International Marine Expo: INMEX China 2008.

Venue:       Guangzhou Jinhan Exhibition Centre
Date:          26-28 November 2008
Tel:            +86 20 8339 1768

Briefing:
INMEX China has established itself as an important platform for the maritime industry. Ship building, ship repairs, marine services and engineering, offshore engineering, ports and port development are featured at this leading business event. More than 600 companies and 10,000 visitors from more than 20 countries are expected to attend INMEX 2008. 

For more information, see website. 

The 6th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition

Date:          19-25 November 2008
Venue:        Guangzhou Pazhou Convention and Exhibition Center
Organizer:   China Foreign Trade Guangzhou Exhibition Company
Tel:            +86 20 8666 9073

Briefing:
With total exhibition area of 125,000㎡, Auto Guangzhou 2008 will for the first time use all thirteen exhibition halls of Area A of the Pazhou complex. 85,000㎡ will be allotted for the passenger car zone, and this year's exhibition will feature more brands with new vehicles and technology. In addition, this year's exhibition will also feature a Japanese auto parts purchasing zone. About 400 manfacturing companies and 40,000 trade buyers are expected at this year's event.

For more information, see website.

The 12th International Exhibition on Electric Power Equipment and Technology / The 5th International Exhibition on Electrical Engineering, Electrical Equipment and Contractors' Supplies

Dates:          12-14 November 2008
Venue:         China International Exhibition Center, Beijing
Organizer:    China Electricity Council
Tel:            +86 10 6440 3971

Briefing:
The twin expo features a spectrum of equipment and technology on power generation, power T&D, automation equipment, environmental power, control & testing and electrical products by renowned local and international brands.

For more information, see website.    

With its two annual sessions, the Canton Fair is the most prestigious event in the Chinese trading calendar. After attending the Spring session of the Canton Fair this year, I came away with two general impressions.

Firstly, large and reputable suppliers always have the best booths and products. Yet getting a business card or contact information of a large Chinese supplier does not mean that you have a relationship with that supplier. After meeting at the Fair, follow-up phone calls, email communication and plant visits will all definitely be required. In addition, it will also be necessary for some native Chinese professionals with excellent English language skills and field sourcing experience to make sure there are no gaps in the flow of information. An export manager of a top Chinese steel mill once told me that they get dozens of new enquiries every day, and sometimes they just forget to reply to emails and faxes if there is no-one calling them regularly.

Secondly, fancy booths do not equate to good quality products. I have been to many small and medium-sized plants in the steel and machinery industries. I saw some of them at the Fair with indistinctive booths, yet they actually have really good quality products and production lines. It is therefore essential to do adequate research before the Fair, utilizing not only website information but also the opinions of industry associations and experts. The Canton Fair then becomes a good opportunity to start a relationship with sellers who are still small
but have great potential.

The 16th China (Shenzhen) International Toys & Gifts Fair

Dates:          24-27 October 2008
Venue:         Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center
Organizer:    Reed Huabo Exhibitions (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd.
Tel:            +86 755 3333 1166

Briefing:
The International Toys & Gifts Fair is held twice annually (Spring & Autumn) and is identified as a fast and effective platform for both domestic and foreign gifts, premiums and consumer products manufacturers and suppliers to build their brand awareness and promote their products. Exhibitors include Arts & Crafts, Premiums & Giftware, Ceramics, Household, Home Decorations, Electronic Appliances, Bags and Cases, Leather Products, Home Textiles, Fashion Jewelry & Accessories, Clock & Watches, Packaging & Paper Products, Beauty & Healthcare Products, and Sports & Leisure Products.

For more information, see official website.    

China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair)

Venue:          China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou)
Organizer:     China Foreign Trade Center
Tel:               +86 (0)20 2608 8888

Dates:

• Phase 1: October 15-19 2008, 09:30-18:00 Daily
• Phase 2: October 24-28 2008, 09:30-18:00 Daily
• Phase 3: November 2-6 2008, 09:30-18:00 Daily

Briefing:        
Since 1957, the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, has been held twice annually, in spring and autumn. It is China's largest trade fair, with the greatest variety of products and the largest attendance and business turnover.

Phase 1:

• Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances
• Lighting Equipment
• Vehicles & Spare Parts
• Machinery
• Hardware & Tools
• Building Materials
• Chemical Products

Phase 2:

• Consumer Goods
• Gifts
• Home Decorations

Phase 3:

• Textiles & Garments
• Shoes
• Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, Recreation Products
• Medical Devices and Health Products
• Food & Native Produce

For more information, see Canton Fair official website.

The International Sourcing Fair was held at the Shanghai Mart from 23 to 25 October 2008. I was there early on the 24th. 

The International Expo Centre in Shanghai will play host to the China Hosting Fair on 12-14 December, showcasing fashion accessories and baby & children's products. For details of this and forthcoming sourcing fairs, see Global Sources.

At the China Business Network you can also listen to a podcast by Peter Zapf, Vice-President of Community Develoment for Global Sources, about what to expect at the coming fair.

(Thanks to Global Sources for the montage.)