ISOT 2001

From July 12 - July 14, 2001 Asia's largest trade exhibition for stationery and office products, the 12th International Stationery and Office Products Tokyo (ISOT 2001), opens at 'Tokyo Big Sight', Japan's international exhibition centre located in Ariake, the convenient waterfront district of central Tokyo,.

More than 500 companies from some 20 countries and regions are already preparing a comprehensive range of the world's most exciting stationery and office products to exhibit at this, Japan's leading international industry trade event. The extensive line-up of high quality exhibits is expected to, once again, attract in the region of 40,000 trade attendees from approximately 40 different countries/regions to do business in the ISOT exhibition halls, said a spokesperson for the show organizers, Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.

Japan, alone, is the world's second largest market for stationery and office products and ISOT, now in its 12th year, is firmly established as the major business event of the year for Japan's stationery industry. ISOT 2001 will bring together all the big names in Japan, including King Jim, Kokuyo, Mitsubishi Pencil, Pentel, Pilot, Sakura Color Products, Sumitomo 3M, Sun Star, Tombow, Zebra and others, as well as specialist small and medium sized comparties that are not found at any other international shows.

ISOT is not only at the heart of Japan's enormous market, it is also widely regarded as the key venue to access markets throughout Asia, said the spokesperson for the show organizers. The largest international trade event in Asia, exhibitors and buyers from throughout the region focus on ISOT as an unequalled venue for international trade.

As the major annual trade event for the massive market of Japan and other Asian markets, business at ISOT is extensive. The continual year-onyear increase in the number of overseas exhibitors at ISOT reflects the strong business results achieved at this fair. The number of visitors from Europe, USA, and Oceania is also constantly increasing as ISOT's reputation as a trade fair for high-quality products and as a venue for the launch of new products continues to grow, providing a further bonus to exhibitors.

Among the line up of features at this year's show, trade visitors can find the industry leaders from Taiwan, Korea, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, UK, USA and China in prominent national pavilions; witness the launch of a wide range of the world's newest products and most innovative technology in the annual competition for the prestigious 'Stationery of the Year Award' and; discover products addressing the latest industry issues and trends, from both famous and emerging names of the domestic and international industry, in six Special Exhibit Corners.

The Special Exhibit Corners are created to address current areas of particularly strong market demand. This year the six corners are: Bags and Business Accessories, an area that is always popular; Designers Equipment and Painting Materials, with every kind of tool imaginable; Ecological Stationery, a huge growth area; Retailer Sideline Supplies, benefiting from the sharp increase in the range of new retail outlets now stocking stationery products such as convenience, discount and drug stores, home centres and supermarkets; OA Supplies, offering every type of computer consumable from disks to mouse pads, paper to disk storage; and Office Machinery, a showcase for all types of office equipment from air cleaners to white boards. These special corners ensure maximum exhibit visibility and attract enormous interest from buyers in this market where, to be competitive, it is vital to stay at the forefront of industry trends.

Further enhancing ISOT's reputation as a showcase for the latest industry trends and directions is the presentation of the annual `Stationery of the Year Award'. Intense industry and media attention is focused on the products competing for this prestigious title which provides just one more reason that companies from all over the world rely on ISOT as a venue for the launch of their new products and technology.

With so much to offer, ISOT is recognised throughout the world industry as being a venue for leading-edge technological advancements, high-quality products and a comprehensive range of exhibits. Exhibitors as well as buyers comment that ISOT inspires product development and marketing strategies as an additional bonus, on top of the strong business at the fair. Vigorous promotional activities including direct mail and telemarketing campaigns, VIP invitations, Show Directory listing of exhibitors and an opening day Reception Party ensure the large numbers of highly motivated buyers can meet the right exhibit ors. Particularly popular is the annual Reception Party which offers a rare opportunity for exhibitors and buyers to meet in a social environment assisting the establishment of valuable new networks and the maintenance of strong relationships with existing business contacts.

Whether 'testing-the-waters' in a new market, planning a grand-scale launch of a new product or concept, looking for new markets or expanding existing business, ISOT is the place where you can meet the right people.