The world's largest show for water and waste handling technology, commonly known as IFAT, is held in Munich, Germany, every three years. Messe Müchen Intl., who organize the massive European convention, also produce IFAT China, which is coming to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre Sept. 23-25, 2008.

About IFAT China

IFAT China is a comprehensive trade fair for practical solutions in the areas of water supply, sewage treatment, waste disposal, recycling, air pollution control, environmental technology and more environmentally compatible energy sources in Asia. The trade fair is international in character and is accompanied by a supporting program for the trade. IFAT China 2006 had 284 exhibitors from 25 countries and approximately 10,000 visitors from 66 countries. Officially, the event will be called the Third International Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Refuse, Recycling and Natural Energy Sources.

Taking place in parallel with IFAT China in Halls E4 and E5, will be the fourth Analytica China International Trade Fair for Analysis, Biotechnology, Diagnostics, Laboratory Technology and Services. For further information on this event, go to www.analyticachina.com.

How to get there

Figure 1: A layout of Shanghai. The expo centre is in the lower right-hand corner

The expo centre is located about half way between the Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao Airport. Pudong is 35 km to the east and Hongqiao is 32 km to the west. Taxis, buses or magnetic lift trains are available for transportation.

The centre is located in Pudong's key economic development zone. There is a public traffic interchange for bus and metro, named "Longyang Road Station" and is located at Longyan Road. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the station to the fairground. The centre is located in the southeast corner of the map (see Figure 1). There is also a subway system that can be taken to most parts of the city.

The official travel agency for the event is the Shanghai Vision Expo & Meeting Solutions Co. Ltd. Contact either George Zhou at +86 (0) 21 5481 6051 or by e-mail at george@shanghai-vision.com, or Jack Gu at +86 (0) 21 5481 6052 or by e-mail at jackgu@shanghai-vision.com.

What to expect

Eastern Asia has been experiencing exponential growth, and the environmental industry is along for the ride. Under strict regulations inherent in a centrally planned economy, the constant building in China has led to numerous environmental infrastructure challenges that the government and the people are eager to tackle. People and companies from all over the world are converging to help meet those needs. As a result of meeting others at this event, it is possible that opportunities will be found in all corners of the globe. It will be worth the trip. For additional information, visit www.ifat-china.com/en. PE