What’s amazing about standing on the grounds of the World Expo in Shanghai, which opens on May 1, is to realize that the physical expanse of this event (greater even than the Beijing Olympics!) is matched only by the importance placed upon it by the countries and brands exhibiting here.

Unlike the World’s Fair of old, when people would travel across the world to glimpse the newest gadgets -- Ladies and gentlemen...an electric powered machine that actually washes your laundry! -- the modern day World Expo is much more an affair that combines global politics, big-time commerce, and national pride.

It should come as no surprise—especially after the Olympic Games—that China is pulling out all the stops. A massive, spaceship-like visitor center and towering, pagoda-inspired China Pavilion are just a couple examples from the host country that will make your jaw drop.

And you don’t have to be a student of economics and world politics to understand why exhibiting countries, as well as the world’s largest brands, are investing aggressively to stand out, honor their hosts, and troll for the free-flowing—and increasingly mighty—yuan.

Our EWI Worldwide colleagues have been helping to finish up some striking pavilions for Belarus, Columbia, and Germany (see photo below), our exhibit for the World Wildlife Fund is truly outstanding and we just shipped the final film that is part of Praxair’s sponsorship of the USA Pavilion.

Please have a look at all of these if you visit. You won’t be disappointed.