AIN Expo 2017

AOIN Expo 2017 is a universal scale registered exposition time slot sanctioned by the Alliance Economic Agency. It is expected to be held on October-December 2017 in Kaijo, Teiko. The AINExpo 2017 will be the first Alliance wide exposition since 2012 and will be the second time that it will be hosted in Asia after the AIN Autumn Expo 2012 in Shiroku, Shihaisha.

Themes
In October 2017, the organizing committee unveiled the AIN Expo 2017's theme which was "Venture Forward". The theme encompasses technology, innovation, culture, traditions and creativity and how they can relate in solving global issues such as poverty, hunger, inequality and climate change. It also depicts the vision of going beyond borders and achieving greater heights. Furthermore, it represents the organizing committee's hopes of delivering an AIN Expo that is inclusive, open, and forward thinking. The exposition will have three sub-themes:


 * New ideas
 * New solutions
 * Inclusive growth

Participants
As of 5 November, only 16 of the 34 member states (including the host nation) of the Alliance have signed up or showed interest in participating in the event. The following nations have announced their participation in the Kaijo AIN Expo 2017:


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Bids and bidding
The bidding for host city of the AIN Expo 2017 was opened in 30 August, 2017. A set of guidelines was posted by the Alliance Economic Agency to help member states in the bidding. Among others the following were written as required criteria in bidding:
 * Bidding host city must have a population of at least 250,000
 * Bidding host city must have at least 4 in game images
 * Bidding host city must at least showcase its hotel, transportation and security
 * Bidding host city must have a logo and a theme
 * Bidding host city must have a venue for the AIN Expo
 * Bidding host city must have a national and city profile

As of 30 September 2017, three cities have expressed interest and have applied to bid, Cerignola di Lecce, Kaijo and Wolfskreut. Bidding had closed on 12 midnight of 30 September 2017 (GMT+8). Voting will open on 1 October 2017 and will run until 7 October 2017. The voting style will employ similar methods (alternative voting system) used in the selection of the host city of the 2017 Alliance Summer Games. The winning bid will be announced on 7 October 2017 before 12 midnight (GMT+8).

Host city election
The AEA voted to select the host city of the AIN Expo 2017 from 30 September 2017 until 7 October. An alternative voting system was implemented in selecting the host city. Since no candidate city was able to reach the required majority of 9 votes, the candidate city with the least votes was eliminated and its second choice votes was distributed to the remaining two candidate cities. In the final run-off between Kaijo and Wolfskreut, Kaijo was selected by 10 votes to 7.

Delays
Preparations for the AIN Expo began on October but logistical and construction problems combined with low participation turnout from member states have delayed the event. On 5 November, Kei Inoo, chairman of the AIN Expo 2017 Standing Committee have announced that the event will be delayed until the end of November to accommodate more requests and allow more time for other member states to sign up. Inoo also stressed that the committee is facing logistical and construction issues especially on the main hall expo which is scheduled to have been completed by October but was delayed until November. Nevertheless, Inoo assures the public that the AIN Expo shall remain business as usual with preparations for the opening ceremony to be completed before 18 November. Inoo greatly apologizes for the inconvenience the delays have brought, he also stressed that since the opening ceremony of the AIN Expo was delayed, its closing ceremony will be pushed to January 2018.

Financing
The Kaijo metropolitan government set aside a fund of 300 billion Teikonian zen (approximately 2.0 billion USD) to cover the cost of hosting the AIN Expo. Additional 145 billion zen (approximately 1 billion USD) will be provided by the Alliance Economic Agency. Corporate sponsorship have also raised money for the event, the official banking partner Suzuki Financial Group will provide 500 million zen (approximately 3.4 million USD) as additional financing.

Venues and infrastructure
It was confirmed on August 2010 that the Kaijo metropolitan government is studying to redevelop Mikazuki in Hakata. Mikazuki is one of the newly reclaimed islands along the Hakata Bay. In October 2017, Mikazuki was confirmed to be site of the AIN Expo 2017. Boasting an area of 250 hectares, the newly developed town center is composed of commercial and residential blocs. The area is also connected to major parts of Kaijo through subway and monorail. Most of the components needed for the AIN Expo have been completed however, the exhibition center along the boardwalk which shall be used for the opening and closing ceremonies have been delayed. Other venues include the Kaijo Big Sight in Fukuoka which shall be international media center for the event.

Ticketing
Tickets will be needed to enter the main expo area. Tickets can be used throughout the whole duration of the exposition. Tickets can be purchased online, through all major retailers, Sakanoshita and other convenience stores. Ticket price will start at 25,000 zen (approximately 172 USD) will gradually increase and the event draw closer.

Official partners

 * Siculia Financial
 * Sundao
 * PdP Corporation
 * VisitCunera
 * VASC
 * Aeromur
 * Audi Balaton
 * Wanda Group
 * Air New Duveland
 * Bank of Zambezi
 * Blume Technology Corporation
 * Horizons
 * RK Corp
 * MIGROS
 * Bank of Sint Cunera
 * Gurovin Financial
 * Lapérouse Bank
 * Halotel
 * Siculia Airlines
 * Okataian Standards Bank
 * Gravenhage Corporation
 * Lindt & Sprüngli
 * New Duveland National Bank
 * ZamAir
 * Shichijou Group
 * Setsu Electronics
 * Pertamax Oil TBK
 * Air Karasem

Premier partners

 * Suzuki Financial Group
 * Teiko Airlines
 * Teiko Telegraph and Telephone
 * Akashi Corporation
 * Sakanoshita Holdings
 * Industrial Illusion

Domestic partners

 * Johnny and Associates
 * Avex Group
 * SZT Group of Companies
 * Sibyl Corporation
 * Nagakura Hijikata
 * Akira International
 * Kronos Heaven Technology
 * Yoshinoya
 * Miniso
 * Mumuso
 * Sasaki Industrials
 * Hongo Industries

Media partners

 * Teiko Television Network
 * MBB
 * Newstream Media