PRESS RELEASE 8 (MAY 2005)
For Immediate Release
AQUARAMA 2005 IS A TOTAL SELL-OUT
The figures are impressive: over 230 exhibiting companies from 25 countries in 10,000 sqm of display area. In other words, a total sell-out. And... significantly... these figures have not been achieved at the last minute; they were already a reality with nearly two months to spare. Aquarama 2005 is therefore well and truly set to become yet another record breaker... and not just because of the enthusiastic support from its exhibitors.
The International Fish Competition, too, is the largest ever, with around 1,300 entries which will be judged by a panel of 32 internationally renowned experts from 17 countries, headed by Chief Judge, John Dawes, who also presided over the 2003 event. Commenting on the outstanding response to this year's competition, John emphasised: "We are truly delighted at the number of entries that we've received, not just from Singapore itself, but from several other countries as well. There is no doubt that the Aquarama International Fish Competition is now the leading event of its kind in the world. Indeed, the number of entries we have received for several categories has been so overwhelming that we have had no option but to close the door early for the Dragon Fish, Goldfish, Betta, Discus and Guppies... a truly enviable position to be in.
"The Marine Tank Competition - a brand-new feature this year - has also been exceptionally well received with 20 entries from several countries, including Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Israel and, of course, Singapore".
The Aquarama Pre-registration Programme, too, has proved extremely popular, having received over 1,000 pre-registrations, 80% of which are from overseas. As Linda Tan, senior project manager, says: "With all the positives we already have in place, we are confident that the trade visitorship will turn out to be yet another record-breaking step in Aquarama's history and that, as a result, the investment that exhibitors have made in us will bag many good returns".
The Guest of Honour this year will, once more, be Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Second Minister at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore. During the official opening ceremony, Dr. Balakrishnan will be invited to unveil the new logo for Aquarama 2007, which will mark the 10th staging or anniversary of the event.
As on every previous staging of Aquarama, the 2005 edition contains many additional attractions. Among these is a superb water garden display within the InterGarden section of the hall. Designed by some of the top companies of the sector: OASE and Eschbach (both from Germany), Takasho (Japan) and Goodwood Florist and Agro Polis (both from Singapore), this colourful exhibition will certainly delight all visitors and will demonstrate in spectacular fashion what a little creativity can do.
As always, Aquarama will also play host to some rare or never-before-seen fish. Some will appear within the Fish Competition, but others will be incorporated by exhibitors in their booth displays. The latest of these to be added to the long list is a most unusual snow-white South American arowana (close cousin of the dragon fish) produced by Aro Dynasty of Singapore. The whole body of this elegant fish contrasts beautifully with its jet-black eye and should, along with all the other 'new' fish, add further spice to Aquarama 2005, cementing yet further its undisputed reputation as the top all-aquatic trade exhibition, competition and conference in the world.
http://www.aquarama.com.sg