The Negotiation WPIC Marketing + Technologies

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Tom Parker, National CEO of the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), for an insightful discussion on the evolving dynamics of Australia-China relations and the expanding opportunities for Australian businesses in China. 
 
Tom begins by introducing ACBC, outlining its mission, membership, and the vital role it plays in supporting Australian businesses looking to enter or expand their presence in the Chinese market. He discusses recent positive shifts in the Australia-China relationship, including the significant impact of the Australian Prime Minister's state visit to China in November, and the recent removal of Chinese tariffs on Australian wine which marked a pivotal moment in improving trade relations.
 
The conversation then turns to the broader implications of these warming ties, identifying key growth opportunities for Australian companies in sectors beyond wine. Tom highlights the enduring popularity and positive reputation of Australian consumer brands in China, delving into why products from 'down under' resonate so well with Chinese consumers and which sectors are currently thriving.
 
From a domestic perspective, Tom shares insights into the sentiment of the Australian business community towards China, reflecting on the challenges and optimism prevalent among entrepreneurs and corporations. He also discusses the overarching message that ACBC is promoting within Australia to foster a supportive environment for bilateral cooperation.
 
Discussion Points:
Overview of the Australia China Business Council and its missionRecent developments in Australia-China relations and their impact on tradeThe strategic significance of the Australian Prime Minister’s recent visit to ChinaGrowth opportunities for Australian companies in China post-tariff removalThe enduring popularity of Australian consumer brands in ChinaSector-specific success stories of Australian brands in ChinaCurrent sentiment among the Australian business community towards ChinaKey messages from ACBC to Australian businesses

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley has an engaging conversation with Grace Wu, Director of Business for the Australia-China Culture and Language Advisory (ACCLA) and a notable lifestyle and education influencer on Little Red Book. Grace brings a unique perspective on the cultural and educational exchange between Australia and China, alongside insights from her influential presence on one of China's premier social media platforms.
 
Grace shares the story and mission of ACCLA, detailing the organization's efforts to bridge cultural and language gaps between Australia and China. She provides insightful data on the number of Chinese individuals pursuing studies and careers in Australia and places this in the context of global trends. Furthermore, Grace delves into the cultural adjustments and challenges faced by new arrivals in Australia, highlighting surprising and noteworthy observations.
 
Moving beyond her professional role, Grace discusses her journey into this field and her impactful work as an influencer on Little Red Book. She offers a glimpse into the content she shares with her audience, focusing on frequency and themes. Grace also provides an overview of Little Red Book, comparing it to Western social media platforms and discussing its unique place in the digital landscape.
 
The conversation also touches on the demographics of Grace's audience, both in Australia and China, and comments on recent Western interest in Chinese-style advice through Little Red Book.
 
Discussion Points:
The mission and services offered by the ACCLATrends in Chinese individuals going to Australia for study and workCultural challenges faced by new arrivals in AustraliaGrace Wu's personal journey to her current rolesHer experience and strategy as a Little Red Book influencerAn introduction to Little Red Book and its comparison to Western platformsThe geographic distribution of Grace's audienceWestern interest in Chinese netizens' style advice on Little Red BookThe current state and future prospects of Australia-China relations

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley welcomes Gerald Hoe, Head of Global Marketplace ROW at Coupang, one of South Korea's premier e-commerce platforms. 
 
With its customer-centric and innovative approach, Coupang has cemented its position as a leader in the South Korean digital marketplace. Gerald provides a comprehensive overview of how Coupang has revolutionized the way Korean consumers shop online. He compares Coupang's robust ecosystem to other global internet giants, shedding light on its unique market position and the array of services that cater to a wide array of consumer needs.
 
The conversation delves into the specifics of the Coupang online retail app, highlighting its distinctive features and the wide range of benefits for both consumers and merchants. Gerald discusses the success behind the platform's intuitive design, seamless user experience, and fast delivery systems that address the modern consumer's needs. 
 
A significant focus is placed on the potential for international brands within the South Korean market, particularly given the country's success in exporting its own consumer brands. Gerald explores the growing appetite for overseas brands and outlines why Coupang is the ideal platform for international merchants looking to tap into this vibrant market.
 
Moreover, Gerald provides a blueprint for foreign brands aiming to enter the South Korean e-commerce space, including strategic insights into livestreaming e-commerce's popularity and the hottest consumer sectors driving consumption in South Korea. The episode offers a deep dive into the cultural and lifestyle trends shaping consumer behavior, providing valuable guidance for brands looking to make their mark.
 
Discussion Points:
Overview of Coupang and its impact on South Korea's digital landscapeUnique features of the Coupang retail appThe market's appetite for importing international brandsThe advantages of becoming a merchant on CoupangStrategies for foreign brands entering the South Korean marketThe popularity and influence of live streaming e-commerce in South KoreaCurrent consumer sectors and lifestyle trends driving consumption

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Leif Rogers and Gino Gordon of Red Phoenix Entertainment, a sports marketing agency facilitating the expansion of North American sports, athletes, and franchises into Asian markets. Leif, the Founder and CEO, alongside Gino, Chief Strategy Officer, share their unique insights and experiences in bridging sports cultures across continents.
 
The conversation further explores the popularity of North American sports in China, with Leif providing an analysis of Chinese viewership trends, including interest in events like the Super Bowl and the particular appeal of various sports and athletes. Gino—who previously played professional American football in Japan—contrasts these insights by discussing the sports landscape in Japan, noting the differences and similarities with China. He also shares his perspective on the Shohei Ohtani phenomenon and its broader implications for sports marketing and athlete endorsements.
 
Leif discusses the intricacies of international sports sponsorships, exemplified by the partnership between LingLong Tire and the Tampa Bay Lightning, delving into hockey's growing popularity in China. He reflects on the NHL's past engagement in China and offers strategic advice for future endeavours, emphasizing the potential missed opportunities and advocating for a more aggressive re-entry into the Chinese market.
 
Together, Leif and Gino highlight notable campaigns and the commercial prospects surrounding the upcoming Summer Olympics. They conclude with a compelling argument for why Western sports entities and athletes should consider Asia as a fertile ground for growth, underlining the vast opportunities awaiting in this dynamic market.
 
Discussion Points:
The founding and mission of Red Phoenix EntertainmentGino's transition from professional football in Japan to sports marketingThe popularity of North American sports in China and the Super Bowl's receptionDifferences in the sports landscape between Japan and ChinaThe impact of Shohei Ohtani's move to the Dodgers and sports marketing dynamics in JapanThe partnership between LingLong Tire and the Tampa Bay Lightning and hockey's popularity in ChinaThe NHL's engagement strategy in China and potential future directionsNotable campaigns and the role of individual athletes in expanding into the Asian marketCommercial opportunities around the upcoming Summer OlympicsThe value proposition for sports entities and athletes eyeing expansion into Asia 

Global skiing participation is on the decline—but in one crucial market, skiing is perhaps the hottest recreational pastime, with millions of people taking up the sport in the last few years. 
 
That market is China. In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes back Justin Downes, who has led efforts to develop snow resorts across China over the last two decades. 
 
As President of Axis Leisure Management, Justin has played a crucial role in growing China’s ski industry and developing the infrastructure for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. He is the pre-eminent expert on China’s ski industry.  
 
Justin provides an overview of his work in the Chinese ski industry, detailing its development and operational challenges. He analyzes the current state of skiing in China, including participation rates and the number of skiing venues, which both rank among the highest in the world. He also looks at the average Chinese skier, including income levels, where they live, how often they ski, and the drivers behind broader participation.
 
Reflecting on the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Downes shares insights on its impact on China's ski industry. He discusses the state of elite competitive skiing in China post-Olympics, the performance of Chinese athletes in international competitions, and the significance of China hosting the recent FIS Freestyle World Cup.
 
The episode also explores developments in resort construction and the potential for China to emerge as an international skiing destination. Additionally, Downes assesses opportunities for ski equipment and winter apparel brands in the Chinese market.
 
Listen to this episode for an in-depth discussion on the growth and future of skiing in China with industry expert Justin Downes.
 
Discussion Points:
Justin Downes' role in developing China's ski industryOverview of skiing in China, including participation and venue comparisons globallyThe 23-24 ski season's success in ChinaDemographics and characteristics of the average Chinese skierImpact of the 2022 Beijing Olympics on the ski industryThe state of elite competitive skiing in China and notable athletesThe FIS Freestyle World Cup in ChinaTrends in ski resort development and indoor skiing facilitiesChina's potential as a skiing destinationOpportunities for ski equipment and winter apparel brands in China

In our latest episode of The Negotiation podcast, we're excited to welcome back Mark Dreyer, a luminary in the world of sports in China. 
 
With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Mark gives us a sneak peek into the key stories and athletes poised to make headlines for China in the upcoming summer games, and whether China is expected to dominate the medal table. 
 
Mark highlights the feel-good story of Zheng Qingwen and her remarkable performance at the Australian Open, as well as the rising popularity of F1 racing in China, evidenced by the anticipation surrounding the Shanghai F1 and the hype around homegrown talent Zhou Guanyu.
 
Additionally, we touch upon the cultural phenomenon of Lionel Messi’s stardom in China and the recent drama surrounding him sitting out a friendly match in Hong Kong. Mark also provides insights into the current state of Chinese men's and women's football. 
 
Finally, Mark highlights the noticeable upswing in recreational sports participation fueled by a growing focus on health and wellness, including the explosion in ski participation in the wake of the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
 
Join host Todd Embley and guest Mark Dreyer for a comprehensive exploration of China's dynamic sports landscape in this must-listen episode of The Negotiation.
 
Discussion Points:
High-level takeaways from the 2022 Beijing Olympics and its impact on ChinaThe burgeoning ski scene in China, from elite competition success to recreational skiingInsights into China's performance and expectations for the Paris OlympicsThe inspiring journey of Zheng Qingwen at the Australian OpenThe growing popularity of F1 racing in China, spotlighting the Shanghai F1 eventMessi’s recent PR crisis around a Hong Kong-friendly matchThe current landscape of Chinese men's and women's footballThe rise in recreational sports participation among the Chinese populationNotable recreational sports gaining traction in China