Plan your October 2019 sourcing calendar

Attending trade shows takes anywhere between one and three gruelling weeks. Make the most out of your Asia sourcing trips by planning them around key exhibitions in major trade show hubs.

Here are the dates and major product categories covered by the October 2019 trade shows in Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

Hong Kong

Global Sources Summit

October 27-29, 2019

• 3-day conference for online & Amazon sellers
• Co-located with Global Sources trade shows
• Learn how to import from China like a pro
• Discover the latest strategies for profitable online selling

Global Sources Exhibitions

Global Sources Electronics
Phase 1 – Consumer Electronics (October 11-14)

• Home electronics
• Gaming
• Outdoor electronics
• Computer and accessories
• Auto Electronics
• Commercial electronics
• Smart living
• Electronic components

Register here

Phase 2 – Mobile Electronics (October 18-21)

• Devices
• Accessories

Register here

Global Sources Lifestyle

October 27-30

• Gifts & premiums
• Smart toys & gadgets
• Home decorations
• Office supplies

Register here

Global Sources Fashion

October 27-30

• Bags & luggage
• Accessories & footwear
• Apparel & fabrics
• Underwear & swimwear

Register here

HKTDC Exhibitions

Lighting Fair

October 27-29

• Advertising display lighting
• Commercial lighting
• Decorative lighting
• Horticultural lighting
• Lighting accessories
• Residential lighting
• Smart lighting & solutions
• Technical lighting
• Urban & architectural lighting

Electronics Fair

October 13-16

• 3D printing
• AI & voice recognition
• AR, VR & MR
• Audio visual products
• Automotive & in-vehicle electronics
• Business of IP
• Connected home
• Digital imaging
• e-health & wearables
• Eco-friendly products
• Electronic accessories
• Electronic gaming & eSports
• Electronic parts, components and production technology
• Fitness and beauty
• Healthcare electronics
• Home appliances
• iAccessories
• Office automation & equipment
• Personal electronics
• Robotics & unmanned tech
• Security products
• Telecommunications products

International ICT Expo

October 13-16

• Digital infrastructure
• Digital marketing & e-commerce
• Enterprise solutions
• Home-grown innovations
• Retail technologies
• Smart devices & accessories

Houseware Fair

October 20-23

• Art & craft items
• Artificial flowers
• Baby products
• Bathroom products
• Beauty & personal care items
• Candles & scent sensation
• Cleaning & laundry items
• Eco-friendly products
• Coffee related products
• Festive home decor
• Furniture
• Gardening & outdoor accessories
• DIY products
• Healthcare products
• Home appliances
• Interior decor & handicrafts
• Kitchenware & gadgets
• Pet supplies
• Tableware
• Wine tools & accessories

Guangzhou

Canton Fair

Phase 1 (October 15-19)

• Electronics & household electrical appliances
• Lighting equipment
• Vehicles & spare parts
• Machinery
• Hardware & tools
• Energy + Resources chemical products
• Building materials

Phase 2 (October 23-27)

• Consumer goods
• Gifts
• Home decorations

Phase 3 (October 31- November 4)

• Office supplies, cases & bags, and recreation products
• Medical devices and health products
• Food
• Shoes
• Textiles & garments

Suggested itineraries to attend Global Sources Summit and trade shows

Here are some possible itineraries if you would like to attend Global Sources Summit AND sourcing shows. Each importer has different needs and goals to accomplish during a sourcing trip to Asia, so use these suggested itineraries as a starting point when planning your trip.

Each show is allocated a minimum of 2 days in the itineraries below, but you may want to spend less or more time at a show depending on your preference.

Itinerary 1: Sourcing electronics products

If you’re sourcing electronics products, here’s how you could consider planning your trip.

Long trip:

• October 12: Arrive in Hong Kong
• October 13 – 14: Global Sources Consumer Electronics (Hong Kong)
• October 15 – 16: Electronics Fair (Hong Kong)
• October 17 – 18: Sightseeing in Hong Kong
• October 19 – 21: Global Sources Mobile Electronics (Hong Kong)
• October 22 – 26: Factory visits and / or Canton Fair Phase 1 (Guangzhou)
• October 27 – 29: Global Sources Summit (Hong Kong)
• October 30: Depart Hong Kong

Short trip:

• October 19: Arrive in Hong Kong
• October 20 – 21: Global Sources Mobile Electronics (Hong Kong)
• October 22 – 26: Factory visits and / or Canton Fair Phase 1 (Guangzhou)
• October 27 – 29: Global Sources Summit (Hong Kong)
• October 30: Depart Hong Kong

Itinerary: Sourcing gifts & home products

If you’re sourcing gifts & home products, here’s how you could consider planning your trip:

• October 20: Arrive in Hong Kong
• October 21 – 22: Houseware Fair (Hong Kong)
• October 23 – 26: Factory visits and / or Canton Fair Phase 2 (Guangzhou)
• October 27 – 29: Global Sources Summit (Hong Kong) + Lifestyle and Fashion shows
• October 30: Depart Hong Kong or Factory visits in Mainland China

Itinerary: Sourcing fashion products

If you’re sourcing fashion products, here’s how you could consider planning your trip:

• October 26: Arrive in Hong Kong
• October 27 – 29: Global Sources Summit (Hong Kong) + Lifestyle and Fashion shows
• October 30: Sightseeing in Hong Kong
• November 1 – 3: Canton Fair Phase 3 (Guangzhou)
• November 4 – 6: Factory visits in Mainland China
• November 7: Depart from Hong Kong or city in Mainland China

Register for Global Sources Summit Now!

Use the discount code SS200 for $200 off

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Hong Kong?

According to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, visitors of most foreign countries can enter Hong Kong without applying for a visa. International buyers from over 170 countries can enjoy visa-free entry for periods varying from seven days to six months.

To check if you need a visa, visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department website.

In case a visa is required

Visitors can submit their applications directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, or through a Chinese diplomatic or consular mission in their area of residence.

Important Notice for Indian Nationals Traveling to Hong Kong

Indian nationals are required to apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration (PAR) online before they can visit the HKSAR visa free. Please click here for details of PAR.

Traveling to Mainland China

Visitors from most countries need a visa to enter Mainland China. If you are planning to attend Canton Fair in Guangzhou after Global Sources Summit, apply for your Mainland China visa in advance. Please click here for more information on China visas.

Can I fly directly to Hong Kong?

Yes, Hong Kong is an international transportation hub. You can fly directly to Hong Kong from most countries in the world.

Many business travellers heading to Mainland China, first fly to Hong Kong.

Where should I stay in Hong Kong to conveniently travel to the trade show venues?

Hong Kong is a small city. Regardless of where you stay, you will most likely not be more than 30 minutes away from either of the two trade show venues. However, if you want to stay close to the venue, you can consider the following:

HKTDC: Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay

Global Sources: Regal Airport Hotel (Hong Kong Airport)

If you buy a ticket for Global Sources Summit, you will be given complimentary Airport Express Train tickets to and from the city. These will be given to you when you check in to the Summit on April 27.

What types of suppliers can I find at the Hong Kong shows and Canton Fair?

At Global Sources shows, the majority of suppliers tend to be manufacturers from Mainland China. There is a small number of trading companies.

A large share of the exhibitors at the HKTDC shows are Hong Kong owned companies – many of which operate factories in the nearby Guangdong province.

At Canton Fair, most companies are from Mainland China, and there is a large number of trading companies and agents.

Do most exhibitors have English speaking personnel?

Yes, most exhibitors at all shows have English-speaking staff so you don’t necessarily need an interpreter while attending trade shows. Staff at the Hong Kong shows tend to be more fluent in English as compared to the staff at Canton Fair.

Buy Your Global Sources Summit Ticket

Use the discount code SS200 for $200 off