Using an online-offline hybrid model, the Fall 2021 Show Series has received overwhelming support from buyers and suppliers. The senior management of Global Sources shares their experience of their first live exhibition in Hong Kong after the pandemic outbreak, as well as their outlook of the industry.
As an international trade enabler for 50 years, Global Sources has been providing a trusted multichannel B2B sourcing platform all along. Hu Wei, Chief Executive Officer, remarked that the universal acclaim from buyers and suppliers for the show is solid proof that Global Sources is abreast of the times and serves the strong sourcing demands.
Post-show survey results indicate that more than 85-percent of participating buyers were satisfied with the new services incorporated in the trade fair, and would recommend forthcoming shows by Global Sources.
“Encouraged by the positive signs of the recovery of overseas trade from the pandemic, we are planning another live exhibition in Hong Kong next April,” Hu added.
Innovative solutions to difficulties facing buyers and suppliers
“In its 50th anniversary this year, Global Sources takes pride in surmounting difficulties in its history. The ongoing pandemic makes no difference. Rather, it presents business opportunities for us,” said Carol Lau, Senior Vice President, Client Service, Sales Support and Analytics.
A new paradigm is devised for the Hong Kong trade fair to cater to sourcing demands. “Many overseas buyers have registered for the exhibition in the first place. In view of quarantine restrictions in cross-border travel, ambassador services and a range of technological aids are provided on both the supplying and sourcing ends this year,” said Sam Hui, General Manager, Show Strategy.
Well-versed with the product portfolio of the suppliers, the Show Ambassadors represent the exhibitors to introduce their featured products to buyers; while Sourcing Ambassadors as buyers’ aides walk through the booths, with the support of augmented reality (AR) technology to relay the product specifications to buyers, and to ensure a real-time trilateral engagement among buyers, suppliers and the Sourcing Ambassadors.
“After the walk tour, buyers and suppliers can continue their interaction on our online platforms including the Global Sources App, which raises business potential,” Hui added.
Wendy Lai, Vice President, Global Sources Exhibitions, believes that there is always a way out no matter what the problems are, and that applies to Global Sources in fulfilling the sourcing demands. While buyers are always on the lookout for the most novel, creative inventions, suppliers might not have their latest products for showcase until they meet a desirable buyer.
“To facilitate buyer-supplier interaction, Private Product Presentations are held in designated private meeting rooms for suppliers to demonstrate the product functionalities to VIP buyers in-person or through virtual meeting with the help of Show Ambassadors, and obtain their instant feedback.” She explained.
Buyers who attended the exclusive presentations appreciate the new arrangement this year, as it allows physical examination of products and in-depth discussions with suppliers. South American buyer Sandy BM said, “It’s not easy to ask for more details via calls or Zoom. Now we can get more information and touch the sample and see how it operates.”
Expanding the multifaceted exhibition platform
The Hong Kong show has received enthusiastic response from buyers and suppliers, said Ronald Ng, General Manager, Overseas Show, citing the city’s excellent exhibition infrastructure and international connection as the necessary support to bridge suppliers and buyers worldwide conveniently.
Regarding the future plan for Global Sources, Ng noted, “Live exhibitions in Indonesia and Brazil are planned for next year, and we are exploring the markets in South Africa, India and the Middle East, since e-commerce is in fast expansion amid the pandemic.”
The cultivation of buyers’ communities in different regions has aggregated widespread support on the buying end, for instance in Indonesia with more than 60,000 buyers connected. “Through such communities we have to listen to buyers’ needs, especially in a rapidly changing economic climate,” Ng stressed.
