We’ve shared our first thoughts on the Canton Fair, but we figured that we should also share some tips that may be useful if you’re looking to head to the 135th Canton Fair which takes place from April to May 2024.
Choose which phase you’d like to go for wisely.
Each phase draws different sets of exhibitors. An exhibitor I met during phase 2 at the office supplies section explained that they brought it more gadgets during phase 1 – exhibitors do not display all their products in each phase! It’ll be good to determine which phase aligns best with your business interests – and it’s also good to time your trip between two different phases so that you’ll get to explore more. You never know what you will find!
Plan your route.
Many hotels in Guangzhou offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the complex when the fair is on. However, you can also make use of public transportation. The trains are a convenient option, but I’ve heard that traffic gets really heavy during the fair period. Didi (the equivalent of Uber and Grab) is a very useful more of transportation too!
Always remember to have your tag with you.
Security at the Canton Fair is pretty tight and your tag is the main form of identification that will get you into the complex. The tag is has a barcode and is linked to your facial recognition data which is essential when you clear the security checks.
If it’s your first time heading to the fair, do remember to do your pre-registration beforehand for a smoother registration process. You can collect your badge at the airport, your hotel (if it’s a participating hotel), or at the fair itself. Once issued, the tag can be reused for future fairs. Reissuance of the tag warrants a fee so remember to keep your tags well.
Stay connected at the fair with the free WiFi within the complex.
Login access is with the number on your tag. I’ve to say that connection is pretty decent within the complex. If you’re reliant on a web-based translation application, you’ll definitely know how important it is to stay connected!
Exploring Area C
Area C’s an area that’s just slightly off the main area. If you’re look at the booths in Area C, remember that it’s a tad further than Areas A, B, and D. There is, however, a free buggy service that brings your from the main area to Area C. Alternatively, travelator is also available for a leisure stroll.
Do have your business cards readily available
Many exhibitors request for a business card so that they can follow-up with you easily after the fair.
Pro tip: have an iPad on hand. Take a photo of the booth and business card of the exhibitor whenever you find products that interests you. There are so many booths there that it’s pretty hard to keep track on the things you’ve explored or the people you’ve spoken to.
Conclusion
The Canton Fair is a great opportunity to engage with numerous exhibitors, offering a valuable learning experience about the variety of technology and products on the market. Hope these tips prove useful in guiding you through the fair effectively!
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