With one of Asia’s largest gift fairs fast approaching, here are some facts to consider before you attend the show.
1 The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Exporters Association (HKEA) and will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 27 to 30 April. This year there will be 4,300 exhibitors from all corners of the world including newcomer Ireland.
Hong Kong is an important sourcing centre for giftware. Last year around 50,000 global buyers from 134 countries attended the fair including those from mainland China, USA, Australia, the UK, Japan and Italy.
2 The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair will be divided into different themed zones such as the Hall of Fine Designs, which houses high quality brands including B.Duck, Cross, Hugo Boss, Kaweco, Moleskine, Nina Ricci, Police, Pork Chop & Friends, Sanrio and TeamGreen.
Due to increasing market demand, Hair Ornaments & Accessories will make its debut, while Startup Zone is set to offer innovative and unique pieces from new entrepreneurs and designers. Popular zones returning this year are the World of Gift Ideas featuring trend-setting products and Art & DIY Gifts, which is all about handmade crafts and related tools and materials.
Other zones include Fine Porcelain Gifts, Green Gifts, Hiking and Camping products, iAccessories and Party and Festive items.
3 Supporting local design is important for the show’s organisers, which is why HKEA has introduced two major feature zones, Isle of Originality and Smart Design Village, showcasing Hong Kong exporters’ competitive edge and creative designs.
Additionally, the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards celebrate these innovative products in both gifts and home & housewares categories. The awards will be presented during a special ceremony on 27 April.
4 Networking events and product demonstrations held during the Gifts & Premium Fair are great occasions for buyers and industry players to meet. A range of seminars and forums during the fair period will also cover a full spectrum of topics relevant to the gifts market.
The concurrent Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair will take place at AsiaWorld-Expo, offering expanded sourcing opportunities for gift and premium buyers. A free shuttle bus service will run between the HKCEC and the expo at regular intervals during the course of the two fairs.
By Marion Gerritsen
