Since its inaugural event in 1999, the CHTF has been successfully hosted 26 times in Shenzhen. It has grown to become China’s largest and most prestigious high-tech products and innovations exhibition, earning the title of “China’s No. 1 Technology Expo.” The 26th CHTF was organized by the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government and hosted by Zhinewei International Exhibition Group, a leading Chinese exhibition organizer.

A New Era of Innovation at the 26th CHTF

This year’s event marked a significant leap in terms of operational standards and professionalization. The exhibition expanded its scope and included 22 specialized sectors across 17 major industries, achieving a historic milestone in the event’s specialization. New feature zones were introduced, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, financial services, the integration of industry and education, and the technology giants’ industrial chains. This specialization greatly enhanced the fair’s professional operations and impact.

In terms of procurement, the event’s organizers took a strategic approach by launching the largest-ever global buyer program. Over 1,000 professional procurement delegations, from various provinces, cities, and sectors, visited the fair, alongside 3,000 international investment institutions looking to identify promising seed enterprises. The fair’s extensive media outreach, coupled with significant investments, allowed it to attract global professionals seeking groundbreaking products and solutions.

A Focus on Service and Global Connectivity

The 26th CHTF set new standards in service and activity planning, hosting over 160 high-level forums, business matchmaking sessions, and financial services events. These activities facilitated industry exchanges and transactions, positioning the fair as a global platform for the launch of new technologies, the introduction of new policies, and the showcasing of cutting-edge innovations. The fair’s organizers emphasized the importance of providing value for exhibitors and visitors, ensuring that the event was not just about scale, but about real-world impact, effective exhibitor feedback, and visitor experience.

According to Yao Wang, Vice President of the China Association for the Promotion of International Trade and former Deputy Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, the exhibition industry is one of the leading sectors in national economic development. Tech exhibitions, in particular, should be driven by technological breakthroughs, challenges, and the collaborative advantages of talent, finance, information, and intellectual property protection. The CHTF, as a fully market-oriented event under government guidance, exemplifies this approach and serves as a landmark in China’s exhibition industry.

A Platform for Global Collaboration

Zhinewei International Exhibition Group, the organizing body for this year’s fair, has hosted nearly 100 international events annually and managed numerous national and provincial-level exhibitions. The company is also the first in China to establish a mixed-ownership exhibition model. According to Zhang Xueshan, Global Director of the International Exhibition Industry Association and Chairman of Zhinewei Group, the CHTF serves as a critical window for China to open up its high-tech industries to the world, promoting the commercialization, industrialization, and internationalization of high-tech achievements. The fair is increasingly important for advancing economic and technological exchanges and cooperation across countries and regions.

The Role of Exhibitions in Economic Development

Exhibitions are a driving force in economic development, acting as barometers for industries and fostering the integration of industries and the economy. They are also vital for enhancing the global reputation of cities and promoting investment. As a powerful platform for the convergence of people, logistics, capital, information, and technology, exhibitions have a catalytic effect on related industries, boosting both direct and indirect economic growth. The success of the CHTF demonstrates the importance of this dynamic, and it highlights the increasing role of exhibitions in driving technological innovation and solving key challenges.

As the exhibition industry continues to grow and evolve, the CHTF remains a pivotal event for advancing China’s high-tech industries and contributing to the country’s high-quality economic development. With its emphasis on technology, innovation, and international cooperation, the fair is poised to play an even more significant role in the global technological landscape in the years to come.