Cutting-edge conventions launch Daegu’s specialized industries to the next level

DAEGU, Republic of Korea - Having fashioned a place for itself among the world’s leading textile epicenters, Daegu is acclaimed for its fashion and textile industry. Yet it is home to several equally successful industries that are not as well-known. Now the city is getting a boost in its efforts to raise these thriving industries to the same level of distinction.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization have recognized Daegu’s success in the field of region-specialized conventions. Most notably, the International Textile & Fashion Vision Forum (TEXFO) has flourished in its cooperation with the Daegu Convention and Visitors Bureau (DCVB) and four local textile and fashion institutions.

The Daegu Convention and Visitors Bureau is investing in the future of TEXFO as well as the 14th International Meeting on Information Display (IMID) and the 2014 Asian Robotic Camp for Colorectal Surgeons (ARCCS). By connecting local expertise with these international events, DCVB is striving to take these industries to the next level.

The big picture
In recent years, the Daegu Convention and Visitors Bureau has shifted its attention from attracting conventions to cultivating the ones that already have a strong foundation in Daegu. Focusing on quality rather than quantity, DCVB is laying the groundwork for these conventions to flourish.
DCVB strives to distinguish Daegu as the leading hub for innovation and development within the textile, display and surgical robotics industry. It envisions world-renowned events that attract industry leaders from around the globe. As Silicon Valley is synonymous with the tech industry, Daegu is working to gain the same status among these select industries.

Ripple effect
Economic development is at the forefront of DCVB’s plan. Investing in these three region-specialized conventions is sure to set off a ripple effect through the local economy starting with established businesses. The benefits of participating in events of this scale are invaluable. The conventions allow local leaders to network with domestic and overseas professionals in universities, companies and institutes related with Daegu’s major industries.

DCVB has set its sights on ambitious, long-term goals in regards to nurturing these select industries. High-quality region-specialized conventions send a clear message to industry leaders: Daegu is fertile ground for industrial infrastructure to take root.

Powerhouse of expertise
Daegu’s region-specialized conventions offer a glimpse inside the city’s wealth of expertise. Home to four of Korea’s seven textile and fashion institutes, 49.3 percent of the country’s textile company research institutes and 20.2 of the country’s textile companies, fashion and textiles is a well established industry in Daegu.

The birthplace of Samsung Group, Daegu is at the center of the information and communications technology industry. Local experts in this field include Gumi National Industrial Complex, Kyungpook National University Advanced Display Manufacturing Research Center, Display Technology Research Center and DGIST.

IMID is a unique opportunity to learn and share groundbreaking technology and information from global companies like Samsung and LG. Every year, more than 300 experts participate in the event.

In the same tradition of innovation, Daegu stands as a leader of the medical industry in Korea. The city is home to a high-tech medical complex and a myriad of medical institutions such as the Brain Research Institution and the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine.

The surgical robotics industry has thrived in this environment. ARCCS is the only international conference on colorectal robotic surgery and surgical robots are used in most colorectal cancer surgeries.

The Colorectal Cancer Center at Kyungpook National University in Daegu has played a vital role in pioneering minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery. In addition to leading many clinical trials, the center’s scholars are regularly published in prestigious academic journals.

Daegu’s medical robotics research infrastructure also includes Kyungpook National University robot industry improvement center, the Center for Pragmatic Research in Robotics of DGIST and the intelligent robot research team of Daegu Mechatronics & Materials Institute.

Full circle
The Daegu Convention and Visitors Bureau is working to ensure that these region-specialized conventions reach their full potential by reaching out to local specialty industries. It offers these businesses support so that they can reap the benefits of participating in these events. This includes supporting local businesses by connecting them with a network of others in their profession and coordinating events.

Conventions have the potential to be strong marketing tools, a place to share ideas and access the latest technology or spark relationships between professionals. Not only does investing in these events create opportunities for local industry; it paves the way for new growth. In addition, other sectors of the local economy, such as tourism, will get a boost from the influx of new industry and an increase in visitors. Together, these conventions have the power to redefine Daegu as a premier destination for these select industries.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews