Ifra Asia has called off its planned event in Bangkok next month, merging Publish Asia into its Ifra India conference, now to be held in Chennai in September. The Asia Media Awards will also be held at a dinner during the event at the Chennai Trade and Convention Center from September 23-25. Ifra says the decision to merge the events follows recent turmoil in Bangkok triggering travel restrictions, and takes into account the economic crisis. GXpress understands that while organisers were keen to go ahead with Bangkok, some speakers and
key sponsors had decided to withdraw 
because of negative advice about travelling to the city. It’s likely that the event will return to the Thai capital next year. Ifra India conference and expo was to have been held in Hyderabad in September, but Chennai (formerly Madras) has been chosen for the combined event as it is more easily accessible to international delegates. Under the theme ‘Creating value in challenging times’ will feature a conference for senior decision makers and a production conference focussing on cost reductions, revenue generation and innovation, as well as learning workshops and a plant tour. PublishAsia had been revamped for this year, with planned elements originally including the CEO conclave, anewsroom summit, and production conference, along with a tour of the new KBA-equipped printing plant of the ‘Bangkok Post’.