Face to face exhibitions are back in business! That’s the clear message from RX China, which has successfully hosted its first two events in the wake of COVID-19.

Held in Qingdao from 9-11 June, API China not only marked an important milestone for RX Global; it was also the very first trade-show to take place anywhere in China since lockdown.

In its new location at Shenzhen World, the Shenzhen Gift and Home Fair ran from 20-30 June and covered 160,000sqm of exhibition space, a 50 per cent increase in scale compared with 2019, making it the largest event to reopen in China since COVID-19.

Health and safety was a top priority at both events. Fences were used to shape entrance passages and manage the flow of visitors. Face masks were distributed to guests who did not have them, and visitors had to present their green travel QR code and accept an infrared temperature measurement, in addition to security checks, to gain access to the venue. 

Frequently touched surfaces, including bathrooms, lifts and vending machines were disinfected constantly, and radio announcements frequently reminded attendees to respect social distancing measures and to wash hands properly. Medical rooms and isolation areas were on site, as were ambulances to ensure an immediate response in case of any emergency.

Confidence booster

As the country’s leading event for the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, the return of API China was a great confidence booster for the industry as it starts to resume normal operations, helping to jump-start business, accelerate innovation and re-establish vital supply chains. Filling a total exhibition area of nearly 50,000 sqm, it gathered over 800 leading companies and attracted more than 20,000 attendees.

To reach out to those unable to attend the event in person, the Reed Sinopharm team developed a new hybrid format incorporating online learning, networking and business opportunities. These included:

• An API mini programme providing an online platform for exhibitors and visitors to search products and meet in person
• Online broadcasts of six tours of the show floor, taking in hundreds of products in six specialist categories, including veterinary drugs, imports and equipment.
• Online conferences and education sessions
• A live online leaders’ dialogue to explore the challenges, opportunities and future of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry

Shenzhen Gift and Home Fair brought together 2,048 exhibiting companies and attracted more than 90.000 visitors. The fair incorporated three on-site forums, many exhibitors used booth live streaming to attract attendees, and Reed Huabo Exhibitions launched a WeChat mini program to allow exhibitors and buyers to keep in contact 24 hours a day. Shenzhen World has been working to construct a smart venue, intelligent digital service platform and live streaming space, as well as providing fast and stable internet connections via full 5G signal coverage and sound IT infrastructures.

“The success of API China and Shenzhen Gifts is a tribute to the hard work and persistence of the show teams who worked in close partnership with local government, trade associations and the venue to kick-start their industries whilst ensuring the safety of our customers, partners and employees” says Michael Cheng, President, RX Greater China. “Not only does their return reflect the continuing demand for face to face meetings, but it is also a boost to all in RX China, Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions and Reed Huabo. We are back in business!”