Gadget buyers, sellers flock to electronics expo
From unbreakable charging cables to hybrid-powered smart bikes, from joke-telling speakers to interactive mirrors, Hong Kong’s AsiaWorldExpo will soon house a sea of innovative gadgets when the Global Sources Electronics show begins on April 11.
One of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing electronics sourcing shows, Global Sources Electronics will continue to give attendees insights into the latest technology and innovations, especially by the trailblazing startups in the region.
The show will be set in two phases to accommodate the many exhibitors and buyers; a total of 6,200 booths will showcase the latest electronic gadgets in the region.
The first phase of the show, running from April 11 to 14, will have 3,600 booths bringing the latest consumer electronics, gaming devices and smart living to buyers.The Mobile Electronics Show, from April 18 to 21, will showcase smartphones, tablets and wearable devices in 2,600 booths.
Craig Pepples, chief executive of Global Sources, said it was important that the show supports the growth of innovative, rising businesses and industries.
“It’s the 11th year for Global Sources in Hong Kong, and the most important understanding we’ve learned in the past 11 years is the importance of nurturing the development of new industries,” Pepples said.
“That’s why we strive to continuously offer new contents for our exhibitors and buyers, especially in providing them with direct experience of new products.”
The show will set up a series of experience zones showcasing virtual reality and gaming devices, drones and electric personal transporters for buyers and visitors, which will be among the highlights of the show.
Feeling the heat from e-commerce, Global Sources will set up a Ready-to-Buy zone to let buyers place instant orders of small amounts on site with exhibitors, and receive shipments within 48 hours, according to Tommy Wong, Global Sources president.
At the same time, multiple forums will be held bringing industry pioneers together to discuss critical issues and new trends in the technology indus- tries, especially in emerging technology sectors such as autonomous driving as well as virtual and augmented reality.
The show will also feature a Startup Launchpad, a pavilion dedicated to hardware startup companies that offer the latest innovations.
Hong Kong-based tech company actiMirror is one of the startup featured in the Startup Launchpad this year. The company’s smart mirror is currently used in the retail and hospitality businesses. This gives customers an interactive experience, offering relevant information on the surface of the mirror.
Starting out in Hong Kong, actiMirror hoped to strengthen its market presence globally through international trade shows such as Global Sources, according to Fulvio Riva, co-founder and chief operations officer of actiMirror.
The pavilion will open up great opportunities for startups to meet more than 60,000 buyers from more than 140 countries, through events including a daily pitching session, he added.
Running in parallel with the mobile phase from April 18 to 21 is the Global Sources Gift and Home, followed by the Global Sources Fashion Show from April 27 to 30. Global Sources spring shows this year will run for three weeks with 8,800 booths on display.
total number of booths at the Global Sources Electronics show