Shanghai has introduced a set of 10 initiatives to further strengthen its position as an international conference and exhibition hub, leveraging the sector to spur economic growth, lead industrial development, and stimulate consumption.

The policy, titled Several Measures to Accelerate the Enhancement of Shanghai's Conference and Exhibition Industry, is effective from Jan 1, 2026, to Dec 31, 2027. Where national or municipal regulations specify different implementation periods for particular measures, those provisions will apply.

Here's a breakdown of key points of the policy:

1. Spurring growth and vitality

• Shanghai encourages multinational conference and exhibition groups to cultivate sub-exhibitions through a "co-located events" model.
• Eligible exhibition venues will be supported in hosting innovative exhibitions independently or in partnership with industry organizations.
• Support will be provided for mergers and acquisitions by conference and exhibition entities involving high-potential exhibition projects.
• Exhibitions that are held in the city for the first time and meet certain criteria for the exhibition area will receive financial support.

2. Attracting overseas exhibitors and buyers

• Efforts will be made to enhance the international level of exhibitions by expanding global marketing networks, strengthening international promotion, and attracting high-quality overseas exhibitors and professional buyers to participate in exhibitions held in Shanghai.
• Exhibitions held in the city for more than three consecutive years, with a single exhibition area reaching 20,000 square meters and overseas exhibitors or buyers accounting for at least 10 percent, will receive financial incentives based on international participation levels.

3. Developing niche markets

• The city will focus on niche sectors to strengthen its flagship exhibitions in strategic emerging industries, such as integrated circuits, electronic information, and biomedicine.
• The city will foster exemplary exhibitions in emerging and future industries, including artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy, and new energy materials.
• It will also expand consumer-oriented exhibitions in fields such as the pet economy, ACGN (animation, comic, game and novel), and lifestyles.
• Financial support will be provided for exhibitions that have strong guiding functions in niche markets and innovative models.

4. Optimizing operations and venue utilization

• A "one venue, one policy" approach will guide the differentiated development of exhibition venues.
• Ultra-large exhibition venues, including the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai, will focus on idle, off-season, and outdoor expandable space to attract suitable, flexible, and professional exhibitions.
• Small and medium-sized professional exhibition venues are encouraged to integrate local industry resources, such as manufacturing clusters and cultural and creative parks, to host sector-focused activities and industry-specific meetings, thereby improving utilization through the integration of exhibitions and conferences.

5. Enhancing services and reducing costs

• Key exhibition venues will be guided to maintain stable rental prices.
• Various types of exhibition venues are encouraged to offer targeted pricing and value-added services to support long-term partnerships, off-season or innovative exhibitions, and those newly introduced to Shanghai.
• Services will be listed, transparent, and predictable, with infrastructure improvements, innovative taxi coordination, tailored data access, and on-site operation assistance.

6. Strengthening spatial support

• Local governments are encouraged to promote synergy among exhibition venues, adjacent hotels, and professional meeting venues, and launch versatile space combinations to maximize the exhibition efficiency of existing spaces through subsidy incentives, visitor direction, and joint brand promotions.
• Shanghai will leverage the institutional advantages of functional areas and the clustering effects of resources. It will utilize the conference and exhibition functions of the Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone, and enhance the exhibition support facilities in the Hongqiao International Central Business District, giving full play to the advantages of holding large-scale conferences and other activities in large exhibition halls.
• The city will also adapt to local conditions to utilize commercial buildings and outdoor shared spaces to flexibly supplement the available space for conferences and exhibitions.

7. Integrating exhibitions, conferences, industries and consumption

• Shanghai will encourage the simultaneous staging of industry exhibitions, forward-looking seminars and industry summits, alongside the release of new industry trends, technological advancements, and standard guidelines, to promote deeper integration of exhibitions and industries.
• The city will encourage exhibitors at consumption-theme exhibitions to plan new product launches, product debut experiences, and ordering events to activate consumer interest through experiential scenarios, turning "exhibits" into "products".
• The initiative will organize structured supply-demand matchmaking and targeted business negotiation meetings, enabling enterprises to connect more efficiently with qualified buyers, transforming "exhibitors" into "buyers".
• It will also support "post-exhibition conferences", encouraging biennial and other long-cycle exhibitions to explore holding exhibitions one year and conferences the next. This approach allows for thematic deepening, resource consolidation, and sustained interest through specialized conferences and academic forums.

8. Accelerating digital transformation

• Shanghai will provide tailored guidance for the intelligent upgrading of exhibition venues, supporting those with the necessary conditions to build a digital ecosystem and establish benchmarks for digital conferences and exhibitions in the city.
• The city will encourage other types of venues to enhance their operations and management through digital systems, achieving efficient business collaboration in flexible ways.
• Shanghai will also focus on exhibitions with rapidly evolving demands and innovative scenarios, and support eligible exhibition venues in collaborating with organizers to develop personalized digital tools such as augmented reality navigation and electronic exhibition maps to enhance the experience for exhibitors and visitors.

9. Boosting international cooperation

• Shanghai will leverage high-level international platforms such as the Global Exhibition CEO Shanghai Summit. It will refine the "International Advisors for Shanghai's Exhibition Industry Development" mechanism, and accelerate the building of a knowledge resource pool of international experts and senior industry professionals.
• The city will invite international advisors to participate in the planning of major conference and exhibition projects in the city and the formulation of industry standards.
• Shanghai will also encourage key districts and functional areas to host various promotional activities during conventions. A regular communication and service mechanism will be established to transform exchange outcomes into long-term cooperative projects.

10. Enhancing service coordination

• Shanghai will promote the closer connection of the "Shanghai Exhibition Assistant" WeChat mini-program with platforms related to culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibitions in the city, strengthen intellectual property protection, and provide comprehensive services such as transportation, accommodation, and dining reservations during exhibitions.
• The city will advance Qingpu district's one-stop exhibition service initiative, accelerate the construction of the "Conference and Exhibition Service Window" at the Hongqiao International Conference and Exhibition Industry Park, and offer value-added service packages.
• It will also improve the comprehensive support mechanism in Pudong New Area to promote high-quality development of the exhibition industry, ensuring quick responses and effective solutions to any unexpected matters at exhibition venues.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce

Note: The English text is for reference only. In case of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.