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HOTELEX Shanghai 2026 Concludes with Great Success

From March 30 to April 2, 2026, the 34th Shanghai International Hospitality Equipment & Foodservice Expo (HOTELEX Shanghai 2026) took place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. This impressive event is considered a pivotal exhibition within the larger scope of Tourism Plus Shanghai, effectively serving as a barometer for the global hotel and catering industry.

With an extensive exhibition space of 400,000 square meters, HOTELEX 2026 featured an impressive lineup of 4,018 exhibitors from around the world, attracting a record-breaking 303,576 professional visitors. This year showcased a diverse array of categories, including hotel supplies, catering equipment, coffee, tea, baked goods, and food materials, creating an all-encompassing experience for attendees.

One of the key highlights of the event was its significant increase in international participation. The expo attracted 18,431 overseas visitors, reflecting a remarkable 48.08% growth compared to the previous year. Visitors hailed from 189 countries and regions, with Malaysia, South Korea, and Russia leading the way. The expo also pioneered three targeted business matching sessions focused on different regions including Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and both North America and the Middle East, facilitating connections between 117 buyers from 23 countries and 81 domestic exhibitors.

Complementing this effort, the expo also assembled 46 dedicated buyer groups comprising 4,323 VIP purchasers from around the globe, including major buyers from Argentina, Australia, Germany, and the United States. This approach has established an efficient ecosystem geared towards fostering cross-border business interactions.

In addition to the fruitful matchmaking sessions, HOTELEX Shanghai took pride in functioning as a comprehensive platform for industry experiences and discussions. The event hosted 13 themed exhibition areas that merged professional displays with consumer insights, thereby enhancing the visitor experience. Furthermore, 33 high-end forums gathered 495 industry leaders, all sharing insights into the latest trends and advancements in the market. Alongside were 17 international competitions, which presented an opportunity for professionals to showcase their skills and creativity on a global stage.

Media coverage further amplified the reach of HOTELEX 2026, with 392 media partners contributing to over 329 million online exposures. This has undoubtedly enhanced the event’s global influence and presence within the hospitality sector.

Looking ahead, organizers announced that HOTELEX Shanghai 2027 will again be hosted at the National Exhibition and Convention Center from March 30 to April 2, 2027. Industry stakeholders, purchasers, and investors are warmly invited to gather next year to explore new business opportunities and make valuable connections within this vibrant marketplace.

As the hospitality industry continues to recover and innovate, events like HOTELEX Shanghai play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and paving the way for future growth. The success of this year’s expo serves as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of the global hotel and catering sectors as they navigate through challenging times and emerge stronger than ever.