ITMA ASIA + CITME

About the fair

Since 2008, China has hosted a combined show called ITMA ASIA + CITME, held every two years. This landmark event in Shanghai brings together the unique strengths of the ITMA brand and China's most important textile event, CITME. Merging the two shows into one mega high-quality event is actively supported by all nine European textile-machinery associations of CEMATEX, the CTMA (China Textile Machinery Association) and the JTMA (Japan Textile Machinery Association). Highlights: a huge showcase of advanced solutions for textile manufacturers; strong support from all major trade associations worldwide; around 100,000 trade visitors from all sectors of the global textile industry; more than 1,700 exhibitors expected; over 180,000 sq m of exhibition space; presentation by product category for visitor convenience; and strict measures to protect intellectual property.

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.