Events management students Denis Petrov, Galena Todorova and Monika Kovacheva were selected by the Zheijang International Exhibition Bureau, who funded their trip, to take part in the competition.
Competing against students from 29 Chinese universities, the trio had to present an event concept for next year's Zhejiang Global Exhibition Forum.
Talking about her experience, Galena said: "This was my first time in China, and it was a brilliant experience. It was also the first time that I have participated in an events management competition. It was so helpful for my degree and I developed a lot of skills. I am grateful to our lecturers, Dr James Kennell and Dr Ewa Krolikowska-Adamczyk, for supporting us and giving us guidance – it was such a great opportunity."
Monika added: "This was the biggest trip of my whole life and I've never been so far away from home. From beginning to end, I learned so many things, especially about Chinese culture. On our last day, we visited a tea plantation in Hangzhou and learned about how tea is prepared and tried on traditional Chinese clothing. "
Winning second prize, the students presented their concept in front of senior industry figures and Chinese politicians.
The group's winning technology-led idea was based on the industrial strengths of Hangzhou – a city in the Zhejiang province – and aimed to attract UK event professionals to attend the 2020 forum.
Denis said: "I am really proud we came second place, especially as we were competing against so many other groups. It was a very memorable experience. I had never been out of Europe before, so it was quite scary, but we had the greatest time. We learned how to run an event and it was a fantastic networking opportunity.
"We've been invited to assist with the organising of next year's event, which is very exciting."
Photo: Denis, Moinka and Galena winning second place at the Zhejiang Global Exhibition Forum.
