Trade shows are back in business and exhibitors are excited about the positive impact that relaxed quarantine measures and the restoration of business travel will have on their sales and business.

HKTDC successfully organised recently concluded seven shows including, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair; Home InStyle; the Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair; Fashion InStyle; the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair as well as the Hong Kong International Licensing Show.

According to a survey conducted by an independent research agency commissioned by HKTDC, over 52% of the respondents expected a positive impact on their sales and business, while nearly 70% expected sales to be back to pre-pandemic levels within 6 to 18 months.

Hong Kong and the mainland were the top choices for trade-fair participation among buyers, with 85% and 60% of respondents, respectively. Respondents also identified Northern & Western Europe (21%) and ASEAN countries (15%) as their new target markets in the next two years, indicating that they are optimistic about the growth prospects.

In terms of product trends, sleek and simple designs were predicted to be in high demand by respondents at Home InStyle (41%), while sustainable products (61%) were expected to be a market trend according to respondents at the Gifts Fair.

The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle launched a brand-new Cultural & Creative Corner, which attracted the attention of buyers looking for unique products with cultural characteristics. Many exhibitors, including Beijing Enamel Factory, expressed their satisfaction with the exhibition's traffic and successfully connected with buyers from Hong Kong and Mainland China.

The Hong Kong International Licensing Show also featured more than 550 diverse licensing projects and brands, including art, culture, entertainment, and design. Many licensees expressed satisfaction with the exhibition's traffic and successfully signed cooperation agreements. Innovative technology is also bringing revolutionary changes to various industries. Exhibitors such as Stratasys said showcased their PolyJet 3D printing technology, which enables direct-to-textile printing on garments, footwear, and luxury accessories like hats and bags. Buyers from Hong Kong, India and Mainland China showed strong interest in their products, and the exhibition proved to be a great platform to drive their expansion in Asia. The joint exhibitions held under one roof provided buyers with a one-stop sourcing platform, and many visitors placed onsite orders. Exhibitors such as TVS spa showcased their eco-friendly collection to global buyers and new distributors, while buyers from Poland identified six potential mainland suppliers during their Home InStyle visit. Overall, the exhibitors are optimistic about the prospects of trade shows and are looking forward to future events.