A new pavilion featuring life-changing tech for seniors, a debut zone spotlighting innovative materials in fashion and the latest industry breakthroughs in sustainability are some of the highlights from this month’s lifestyle fairs hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle are being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 27-30 April, while the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong are taking place at the same time at AsiaWorld-Expo.
The Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference are also being staged at the HKCEC on 28-30 April, bringing licensing opportunities and lifestyle products under one roof.
Collectively, the seven events are expected to attract some 6,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions.
Some notable additions to this year’s exhibitions emphasise technology’s role in improving people’s lives.
Home InStyle, Asia’s leading trade fair for home decor, is introducing a Gerontech Living Pavilion for pioneering solutions, including AI mobile toilets, social robots and smart walking sticks, that can enhance seniors’ lifestyles.
The Hong Kong Productivity Council will demonstrate mixed reality (MR) games that can boost mental and physical well-being, while the Housing Society Elderly Resources Centre will create an Empathy Exploration Lab to foster a better understanding of older people’s needs.
Home InStyle’s popular Cultural and Creative Avenue has also been upgraded and expanded this year, featuring more than 100 exhibitors from Asia and Europe.
Innovative fashion
At the same time, Fashion InStyle, Asia’s leading fashion trade show, is launching a new zone for advanced fashion materials called NEXT@Fashion InStyle.
Some 60 suppliers will showcase their offerings at the zone. Fashion pieces created by designers from Hong Kong that incorporate some of these high-tech materials will also be on display.
In addition, the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) and the Kingdom’s National Soft Power Development Committee are bringing some 30 Thai exhibitors together with materials that blend cultural heritage, sustainability and innovative tech.
Meanwhile, a Green Printing & Packaging Solutions Zone at the Printing & Packaging Fair is promoting a variety of eco-friendly products, from biodegradable shopping bags to water-soluble packaging peanuts as a substitute for plastic filler.
Both this fair and DeLuxe PrintPack, which focuses on premium packaging for upscale and luxury goods, are co-organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company.
The concurrent Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, now in its 40th year, is themed ‘Celebrating Four Decades of Wonder’, presenting beauty and health goods, commercial and lifestyle gifts, seasonal and decorative offerings and more.
Industry insights
April’s lifestyle events will also feature some 60 thematic seminars, buyer forums, product promotion and launch events and fashion parades.
Home InStyle and the Gifts & Premium Fair will include contributions from Southeast Asia e-commerce platform Lazada and corporate gift specialist Matrix Promotion, as well as international market research firm Coresight Research.
The Printing & Packaging Fair will host representatives from packaging design company Wrapology, while professors from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Institute of Textiles and Clothing will share insights on balancing luxury with sustainability.
This year’s International Licensing Show will showcase global brands such as Coca-Cola, Monopoly and Ultraman alongside popular brands from Hong Kong together with new creations from the CCIDA-sponsored Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme.
At the concurrent Asian Licensing Conference, industry leaders will explore the latest developments in global licensing and other key topics, including the ongoing impact of the latest technology and sustainability trends.
