Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
China National Computer Congress
“Our belief is simple,” Chan says. “Deliver what’s expected, then exceed it quietly.”
That means:
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Rapid response teams for on-site issues
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Bespoke client engagement pre- and post-event
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Routine service audits and anonymous attendee surveys
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A culture where “good enough” is never good enough
A Forward View: Rebuilding Through Relevance
The path ahead isn’t without challenges. Many small and mid-sized players in the exhibition ecosystem remain on shaky ground. Yet, Chan believes the convention industry’s revival won’t come from imitation but from differentiation.
That’s why EXPO is investing in:
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Hybrid-ready halls that accommodate in-person and virtual audiences
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Eco-conscious event practices in line with national sustainability goals
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Local SME partnerships to drive economic integration
Perhaps most notably, EXPO is developing knowledge-sharing platforms that empower planners, suppliers, and public officials to co-create more innovative, more adaptive events.
Advocating for the Industry at Large
Chan doesn’t mince words when it comes to advocacy: “Governments must recognise the MICE industry as a multiplier—not just of GDP, but of reputation, innovation and soft power.”
He calls for:
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Targeted tax relief for MICE enterprises
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Incentives for international event organisers
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Infrastructure grants for tier-two MICE cities like Shenyang
“The return on investment,” he says, “is exponential.”
Conclusion: The Quiet Confidence of a City Reborn
Something is refreshing about EXPO’s ascent. It hasn’t relied on flashy campaigns or headline-grabbing announcements. Instead, it’s been a masterclass in focus, discipline and service—qualities that don’t always make front-page news but often shape it.
John Chan’s leadership is emblematic of the venue itself: not loud or flashy but grounded, strategic, and quietly confident.
Shenyang New World EXPO is more than a building. It’s a bellwether. If China’s MICE sector is heading toward a renaissance, this may be where it begins.
Written by Charnaine Lu
