10th ICIF kicks off

The 10th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) is taking place from May 15 to May 19 in Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. ICIF, the only national and integrated international cultural industries fair in China, has become a more professional, international, market-oriented and regulated one this year, providing products of high quality only, as Wu Yihuan, the deputy mayor of Shenzhen explained.

ICIF gathering exhibitors from both home and abroad

The 10th ICIF covers an exhibition area of 105,000 square meters with eight specialized exhibition halls, the main venue of which has been set at Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. ICIF this year has gathered 2,263 exhibitors including governments, corporations and institutions from 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, 145 more than the previous one; together with 17,000 overseas buyers from 95 different countries and regions.

There will be various activities including colloquia, seminars, conferences and forums held by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Commerce, State Administration of Radio, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and so on. The 10th ICIF is spread across 54 venues in total, 11 more than the previous one.

Becoming more international

Being international, the highlight of the session’s ICIF, is reflected in every aspect. The sponsors and organizers have established a strategic cooperative relationship with 16 overseas professional institutions, which enhances not only the role of overseas agents but also the influence of ICIF all over the world. A large number of agents are bringing excellent cultural products, and meanwhile taking an active part in various forums and product launches. Overseas exhibitions this year account for 15.1 percent of the total, 1.4 percent more than last year.

The “2+3” mode will be first used in ICIF this year, which is favored by many international exhibitions. This refers to a five-day-exhibition with the first two days reserved for professional visitors and the latter three days for the public. During the former, the main aim is to accomplish 70 percent of the turnover planned, with various activities like matching, negotiating, marketing and signing implemented. And in the remaining three days, people will join in this event to experience a splendid cultural feast.

Aditionally, the service system has been improved this year by making full use of the internet. For example, the ICIF news will be published regularly online; social networking is ready to give an immediate response to people in need. Plus, at every venue, signs like maps will be noticeable enough for visitors to get information whenever they want.

Being economical, no more ceremony

The 10th ICIF is economical since it has abandoned its evening party and opening ceremony etc. and only provides a brief opening for exhibitors, buyers and professional visitor delegates.