Every year at this time I am giddy with excitement and anticipation at the prospect of attending the Canton Fair in Guangzhou China. I have attend the Canton Fair over 12 times in the last 10 years and I am always amazed. Maybe I am easily impressed but you tell me if there is anything trade show wise that is more impressive than the Canton Fair?

Canton Fair amazing facts

• Phase 1: 15th-19th October 2010 9:30-18:00
• Phase 2: 23rd-27th October 2010 9:30-18:00
• Phase 3: 31st October - 4th November 2010 9:30-18:00
• Exhibition Space: 1,125,000 square meters (12,100,000 square feet)
• Number of Booths: 56,915 standard booths
• In 2009 the number of international buyers to attend the October Canton Fair was 188,170 from 212 countries

Every year at this time I am giddy with excitement and anticipation at the prospect of attending the Canton Fair in Guangzhou China. I have attend the Canton Fair over 12 times in the last 10 years and I am always amazed. Maybe I am easily impressed but you tell me if there is anything trade show wise that is more impressive than the Canton Fair?

Canton Fair amazing facts

• Phase 1: 15th-19th October 2010 9:30-18:00
• Phase 2: 23rd-27th October 2010 9:30-18:00
• Phase 3: 31st October - 4th November 2010 9:30-18:00
• Exhibition Space: 1,125,000 square meters (12,100,000 square feet)
• Number of Booths: 56,915 standard booths
• In 2009 the number of international buyers to attend the October Canton Fair was 188,170 from 212 countries

The organizers completely change out this vast facility 3 times during the 20 day event to accommodate the three phases. Just that alone amazes me. I am struggling with descriptors of this amazing event which happens each October and April in China so I thought I would attach a video I made of the fair from last year.

If you are involved with merchandising or manufacturing in any way you really should treat yourself and spend at least 3 days at this fair. If you have never been there, I promise you it will blow your mind. And even though I have been to the Canton Fair many times with clients in tow, every time I go, it starts the creative juices flowing for new products available for my customers, and ideas of new customers I need to be calling on because of what I have experienced at the Canton Fair.

I always say that there are three big reasons to have China on your radar.

• 1. Sourcing Products and Services in China to save cost and make your business more competitive.
• 2. Understanding the 2nd largest market in the world, which is China of course. You should be considering offering your products and services to the Chinese market which is growing by leaps and bounds.
• 3. China is a competitor with almost every business category you can name and it is a very good idea to get to know your competition.

And in many cases it is all three of the above reasons. And there is no better way to get your arms around China than to attend the Canton fair.

This seasoned Canton Fair attendee wonders if you are ready to attend and if not, why not?