Hong Kong has been named as the location for the next Fortune
Global Forum in May 2001, with the theme of "Next Generation Asia".
According to Fortune Multimedia president John Needham, the term "next
generation" was borrowed from the computer industry, and the emphasis of
next year's global forum will be on emerging technology, new economy
companies, youth culture and the impact of the youth market on
business.
"'Next generation' is a euphemism for the future of business, so it
gives us latitude in terms of content for the forum," he said.
Among other topics will be Hong Kong's identity in post-WTO China, and
key issues facing MNCs.
Confirmed sponsors include Arthur Andersen, Bank of China, British
Telecommunications, Dell Computer Corporation, Goldman Sachs and Nortel
Networks.
Invest Hong Kong is the host sponsor, and Cathay Pacific the official
airline.
Last year's Fortune Global Forum in Shanghai was a resounding success -
as Mr Needham put it, "We couldn't keep a lid on it."
More than 300 delegates flew into town to attend, in addition to 200 or
so delegates from within China. Next year, however, the intention is to
keep numbers down to the traditional 150-200 invited delegates.
"Asia has come roaring back," said Mr Needham.
"Hong Kong was chosen as the location for the next global forum because
of its vitality; it is an exciting, cosmopolitan city which is
rebounding strongly.
"Last year, Shanghai used the forum to 'unveil' the Pudong business
district, and China viewed the forum as an important business component
in its 50th anniversary celebrations."
Fortune will publish a special edition to be distributed at the forum,
and Mr Needham is putting together a range of multimedia options for
sponsors and advertisers to take advantage of in reaching the creme de
la creme of the business world who will be at the forum.
"As media has become increasingly fragmented and consumers are more and
more busy and difficult to reach, advertisers need high-impact
multimedia programmes to achieve their communication aims," he said.
For example, Fortune will team up with CNN to create an integrated
print/TV/Web offering for advertisers.
The Fortune Global Forum (which took place in Paris this year) is one of
about 14 conferences that the company organises annually.
.jpg&h=334&w=500&q=100&v=20250320&c=1)
+(1).jpg&h=334&w=500&q=100&v=20250320&c=1)
.jpg&h=334&w=500&q=100&v=20250320&c=1)
.jpg&h=334&w=500&q=100&v=20250320&c=1)
.jpeg&h=334&w=500&q=100&v=20250320&c=1)
.jpg&h=334&w=500&q=100&v=20250320&c=1)
