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China boasts a booming economy and its capital city, Beijing will host the 2008 Summer Olympics. The city also has an remarkable new venue, the China National Convention Center in Beijing, a 500,000-square-foot facility, in the heart of the 2008 Olympic Green. The center will serve as media center and host some indoor sporting events for the 2008 Summer Games, then will open for business in 2009—and will be managed by SMG.

SMG was awarded a contract by Beijing North Star Company Limited to provide consulting and marketing services to the China National Convention Center. Beijing North Star Company Limited developed the China National Convention Center project and has been awarded the master plan development contract for the Olympic Green, alongside BNS’ existing Beijing International Convention Center and Crowne Plaza Park View Wuzhou Beijing.

"It is no secret that the greatest new frontier for conventions and trade shows exists in China," said Gregg Caren, Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development, SMG. "To establish our first venue in the nation’s capital city, in the heart of the Olympic Green is simply the best possible opportunity we could have hoped for."

In his position SMG, Caren has focused on developing international markets and with China increasing its global profile, it was a natural place for SMG to head. "As the Chinese keep opening doors for international and western niche events, we are anxious to expand our relationship with key organizers in this extraordinary venue and destination, while providing our traditionally high standard of facility management and marketing expertise," said Caren.

Adjacent to the China National Convention Center are two newly constructed four- and five-star hotels, including the new InterContinental Hotel Beijing Beichen, with a total of 800 guest rooms. Within one mile, there is an additional lodging inventory of almost 5,000 rooms. In this capital city of 15 million, the facility will offer all-important rail access, via a new line, connecting the Olympic Village to Beijing’s city center and sits on the 4th Ring Road, which has easy access to the new Airport Expressway. One of the first events hosted by the new venue will be the China Incentive Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition.

"Beijing North Star Company Limited and SMG are both successful and well known in their individual arenas," said Zhao Huizhi, CEO of Beijing North Star Company Limited. "While it has taken a long period of negotiation, we are now prepared to work together toward a uniform goal."

Establishing the SMG brand in the important capital city of Beijing is a very exciting move for us," said Wes Westley, President and CEO, SMG. "The gap between east and west is becoming smaller and smaller in our industry. This move to the Asia-Pacific region parallels the mission of many of our largest event organizer clients."

"We have full confidence that the China National Convention Center will benefit from SMG’s consulting services and will soon become a leading convention center in the world," added Huizhi. "Our successful cooperation would also enhance the reputation of SMG in Asia. I truly believe we can expect a profitable relationship for both of us."