On its 20th anniversary, the China International Furniture Expo (Furniture China 2014) was elevated to an overall success and concluded on 14th September. Combining the most key Chinese domestic furniture enterprises and 307 overseas exhibitors, there were a total of 2,685 exhibitors who participated and displayed their latest products, design and technology at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) and Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre (SWEECC). Generally, the exhibitors were very glad with the exhibition's service and outcome. Many remarked that the venue's facilities were improved and that the visitor flow was satisfactory, with many quality buyers coming through. 97.6% of exhibitors have confirmed that they will attend Furniture China in 2015.

This year's exhibition attracted 98,401 visits, a 15.34% increase compared with last year, including 21,823 overseas attendees from 158 countries and regions, which was an increase of 3.3% and hit a record high. According to visitor feedback, the limited five-day exhibition, coupled with the convenient transportation and clear exhibition information provided them with adequate visiting experience. Furthermore, majority of visitors spoke highly of the exhibited furniture products, saying they could easily find ideal furniture suppliers or furniture design.

Being the event's 20th anniversary, this year was a big one for Furniture China, and as such on-site activities became big highlights. On September 10, the grand opening ceremony welcomed a number of crucial industry leaders from different countries and furniture associations. With a stunning grand gala dinner that evening, the first exhibition day was a successful kick-off for the expo. Nearly 1,000 distinguished invitees attended the gala dinner, gathering furniture industry giants from all over the world, many mainstream industry media as well as quite a few famous designers, along with others. Under the dinner theme "Bloom 20 Years, Grateful for You", 59 participating enterprises were honored with "Ten-Year Loyalty Exhibitor" awards, bringing the total number of award winners to 203 furniture enterprises. In order to spotlight the design aspect of the expo, the organizer launched the Gold Idea Furniture Design Award, and designated Prof. Dr. Peter Zec as the president of the jury, which awarded two weighed awards, "Best Furniture Brand Award of the Year" and "Gold Idea Special Award".

Design, Lifestyle and E-commerce were three pivotal elements which were embodied in all aspects of this year's furniture exhibition. "Design of Designers" featured 52 furniture designers exhibiting innovative works in the 3# Entrance Hall of SNIEC. Good and fresh design products attracted a flood of furniture design professionals. Hundreds of visitors participated in eight design forums during the exhibition. Many visitors praised Design of Designers as a beneficial interactive platform to facilitate the communication of designers and also furniture designs.

The Techno-Experience 2 at Hall E7 was well-received by office furniture traders. A total of 13 office furniture-related forums delivered new concepts of office technology and furniture, and was crowded with interested audiences who were eager to learn the latest market information, grasp the industry's dynamics and discover future development trends.

At SWEECC, a well-designed 100 Sofa Show gathered top sofa brands and fabric enterprises and was welcomed by thousands of visitors during the four-day exhibition. The 1st Home Furniture E-commerce Ordering Meeting got positive feedback and attracted more than 500 interested attendees from the furniture industry. The meeting gave sharp observation of the e-business market in the furniture industry and profoundly explored the hottest O2O topics.

2015 - Same Venue, Better Value

The 21st China International Furniture Expo (Furniture China 2015) will continue to provide a highly efficient trading platform for global furniture dealers. Furniture China 2015 will held from 9-12 September, in the same exhibition venues in Pudong, Shanghai - at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) and the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre (SWEECC).

The Sofa & Bed Show, a brand new upholstery exhibition, will debut concurrently with Furniture China 2015, occupying 40,000 square meters at SWEECC. The number of exhibitors at both SNIEC and SWEECC are expected to be up to 3,000 in total.