Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Mr. Paul Kanjanapas, Managing Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., the operator of IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, has unveiled that the company has set aside a budget of 500 million baht to build Sky Bridge connecting IMPACT Challenger 1 and the outdoor area at the side of IMPACT Arena and a 5-storey retail building with approximately 8,000 square meters of floor space that will feature retail stores, restaurants, food court, and outlet stores, serving as a hangout place for those visiting the center to attend concerts. The company has come up with this investment in response to exhibitors’ and organizers’ needs of expanding exhibition space to support the growing popularity of their events.
“Although IMPACT Challenger is the world’s largest column free hall with a combined space of 60,000 square meters and has always been chosen as a preferred venue for large-scale trade fairs and exhibitions at both national and international levels, some events need more space to support an increase in exhibitors, visitors and sales volume as they have become more successful. For example, ThaiFEX and Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair have expanded their floor space to 70,000 square meters and 80,000 square meters respectively by including IMPACT Forum. Meanwhile, OTOP City has spread over IMPACT Exhibition Hall 1-4. And more recently, the Automotive Aftermarket International Trade Fair (AAITF), a part of Thailand International Motor Expo which was held at IMPACT Challenger, took place at IMPACT Forum.”
The Sky Bridge will provide exhibitors, organizers and visitors with a safer, faster and more convenient way to get around the IMPACT compound which comprises more than 140,000 square meters of indoor space and 130,000 square meters of outdoor space with a variety of venue sizes to meet all kinds of event requirements. The new investment will also help IMPACT promote its competitiveness in Thailand’s MICE industry and increase the Center’s occupancy rate which currently stands at around 60%.
Mr. Lek Termtrakul, Director of Facility Management, added that the company has already started the construction of the Sky Bridge. To avoid impacts on the traffic in the area during major trade fairs and exhibitions, the construction is divided into phases, with the first phase expected to be completed and ready for public service during the next Bangkok International Motor Show in March 2016. Initially, the Sky Bridge will be equipped with a roof, railings and lighting. Glass walls, interior décor and air condition system will be added later. Construction of the Sky Bridge is expected to be fully completed during the next ThaiFEX in May 2016. Meanwhile, the 5-storey retail building is scheduled to open in late 2016.
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