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Team Leader's Notes from the 2014 Essen International Tire Exhibition in Germany
03-19
In 2012, I led a group to the Essen Tire Exhibition in Germany for the first time. Two years later, returning to Germany, I naturally felt a sense of revisiting familiar places. During that week in Germany, I learned that the temperature in Jinan had soared to 38℃, making it unbearably hot; while Essen was only 15℃, even wearing a coat in the mornings and evenings still felt a little chilly, and there was occasional light rain. I couldn't help but feel a little schadenfreude towards my friends back home.
Audience waiting to enter

The Frankfurt Middle East Dubai Auto Parts Exhibition was about to open a week later. To facilitate the company's subsequent participation in the Dubai exhibition and meet the travel requirements of different personnel, the German exhibition group arranged two itineraries: round trip from Germany and round trip from Germany to Dubai. Flights included both direct and connecting flights. Two years ago, when I came to Germany, a visa interview was required, and arrival cards needed to be filled out on the plane. This time, these hassles were eliminated, making the trip much more pleasant. The only thing that might be inconvenient for Chinese people is the long wait for tax refunds at the airport. The long queues mean that arriving at the airport several hours in advance is definitely a wise move.
Photo taken at the exhibition

This year's tour added ZONS town and the Dutch OUTLETS to last year's itinerary, allowing guests to enjoy the picturesque scenery of European towns while taking home plenty of souvenirs. Dinner arrangements were diverse, including pork knuckle meals, hot pot, buffets, and table service, and we also sampled several authentic German beers. The boxed lunches included additional side dishes and yogurt not offered by other tour groups. Wireless network cards were also provided in the exhibition hall... Our tour leaders and travel agency put a lot of thought into providing the best possible experience for our guests. Areas for improvement will be addressed, and we hope to do even better next time.
Tasting German pork knuckle

This year's exhibition attracted approximately 650 tire manufacturers and trading companies from 44 countries and regions worldwide. More than two-thirds of the exhibitors were from outside Germany, with approximately 140 Chinese companies. World-renowned tire giants such as Goodyear (USA), Michelin (France), Continental (Germany), Hankook (South Korea), Pirelli (Italy), Cooper (USA), Weihai Triangle, Yantai Linglong, and Hangzhou Zhongce were all present. The four-day exhibition attracted 19,000 professional visitors from over 130 countries and regions worldwide, with more than half from outside Germany. Over 90% of the visitors were decision-makers in their companies. All the data shows the importance, influence, and high level of professionalism of the Essen International Tire Exhibition. Immediately after the exhibition, we received news that the United Steelworkers (USW) had requested the US International Trade Commission to launch anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations into Chinese passenger car and light truck tires. Compared to the volatile US market, the European market is relatively stable. I sincerely hope that the Chinese companies participating in this exhibition will all secure large orders from the European market and grow into world-renowned companies like Goodyear, Michelin, and Continental.
Exhibition scene

In the evenings, when most of the group members were asleep, I would often go to the hotel bar with Jack (a group member) and a few others for drinks. A few glasses of dark beer and "Lady’s Beer" later, we would relax, chat casually, and enjoy the peaceful and leisurely time after a busy day. May such beautiful moments always be with us.
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