Paperworld China 2015 seen rise in visitor numbers

Dec 29, 2015

Exhibitors and visitors recognised the unique benefits

Creative Pavilion and Oriental Culture zone created space for imagination and added enthusiasm 

Insightful fringe programme inspired new ideas
 

Paperworld China ended on a high note with a growth in visitor numbers and attendees expressing positive sentiments at the outcome. Held 15 – 17 October 2015 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Hall N1 – N2, the lively three-day event attracted 476 exhibitors and drew 22,548 visitors*. Visitors came from 80 countries and regions and the top 10 overseas countries and regions represented were: Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the USA, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia and Germany.  

Shedding light on the remarkable result for its 11th edition, Ms Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd said: “Year after year, Paperworld China has built up an enviable reputation as an effective tool for making business, networking, seeing industry trends and strengthening company image. We think and act in the interests of the industry, and are continuing our careful development to ensure that our exhibitors and visitors are at the forefront of the industry. That’s why we always usher new elements and ideas to the show. This year, the Creative Pavilion has doubled its size and we have enhanced the Oriental Culture zone in a bid to help industry players keep abreast of new developments in these emerging sectors.”

Exhibitors and visitors recognised the unique benefits

As one of the leading international trade fairs in China for the stationery, office and artist supplies industry, companies regard Paperworld China as a prerequisite for growing business and the exhibitors’ confidence is paralleled with this.

The well-known Chinese exhibitor Ningbo Guangbo Stationery Industrial Co Ltd had one of the largest and busiest booths at the show. Visitors were excited about their minimalist stationery collections as well as their Hello Kitty photo-taking backdrop and game corner. The company’s Marketing Manager, Mr Evan Zhou said: “This year’s show surpassed our expectations. We’ve brought the two product series: Hello Kitty licensed stationery and minimalist stationery – which are sought by the younger generation. We met a lot of quality overseas buyers from different countries such as Singapore, the UK, Thailand and Poland. I also appreciate that the organisers made a huge effort in inviting professional buyers and that’s why we already got in touch with buyers from shopping malls, supermarkets and distributors.”

Another product drawing considerable traffic at the show was the Badgy 200 Card Printer which can print colour badges immediately. This new product was showcased by the French company Evolis, a leading manufacturer for printing and plastic badge systems. Looking for retailers, online shops, distributors and end-users, Mr Frank Wu, Sales Manager, explained: “Our goals have been achieved and the quality of buyers this year was even higher than before. Many visitors have been high quality, we’ve met managers, CEOs and lots of high-level buyers. We’ve met 50 potential clients to sell our product all over China and we’ve let more people know about our brand and products. Overall, it’s been wonderful. We’ll come back next year and make our booth bigger and expand our product line.”

Also experiencing a fruitful trade fair was the Chinese buyer, Mr Joey C Yu, Purchasing Manager for Foolscap Enterprises, who shared: “I was looking for office folder suppliers and I found some very interesting and quality products such as lever arch files and ring binders. I also talked with some new sticky notes suppliers. The Chinese stationery market is promising with qualified manufacturers and favourable prices. This trade fair gave me a great opportunity to network with different industry suppliers under one roof. I will continue to visit Paperworld China next year.”

There were many buyers who came from halfway around the globe and the Finnish company Paperpoint Ltd was one of them. The company specialises in paper-related items such as notebooks, binders and notepads. Visiting the show for the first time was Mr Risio Kekalainen, New Business Ventures Manager, who concluded: “Paperworld China is useful and effective for us because we can find what we need easily and efficiently. I’ve already found some novelty items from Chinese and Japanese companies which are good for the European market.”

Creative Pavilion and Oriental Culture zone created space for imagination and added enthusiasm

Adapting to the ever-changing market has consistently been a cornerstone to Paperworld China’s success. Spotlights were placed on the two special product zones – Creative Pavilion and Oriental Culture, which achieved profoundly positive feedback. At the Creative Pavilion, exhibitors showed the original hobby & craft art pieces of local and international emerging artists and talented individuals as well as a selection of materials, equipment, tools and DIY sets. Throughout the three days, the pavilion was filled with a relaxing and dynamic atmosphere. The aisles were crowded and booths were packed with visitors who were making their own pieces at different interactive workshops organised by various exhibitors.

One of the busiest booths at the Creative Pavilion was the eminent Chinese company Hobby Town (Beijing) Culture Developing Co Ltd which designs and manufactures DIY products. They invited several DIY experts from Japan and Germany to conduct a series of fun classes during the show to promote their business. The workshops ignited participants’ passion about do-it-yourself and creativity, as everyone was smiling while making their own pieces and discussions with the teachers were unending. Sales Manager, Mr Li Zhiyuan said: “We aim to promote the creative and cultural industry. Also, we are looking for long-term business cooperation with distributors. We already got in touch with some potential domestic distributors such as the e-commerce giants, Taobao and JD.com as well as some DIY retailers. Paperworld China has become our must-exhibit trade fair and we will definitely exhibit next year.”

Penetrating a different atmosphere with a glimpse of elegance and heritage was the Oriental Culture zone where an array of Oriental contemporary products were displayed. The Oriental Culture zone was established in response to the growing popularity in recent years of culturally-inspired products with a modern twist and it aims to assist museums, hotels as well as related suppliers to find manufacturers. At the zone, visitors were amazed with the delicate handicrafts and products blending modern designs and oriental features, and they indulged themselves in a pleasant and enjoyable cultural visit.

The Suzhou Cultural and Economic Development Co Ltd organised a number of museums such as the Suzhou Museum, the Suzhou Silk Museum and the Suzhou Tablet Calligraphy Museum to exhibit at the Oriental Culture zone. Mr Ye Xichun, General Manager Assistant, commented: “We place a high value in Paperworld China because this trade fair plays a significant role in cultural promotion. Visitors have shown enthusiasm in our Suzhou silk products and unique folding fans. I am happy that we’ve already received orders from several domestic enterprises.” Products combining traditional oriental features and contemporary design are particularly popular among middle range to high-end consumer groups as it is regarded as a representation of personal taste and is often used as a corporate gift.

Insightful fringe programme inspired new ideas

A series of fringe events were also available to stimulate ideas, assisting the audience in formulating their business strategies.

Audience members capitalised on the extensive forums and seminars concentrating on timely topics such as Wechat Marketing. Audience member, Ms Li Mingjia, Executive Director for Jilin Changchun Li Xiang Stationery and Printing Co Ltd, noted: “Attending seminars in a trade fair is important, particularly for us as an exhibitor. This seminar is attractive to me because it’s one of the most talked-about topics in the industry. The seminar is practical and useful to me and it’s definitely an ideal platform for networking with experts and industry players.”

Another fringe programme highlight was the summit on the dissemination and application of museum collections’ historical and cultural elements. Ms Wang Jijie, representative of the China Numismatic Museum, said: “The seminar sends a message that a museum is more than just for visiting, instead visitors can actually bring something valuable home – memory and education. I am impressed by the speakers and the seminar, and I will apply the concept I’ve learnt today in my work. Paperworld China is not just a trade fair, it’s a fabulous venue for education too.”

The next edition will be held 20 – 22 September 2016 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Paperworld China is jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, the China Chamber of Commerce for I/E of Light Industrial Products & Arts-Crafts and Guangzhou Foreign Trade South China Exhibition Corp Ltd.

For more information about the show, please visit www.paperworldchina.comor email: stationery@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

Other shows under the Paperworld brand include:

• Hong Kong International Stationery Fair
  11 – 14 January 2016, Hong Kong

• Paperworld
  30 January – 2 February 2016, Frankfurt

• Paperworld Middle East & Playworld Middle East
  1 – 3 March 2016, Dubai

 

For more details about these fairs, please visit http://www.global.paperworld.messefrankfurt.com/