Global Sources revs up preparations for a revitalized post-COVID era of trade shows

In a major breakthrough since the onset of the pandemic, Global Sources Hong Kong Show kicked off on October 11 at AsiaWorld-Expo, with almost 1,000 Asian exhibitors bringing more than 20,000 products for more than 100,000 buyers from around the world.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the exhibition industry hard, Global Sources has stayed alert and mobilized every means at its disposal to push the development of the industry.

Global Sources Chief Executive Officer Hu Wei says nobody expected the pandemic to last this long. “The MICE industry has been hit particularly hard as conventions and trade shows can only happen when a lot of people gather together,” he notes. “As a result, a large number of events had to be postponed or canceled.”

“Only companies that are able to come up with new solutions in response to changing circumstances can survive the pandemic,” he adds. “That is why we are seizing the first opportunity to inject new life into the MICE industry.”

Hu says the company has earlier adopted a new show paradigm with a ‘Show Ambassador’ service, whereby suppliers can showcase their products and interact with visiting buyers through the Show Ambassadors at their booths. “It is an ingenious solution to overcome the problem of restricted travels across borders,” he observes.

The company has also launched the Virtual Show this year, allowing buyers overseas to communicate with suppliers. The pandemic has stimulated this development, and the trade has grown accustomed to making effective use of this facility.

Global Sources Vice President of Hong Kong Show and Overseas Show John Kao points out that there is a lot of pent-up demand for trade shows as companies worldwide are going all out to catch up on lost businesses for almost three years. “They have no qualms about returning to Hong Kong as the rest of the world has long adjusted to ‘living with the virus’,” he explains.

But Kao sounds a warning:  “While Hong Kong closed its borders, Singapore, always a keen competitor. If we do not double our efforts, chances are, the MICE industry could move elsewhere where conditions are more favorable.”

“We will hold two trade shows in April next year – one from April 11 to 14 and the other from April 18 to 21, both featuring 4,000 booths,” Kao says. “So far, more than 3,100 booths have been booked with only 850 places left for the first show, while 3,600 booths have been booked for the second show.”

Kao also vows to return next year’s Global Sources Hong Kong Show to a pre-pandemic level, taking up all 10 halls at  AsiaWorld-Expo with 4,000 booths.

“On the popularity list next year will be automotive electronics, virtual reality and augmented reality products, smart home appliances, environmentally friendly products as well as pet products,” he forecasts.

Instead of lamenting over something that is out of their control, Hu emphasizes that they have already revved up their preparations in readiness for a thriving post-COVID era.
Hu discloses that Global Sources has a series of international events in the pipeline, including trade shows featuring mainland products in Indonesia and Brazil next year. It will also launch a convention in Vietnam to help local manufacturers market their products overseas.

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Global Sources October 2022 Hong Kong Trade Show

Date: 11 to 14 October 2022

Venue: AsiaWorld-Expo