Zhou Hanmin, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, presents Expo 2010 mascot Haibao to Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel.

Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel and other officials learn about the master plan of Expo 2010.

A senior organizer with World Expo 2010 today shared his experience in winning an Expo bid with visiting Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel.

A delegation from Edmonton, capital of the Canadian province, met Zhou Hanmin, deputy director general of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, to borrow from the Shanghai organizer's experience as Edmonton prepares a bid for the 2017 Expo.

Zhou said a proper and striking theme is "a key" to winning the bid, which also requires support from delegates of BIE member states.

A candidate has to say clearly why it is the best choice and offer its advantages and potential, as well as explaining how its theme fits with the development of mankind, according to Zhou.

Zhou said Expo 2010 will be the best platform for the city to promote itself.

The organizer has already achieved one of its aims in attracting more than 200 participants with 231 having signed to date, Zhou noted, saying the other aim is 70 million visitors.

Mandel thanked the Shanghai organizer for the help.