CBME China—the Children, Baby, Maternity Expo—is the world’s largest trade fair dedicated to products and services for mothers, babies, and children. Held annually in Shanghai, it brings together global manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and suppliers to showcase the latest innovations, network with industry leaders, and explore business opportunities. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned attendee, navigating this massive event requires careful planning, strategic focus, and smart execution. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your CBME China experience.
CBME China isn’t just another trade show—it’s a global hub for the maternity and child-related industry. It hosts over 3,000 exhibitors and 95,000+ visitors from more than 30 countries. From infant care products and maternity wear to educational tools and smart toys, the diversity is staggering.The expo typically spans multiple halls at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai, covering hundreds of thousands of square meters. With that scale, it’s easy to miss out if you arrive unprepared.
Pre-registration is a must. Not only does it save time and money, but it also ensures you get full access to both the exhibition floor and the many seminars and business-matching events. You can register online via the official CBME China website, where you’ll receive a QR code for fast check-in.Tip: Use a business email and input accurate company information. This increases your chances of being invited to VIP networking sessions or exclusive product launches.
Why are you attending CBME China? Are you looking for new suppliers? Do you want to launch a new product? Are you researching market trends or scouting the competition?Define your goals early and align your schedule around them. That way, you can filter out distractions and stay focused amid the sensory overload.Create a list of:
Use the event’s mobile app or website to locate booths and plan your route efficiently.
Make sure to bring plenty of business cards, brochures, and marketing materials. If you’re representing a brand, consider printing bilingual content (Chinese and English) to ease communication.A few essentials to pack:
Digital business cards or QR-based contact info are also gaining popularity and help avoid running out of physical materials.
CBME China is often segmented into thematic areas such as:
Understanding the layout helps you optimize your time and avoid aimless wandering. Maps are provided at the entrance, but downloading the digital floor plan in advance is even better.
Beyond the exhibition booths, CBME China hosts a range of forums, seminars, and panel discussions led by industry experts. These cover topics like:
These events are excellent for gaining insights and engaging in thought leadership. Most are included with your badge, but some premium sessions may require separate registration.
CBME China offers unmatched networking opportunities. Many exhibitors and attendees are decision-makers—CEOs, buyers, product managers, and distributors.When approaching someone:
Pro tip: Some of the best networking happens outside the show floor—in coffee lounges, hotel lobbies, and industry mixers.
With so many booths and meetings, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Use digital tools like:
You can even scan QR codes at booths to instantly receive product catalogs and company info.
While CBME China is an international event, much of the communication will be in Chinese. Here are a few ways to bridge cultural gaps:
Having a local contact or interpreter can make a huge difference in successful conversations.
Your job doesn’t end when the expo closes. Within a few days:
If you plan to attend CBME China again, take notes on what worked and what didn’t so you can improve next time.
CBME China is more than just a trade fair—it’s a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets. Whether you’re sourcing new products, researching the latest innovations, or building global partnerships, attending this event with a clear plan can yield big results. With thoughtful preparation, a proactive mindset, and cultural awareness, you’ll not only survive the hustle and bustle of CBME China—you’ll thrive in it.