Global Sources at AsiaWorld-Expo

Global Sources launched its first China Sourcing Fair in Shanghai in 2003. The company expanded the fair to Hong Kong in 2006 at the new AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE).
Six China Sourcing Fairs were held at AWE in 2006 utilising all exhibition space at the venue.

CHALLENGES
Kenneth Chan, communications manager of AsiaWorld-Expo, says: “If you think that setting up and taking down thousands of booths made great demands on AsiaWorld-Expo’s resources, bear in mind that the China Sourcing Fairs comprised five shows, some of which were held simultaneously, within a short period.

“For the AsiaWorld-Expo team, the seamless running of the event was the result of detailed planning and the forging of a close partnership with the organiser and the other parties involved.”

EXECUTION
The show floor at each China Sourcing Fair was carefully designed and laid out, with very clear categorisation of product pavilions. This means that buyers could quickly find what they were looking for and meet more suppliers during the show period.
Global Sources offered a range of value-added services to help buyers find the right suppliers at the fairs. These include practical conference programmes covering topics like intellectual property rights, tips on buying from China and design trends. In addition, vendor summits, private buyer meetings and virtual buyer meetings helped the largest buyers meet with preselected suppliers.

Global Sources also provided free registration and entry to all its China Sourcing Fairs as well as complimentary Airport Express tickets. Pre-registered buyers received free drinks vouchers which they could use at the China Sourcing Fair’s own cappuccino and wine bar.

All shows are supported by a global marketing and public relations strategy.

VERDICT
A buyer, Cristobal Vidaurre from Chile’s CV Sport Ltd, says: “I chose China Sourcing Fair
because there are a lot of suppliers here. It’s the best fair I have visited in China so far.
We are here to choose products and articles we would like to order.”