Architect Expo '63 has been postponed to 2021 with a full digital technology upgrade to meet the new normal offering a grander exhibition experience under the theme “Refocus Heritage”

       Due to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting both business operations and the industry, the Association of Siamese Architects under the Royal Patronage, in collaboration with N.C.C. Exhibition Organizer Co., Ltd. (Neo), has decided to postpone Architect Expo '63, originally scheduled for July 7-12, 2020, to April 27 - May 2, 2021, at Challenger Hall, Impact Muang Thong Thani, under the name Architect Expo '64 'Refocus Heritage' according to the year of the event.


      Mr. Chana Sampalang, President of the Association of Siamese Architects stated, “The organizing committee has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation over the past weeks and has carefully considered the possibility of a second wave. The Association of Siamese Architects and the organizing committee concluded that postponing the event is the best solution.

        Postponing the event to next year will help reduce the risk of the pandemic, as well as prepare to welcome exhibitors and visitors. Since Architect Expo is an international exhibition showcasing many products and brands from abroad, we hope this decision will instill confidence and comfort in everyone attending the exhibition. The Association of Siamese Architects will continuously provide updates and information regarding the event.

        Dr. Wasu Posayanant, Chairman of Architect Expo '64 said, “For Architect Expo '64, we still intend to maintain the original theme, 'Refocus Heritage', which aims to adjust perspectives and enhance understanding of the concept of 'heritage' in various dimensions. It is about rethinking the old in a different light, as seen in the case of the demolition of the Bombay Burmah building in Phrae province, which sparked significant social discourse. This highlights that issues of conservation and heritage are closely tied to daily life and are of public interest. The Association hopes this case will be a pivotal moment that increases the appreciation and importance of heritage, and it will be interesting to see how this event impacts society's awareness of heritage conservation. Anyone interested is welcome to attend the event.

Additionally, the organizing committee has decided to modify various aspects of Architect Expo '64 to ensure greater safety for exhibitors and attendees. The Association plans to integrate technology into the exhibition to allow some visitors to experience the event from home while still enjoying a similar experience to being at the actual event. The international seminar activities, ASA Forum, are also considering using technology for broadcasting to reduce crowding and enable interested parties to receive information from home, marking a new chapter in the history of Architect Expo.


Another new feature at Architect Expo '64 is the establishment of an advisory committee comprising representatives from all architectural professional associations, including the Association of Architects, the Architects Council, the Association of Interior Designers of Thailand, and the Association of Landscape Architects of Thailand. This committee will provide guidance to ensure Architect Expo '64 meets the needs of architects and stakeholders while creating new dimensions and instilling confidence in the architectural community.


        Mr. Sakchai Patthaprichakul, Managing Director of N.C.C. Exhibition Organizer Co., Ltd. or Neo, the organizer of Architect Expo '64 stated, “Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and various travel restrictions to control the spread of the virus, participants and visitors from both Thailand and abroad have faced difficulties in attending the event. The organizing committee believes that postponing Architect Expo to 2021 will help us enhance our readiness in every aspect, with a commitment to continuously elevate and improve the event's effectiveness.


       After meeting with partners across ASEAN and holding press conferences in neighboring countries, we received positive feedback from various associations expressing interest in participating in the event, such as the Cambodia Business Association (CBA), Malaysia Hotel Association (MHA), Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), Lao Business Women's Association (LBWA), Singapore Furniture Industries Council (STAS), Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Federation (MCEF).

        Additionally, leading companies related to the architectural industry, building and construction operators, and real estate developers from ASEAN member countries are currently developing numerous construction projects. Once the situation stabilizes, we believe that next year's Architect Expo will continue to be the premier platform showcasing the largest technology and innovation in architecture and construction materials in ASEAN, contributing to the gradual improvement of Thailand's economy.


       Several exhibitors have already confirmed their participation in Architect Expo '64, including AT EAST DESIGN CO., LTD., DELTA ELECTRONICS (THAILAND) PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED, LIGHTING AND EQUIPMENT PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED, TPI POLENE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED, CNP PLASTIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., AEROFLEX CO., LTD., SYSTEM FORM CO., LTD., ISHIMOK (THAILAND) CO., LTD., among others.

      To support businesses in recovering after the crisis, Neo has prepared strategies for both online and offline platforms to provide a stage for entrepreneurs to showcase their capabilities, along with organizing training seminars via Webinar, adding a Live Chat system for speakers to directly answer questions and concerns from attendees in real-time, live streaming through Facebook Live and the event's website, as well as organizing various activities to allow entrepreneurs to use the event as part of their marketing strategy and drive their businesses to grow continuously.

Architect Expo '64 'Refocus Heritage' will be held from April 27 -
May 2, 2021, at Challenger Hall, Impact Muang Thong Thani, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

 

Source: Association of Siamese Architects under the Royal Patronage