ADFEST POSTPONED, CITES TROUBLE RISKS
The "difficult political situation" has forced organisers of The Asia Pacific Advertising Festival 2010 (ADFEST) to postpone the event for a couple of months.
The event, which was set to be held in Pattaya from March 18-20, was set to bring many of the regions top advertising executives to Thailand. Organisers hope to rearrange the event for mid-May.
Speaking to Media Asia Vinit Suraphongchai, chairman of the festival's working committee, said he was extremely disappointed that the festival has had to be postponed. "The political situation is fluid in Thailand. If we go ahead and there is unrest, we will be hard pressed to explain the situation. In light of the current situation, we would rather be safe than sorry."
Expressing surprise at the decision to postpone the event David Guerrero, chairman and chief creative officer of BBDO Guerrero/Proximity Philippines, said: "I didnt think the situation in Thailand was so bad. It's a shame. We had actually planned a regional meeting in Thailand around the same time."
Personally I don't think the situation in Thailand is bad enough to warrant a decision like this. Last year's Publish Asia event fell vicitm to the political instability but the event has been rescheduled for Bangkok in May this year. I am not aware of any other events that have been postponed or cancelled this time.
2 comments:
The situation might actually get ugly. Maybe not airport-closing ugly, but the reds could make things very inconvenient for a lot of people.
Putting on an event in Thailand is a thankless task, and trying to out-think the red & yellow political mobs and the knee-jerk reactions of the government is impossible.
So no wonder organizers just say better safe than sorry and call the whole thing off.
What are the costs? Who knows? Lots of missed opportunities for networking and investment. Hope they reschedule and put on a successful event.
WK, thanks for your comments as always.
Perhaps I am underestimating what might happen? A lot of people (driven by the media) were building up last Friday as D-day - and that didn't happen. I still think something has to happen, but let's hope it's not as bad as some people think.
I do know one person who was planning to attend this event who is now left with worthless airline tickets and hotel reservations. He's not going to be covered by his insurance for this cancellation so, understandably, his image of Thailand has been tarnished somewhat. He even told me he might not bother coming back to any rescheduled event. I hope others are not of the same opinion.
Post a Comment