Last Updated: April 14, 2025,
Global economic instability, reduced funding and event cancellations are just some of the challenges to overcome.
China’s conventions and exhibitions industry is experiencing some of its toughest challenges yet, due to increasing complexity and uncertainty in the global economy and numerous domestic hurdles.
This is according to John Chan, general manager of the Shenyang New World EXPO convention centre, located in northeast China. He believes that factors such as a sluggish real estate market have led to funding shortages in related supply chains, dampening investment enthusiasm among businesses and levels of consumer confidence.
A nationwide initiative launched in 2024, aimed at standardising government-related conventions and exhibitions has also had an impact, with decreased government participation and financial investment resulting in fewer government events. Chan pointed out that the number of government-related conventions and exhibitions held at EXPO in 2024 decreased by 40%, compared to 2023.
Budget cuts among corporates have also led to fewer conferences and exhibitions being hosted in China, with some companies cancelling events altogether. Chan says that as a result, many small and medium-sized convention and exhibition enterprises are struggling to survive in an increasingly competitive environment.
“Given this situation, industry professionals need to collaborate and actively engage with government departments to offer insights and suggestions,” suggested Chan.
“On one hand, it is essential to explore innovative strategies to recapture the interest of exhibitors and attendees, thereby enhancing the appeal and influence of such events. On the other hand, it is important to actively advocate for the government to implement supportive policies for the industry, such as tax reduction and exemption, fiscal subsidies, financial support and other measures.”
Chan believes that the outlook for the remainder of 2025 looks encouraging, with an increasing number of international brands, multinational enterprises and professional organisations looking to participate in conventions and exhibitions in China.
He notes that local governments are also increasingly recognising the importance of the convention and exhibition industry as a catalyst for regional economic development, enhancing a city’s visibility and influence and promoting cultural exchange and integration.
