ATFE - ASIA TIMBER FRAMING EXPO - CHINA

About the fair

The China (Guangzhou) International Food Expo and Import Food Expo (IFE China) is South China's largest and highly authoritative F&B (Food & Beverage) industry exhibition, gathering only high-level professional visitors. The event features scientific conferences, the specialized Fine Food Development Forum, master classes, round tables, presentations, training seminars and business meetings. IFE China focuses on helping overseas food companies find distributors and agents to promote their best food and beverages to China's growing and promising food market — an excellent opportunity for foreign producers to expand into China, where imported foods such as dairy and confectionery are in high demand. Taking part in this popular, prestigious show is a great way to expand sales markets, raise a company's image and brand recognition, and find potential clients.

Planning the trip

• Register the badge online. Every major fair issues visitor badges in advance, and on-site registration means queueing on the busiest morning of the show. Registration usually opens one to two months out.
• Check the visa position early. China's entry rules have changed repeatedly in recent years, including visa-free arrangements for a growing list of countries and transit exemptions. Confirm what applies to your passport for this month, and ask the organiser for an invitation letter if a business visa is needed — issuing one is routine.
• Book accommodation before the dates firm up. A large fair fills its host city and rates move accordingly. Cancellable bookings made early cost less than confirmed ones made late.
• Decide which halls before you arrive. The bigger Chinese fairs run to several halls across separate phases, and walking them without a plan burns a day. Shortlist the stands you need and treat anything else as a bonus.
• Plan the follow-up, not just the visit. Business cards collected at a fair convert poorly once you fly home: quotes arrive in patchy English, samples stall, and the time difference eats a day per exchange. Deciding who handles that before you travel is what makes the trip pay for itself.