Current Industry News
GAC Announces Launch of GAC Events Asia
After delivering ‘Satisfaction’ to The Rolling Stones and countless organizers of concerts, exhibitions and other events for more than a decade, GAC has strengthened its niche position as Asia’s leading events logistics specialist with the establishment of GAC Events Asia.
The new service builds on GAC’s growing reputation as the service provider to meet the complex and challenging demands of event promoters and organizers throughout Asia. Since the mid-1990s, GAC has successfully managed the logistics for shows staged by Alicia Keys, Robbie Williams, Shakira, The Rolling Stones and Christina Aguilera, as well as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) tours. The Group was also the exclusive logistics partner for the 15th Doha Asian Games in 2006.
From its regional base in Singapore, GAC Events Asia offers a complete portfolio of services from international air/sea freight, customs clearance, packing, onsite supervision and set-up, as well as contingency planning and preparedness.
Group Vice President for GAC Logistics, Bill Hill says the launch of GAC Events Asia is a timely move that capitalizes on the region’s booming economy and steady growth in the events sector across the board, from entertainment performances and sport tournaments to trade exhibitions and conferences. The complex and demanding nature of event logistics demands a combination of a strong network, contacts and experience.
‘Precision planning and execution is essential to ensure that all cargo – from staging, sound systems to costumes and props – arrive safely and as scheduled. There is zero margin for error,’ he adds.
‘GAC is the leading provider in music events logistics management of any scale and complexity in Asia. We have been a familiar name in the sector, particularly in handling ‘live’ performances, for over a decade. What’s new now, with the launch of GAC Events Asia, is our ability to consolidate our expertise and skills, and market our services directly to the decision makers.’
GAC Events Asia General Manager, Ronnie Soon, says the streamlined process offers customers significant benefits, including a single point of contact and access to the GAC global network. Customers will also be able to tap into GAC’s global purchasing power for competitive rates and access space - even during peak times – and rely on the Group’s innovative approach to moving items with unique requirements or product launches.
‘We have moved everything from one-of-a-kind, fragile items such as Sesame Street’s Big Bird and costly, highly-sensitive sound consoles to the charter of aircraft for several big names in pop and rock,’ he says. ‘With the launch of GAC Events Asia, we look forward to handling many more.’
The GAC Group (GAC) is a large independent shipping, logistics and marine services provider, with over 260 offices worldwide.
Established in 1956, GAC’s core business covers three key areas - shipping, logistics and marine services. The GAC reflects value for money, quality, continuity, innovation and global reach.
GAC employs more than 8,000 people worldwide. The GAC Group corporate head office is in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
GAC Logistics, the freight forwarding and distribution division of the GAC Group, specializes in a comprehensive range of supply chain and logistics solutions. These include air and sea freight, warehousing and distribution, door-to-door transportation, project logistics, international moving and courier services.
GAC Logistics operates an integrated worldwide network, serving international manufacturers, distributors and retailers from the FMCG, textiles, pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics and oil & gas industries.
GAC Events Asia is set up with the specific purpose to provide specialized logistics solutions to the events industry throughout Asia. These include the transportation of complex and time-definite cargo, handling all necessary documentation, and coordination with local authorities and customs formalities.
