Asian Authority Virginia P'an Secures Beijing Olympics Deal by Integrating East/West Cultures

WESTPORT, Conn., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia P'an, Managing Partner of China Pacific Partners, is no stranger to the nuances of east/west cultures. Her business expertise builds cross border alliances between companies, developing strong international vision and partner networks.

As advisor to both U.S. based SMG, the world leader in managing convention centers and arenas, and Chinese developer Beijing North Star, Ms. P'an helped negotiate a management services contract for the new China National Convention Center.

SMG was awarded a long-term contract to market and manage the China National Convention Center, the International Press and Broadcast Center for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. After the Olympics, it will be converted to a convention center with exhibit and meeting space of over 640,000 square feet. It will be permanently dedicated to hosting many important global conventions and exhibitions.

"Virginia P'an introduced us to an unparalleled opportunity to enter the China market," said SMG president and CEO, Wes Westley. "It is no secret that the greatest new frontier for conventions and trade shows is now in China. To establish our first venue in Beijing at the heart of the Olympic Green is a stellar entry strategy for SMG in Asia. We look forward to continue working with Mrs. P'an and China Pacific Partners on many other international projects," he said.

"This opportunity opens the door to China for many of SMG's clients, vendors, and partners. Having a beach head in Beijing is an important breakthrough as it helps SMG to continue its global network expansion into the Asian Pacific marketplace," commented Ms. P'an.

Ms. P'an is a recognized authority on bridging and interpreting business, cultural and language differences between China, the Pacific Rim and the West. By simplifying cross-cultural processes, her encyclopedic knowledge and understanding of political, economic, social, and cultural issues provides companies with an accurate perspective for both Chinese and Western interests.

"Successful east/west alliances are built by interpreting discussions and negotiations between different cultures," said Ms. P'an. "By integrating cultural nuances in decision making and negotiating etiquette, businesses can share management knowledge and technologies from one side of the ocean to the other. Without this common understanding, east/west companies might miss out on many global and economic opportunities."