Diversity drives growth at RX Tradex

As ASEAN’s leading exhibition organizer, with a portfolio of over 20 international exhibition and conference brands, RX Tradex has been building business for RX customers in Thailand and Vietnam for nearly 40 years.

Many people know the company by its leading trade show brands including METALEX, for the metalworking industry; Manufacturing Expo, for the manufacturing supply chain; COSMEX, for the production of cosmetics, personal care products and dietary supplements; and TILOG-LOGISTIX, the international logistics event co-organised with the Department of International Trade Promotion.

Fewer may be aware that two-thirds of the RX Tradex team are women, that there are many LGBTQ+ RXers, and that Managing Director, Varaporn Dhamcharee believes that one of the company’s greatest achievements is its culture of inclusivity and diversity.

“METALEX, the number one machine tools and metalworking exhibition serving ASEAN, occupies over 64,000 square meters and attracts nearly 100,000 participants each year. Likewise, Manufacturing Expo fills a similar exhibition area with machinery and technology and attracts an equal number of participants” said Varaporn. “Many people mistakenly associate manufacturing and heavy industry with masculinity, but at RX Tradex, we recruit, develop, and promote people regardless of their gender, sexuality, or background. What we are brilliant at is delivering face to face business opportunities, and our culture of inclusivity and diversity makes this possible by providing us with the richest possible pool of talent and experience.”

Varaporn’s attitudes towards I&D reflect RX’s company-wide commitment to promote and support inclusion and diversity through its global I&D Strategy, I&D Council, and numerous Global Diversity Committees, focused on race & ethnicity, gender equity, LGBTQIA+ & Gender Identity, Disability and Generations. “For example, the Global Gender Equality Committee are working to create equality in RX and our communities” Varaporn explained.

“Last year, RX partnered with Women in Exhibitions (WIE), which was founded in 2018 to empower women in the exhibition industry while fostering a new generation of women to become industry leaders.”

Sirirat Sungvichai, RX Tradex’s Exhibition Management Director, started her career at RX Tradex 18 years ago as a Project Executive. Reflecting on the company’s gender policy she said, “the aptitudes and skills of everyone at RX Tradex are not defined by them being male or female, but from their learning, working, and accumulation of experience. Throughout my career here, I never felt like there were distinctions between what should be done by men or what should be done by women. Everyone can achieve the same feat. Our company always emphasizes freedom of expression both in terms of identity and ideas, so we always get fresh ideas to develop our events. It makes our work go smoothly because gender identity is not an obstacle.”

Janya Phetcharaphoon, the company’s Operations Director reveals how, time and again, her multi-faceted team transforms empty venues into magical events bustling with activity, in just a few days. “Whether you are a woman or a man, you have to pull your weight. When everyone is equal, teamwork becomes stronger” she said.

“The preparation time for each event is short; sometimes we had only two days to install a large event that fills the entire venue. We have to work almost around the clock, so the construction of every stand is completed and ready on time to welcome the visitors. In this line of work, everyone has to pitch in to make what seems impossible possible.”

Prapatsorn Pulroth, Portfolio Sales Manager, also believes her team is stronger through diversity. “Since we organize events for a variety of industries, having a diversity of ideas, experiences and perspectives allows us to better understand and reach out to our diverse customers.”

“Event organizers don’t sell physical products. Our ‘products’ are our events, and our people are our most valuable assets” concluded Varaporn. “They are the ones who create the space, the connections and the value for our customers,” concluded Varaporn.

“By keeping an open mind, and embracing all gender identities, beliefs, and generations we create events that are fresh, modern, and forward looking. After a strong post-pandemic bounce back in 2023, our events are on track to be 10-15% bigger in 2024. It’s an exciting time to be part of RX Tradex – whoever you are!”

For more information on RX Tradex and our events visit www.rxtradex.com.

Sirirat

Janya

Prapatsorn