The opening of Global Sources Fall 2021 Show Series meets with buyers’ and suppliers’ excitement

A hybrid of online and offline strategies enable international trade under a new exhibition paradigm

Global Sources has been through a number of challenges in its 50 years of history. As it ventures into its 50th anniversary, it launches a live B2B trade show in Hong Kong amid pandemic to showcase product diversity in one single fair. 

“Our signature trade fairs in Hong Kong have long been positioned to focus on B2B sourcing, while exhibitions in Mainland China are usually centering around new technology launches, upstream and midstream industry,” said Carol Lau, Senior Vice President, Client Service, Sales Support and Analytics.

Sourcing Ambassadors as buyers’ aides

As international travel restrictions are still in place, Global Sources has devised unprecedented alternatives in support of overseas buyers to take part in the trade show virtually. Equipped with augmented reality (AR) technology and a 5G smartphone on gimbal, seasoned buyers Hugel Chan and Pricilla Lau are there to facilitate the sourcing activities of overseas buyers, upon invitation by Global Sources to be the two Sourcing Ambassadors at the exhibition.

Chan and Lau are each representing more than a dozen of clients so far at this trade show. Lau noted that prior to the actual walk tour, a series of trials was done with the buyers to ensure a smooth real-time trilateral interaction with the suppliers. The live-stream footage on screen allows the buyers to examine the surface and structure of the products of interest, as the Sourcing Ambassadors can have a physical touch on them and report to the buyers. “The provision of QR code is convenient for buyers to approach suppliers after the product examination, and as usual, samples would be sent to buyers afterwards,” Chan added.

In the buyers’ perspective, they both expressed eagerness in gathering a better understanding of the market in a timely manner. “Although the pandemic is not yet over, the trading business will not stop. As buyers, we have to acquire the most up-to-date market intelligence, such as what are the new designs and the obsolete ones, and keep close track of the latest trend in order to maximize our business opportunities.”

Quality buyers meet quality suppliers

Wendy Lai, Vice President Global Sources Exhibitions said, “Private Product Presentations can connect international buyers with suppliers, to satisfy the former’s need in discovering novel, creative products. Sometimes exhibiting suppliers might not have their elite products on showcase, but would only reveal to good buyers. Therefore, only VIP buyers are invited to these demonstration sessions.”

And here Show Ambassadors can practice what they have learnt from training with Global Sources. With previous customer service experience in the aviation and tourism industry, Ng Yee-shan took up the ambassadorship in the hopes of widening her career exposure amid the pandemic. “Before the show starts, a one-week training was provided by the exhibitor to familiarize us with the product knowledge. We would maintain contact with the exhibitor to make sure the booth set-up is as desired.”

“There are many means to support our booth operation, such as the Global Sources App, which helps buyers to communicate with the supplier directly, and go through the product catalogue effectively. We make daily reports to the exhibitor regarding the popularity of products, buyers’ questions, etc,” said Ng.

Global Sources Fall 2021 Show Series

Date: from October 25 to 27

Venue: AsiaWorld-Expo

Register Here