(Visit PRC Magazine booth at 3D-Ao8)
In the face of challenges brought about by economic uncertainties and increased market competition, brand building, product design and quality are increasingly the key to business success. The 11th edition of the HKTDC InnoDesignTech Expo (IDT Expo) will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 3 to 5 December.
Now in its 11th year, the IDT Expo will once again provide a platform for creative, technology, and IP trading professionals to expand business networks and develop projects.
Global Partnerships flourish
As a leading European creative hub, Barcelona is this year’s partner city for the IDT Expo under the theme “Barcelona Inspires Design”. In addition to highlighting leading brands and companies from the city such as FCBarcelona, MANGO, Roca and TOUS, the event will also feature a series of seminars on topics ranging from innovation in eco-design and e-commerce to designing cities of the future. Experts in the field of innovation and design from Japan, Italy, Switzerland and Taiwan will also exchange ideas and insights with Hong Kong business leaders at the various talks and seminars to be held during the event.
The IDT Expo will also encourage global ties with other cities and help businesses explore opportunities in innovation and applied technology by bringing together more than 430 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions around the globe, a new record for the event.
Zoning in on innovation
Exhibitor zones in the event’s two thematic halls, Trade Hall and Inspiration Hall, will make it easy for fairgoers to find the design- and tech-related professionals, products and innovations they need. Building on last year’s success, the Creative and Tech Start-up Zone in the Trade Hall will bring together close to 100 start-ups from around the world, including those from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, InnoCentre, Cyberport, iStartup@HK and tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, as well as representatives from the UAE, Czech Republic, Israel, Malaysia and Mexico, with the UAE and Mexico organising start-up pavilions for the first time. Also in the Trade Hall, the Global Invention Zone will have nearly 100 inventors from around the world presenting their latest creations, helping to create business opportunities in IP.
Open to the public free of charge, the Inspiration Hall will showcase exceptional projects by top Hong Kong and international designers, to promote the exchange of creativity and ideas as well as to arouse interest in innovative design works and technologies among the general public. This year’s IDT Expo will feature the largest number of Hong Kong designs in recent years, including a Hong Kong designers’ “10cc ‒ Hong Kong Spirit” showcase of chair designs and “Urban Oasis” design blueprints created by local young designers, both presented by the Hong Kong Interior Design Association.
Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region* will continue to sponsor the Hong Kong Creative Force Zone in the Inspiration Hall this year. The Zone will showcase more than 100 outstanding local creations, including innovative lifestyle items crafted from reclaimed bamboo scaffolding and lamp wood presented under the theme “CREATE OUTSIDE THE GRID”, a cross-discipline collaborative project between the HKTDC and 29 Hong Kong designers. Also exhibited in the Inspiration Hall will be the latest designs from FASHIONALLY by HKTDC as well as success stories in “transformation and upgrading” and new media marketing.
Inventions and events
On each day of the fair, thematic seminars will be organised to discuss specific themes to benefit particular types of innovative professionals. The Creativity for Business Track will feature seminars on brand strategy, creativity, design and more. The Innovation for Business Track will discuss such topics as smart manufacturing, smart retailing and smart business data for marketing. The Creative & Tech Start-up Track will be devoted to talks on start-up marketing, commercialisation and investor relations, and funding innovation.
Other seminars and star speakers are featured throughout the event, providing an opportunity for visitors to engage all aspects of the business of innovation. A 3D printing workshop as well as business matching and networking events will also provide a platform for innovative professionals to connect with new partners and collaborators. The Hong Kong Maker Club will also organise a robot boxing contest in the afternoon of 5 December in the Inspiration Hall.
Fair Website: http://www.hktdc.com/innodesigntechexpo