The 27th edition of CHINACOAT, originally scheduled to be held on Dec. 6-8, 2022, was successfully concluded at the new show date on Feb. 22-24 in Area A of the China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, P.R. China. 

With the change of China’s pandemic prevention strategy and removal of quarantine requirements for inbound travelers, both local and overseas visitors were enthusiastic to be able to network, learn and meet in person again.  Coupled with the continued support from exhibitors, the exhibition floor was filled with industry players who were eager to experience personal encounter.  The following are some preliminary figures of the physical exhibition:

• No. of Registered Visitors Turned Up: 33,427, including 33,224 Domestic China and 203 overseas visitors.
• No. of Exhibitors: 608 from 15 countries/regions, 103 of which were new exhibitors.
• No. of Exhibitor Representatives: 6,238.
• No. of Attendees Participating in Onsite Technical Programs: 1,064 participating in 25 Technical Seminars.

Online Show Concluded on March 6
CHINACOAT series of exhibition continued to offer an Online Show www.chinacoatonline.net as an additional platform for visitors who could not attend physically to stay connected with the industry seamlessly.  The Online Show was held from Feb. 6-March 6 and alongside the 3-day physical exhibition.  ‘Tech Talk Videos’, a new online event was held for visitors to learn latest technologies, market trends and practical solutions through short videos presented by industry experts.  Visitors also had the chance to participate in 24 Technical Webinars regardless of geographical restrictions.  The following are some preliminary figures of the Online Show:
• No. of Logged-In Visitors: 5,768 from 59 countries/regions, including all Physical Exhibitors.
• No. of Exhibitors: 609 from 15 countries/regions.
• Total Pageviews: 39,593.
• Total Pageviews for Online Technical Programs: 3,396.

Visitors Expressed Positive Feedback
Though digital marketing channels and platforms could temporarily cater for visitors’ purchasing and networking needs during the pandemic, they had certain limitations.  With the reopening of physical exhibition, visitors’ willingness to attend the annual industry event in person was strong.  According to findings from our onsite visitor surveys, majority of visitors gave positive comments:
• 90.5% agreed CHINACOAT was a large-scale exhibition.
• 90.4% found the products and technologies on display attractive.
• 90.0% affirmed the exhibitor mix was comprehensive and reputable.
• 90.0% had a good impression of the exhibition.
• 89.3% expressed the publicity of the exhibition was strong.

Exhibitors Expressed Satisfaction Too
In-person marketing is still widely regarded as one of the important channels for exhibitors to conduct business.  Majority of exhibitors had been looking forward to the return of physical exhibition and showed satisfaction to the exhibition according to our survey results:
• 99.4% affirmed the exhibition was one of their important marketing activities in China and Asia.
• 99.3% expressed the exhibition could help consolidate existing sales channels.
• 99.3% endorsed the exhibition could strengthen brand or corporate image.
• 98.7% agreed the exhibition could serve to develop new markets, find new customers and build relationships with prospects.
• 94.0% opined the exhibition was an effective platform for promoting new products or services.

The 28th edition of CHINACOAT will be back to Shanghai on Nov. 15-17, 2023 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).  More information is available at www.chinacoat.net now.