Concluding on October 13, Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition reached a milestone of 25 years as a leading industry platform. From 96 exhibitors at its debut in 1996, to a total of 2,028 at this year’s edition, the growth and achievements of the past quarter of a century are to be celebrated. Once again, the fair was held concurrently with Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology (GEBT) and together, the two fairs attracted over 140,000 visitors to the heart of China’s manufacturing hub. As industry professionals gathered to showcase the latest lighting products and solutions, the show provided a platform to assist businesses to rebound, reconnect and regain momentum.

Commenting on the development of the fair, Ms Lucia Wong, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said: “As we reflect upon the past 25 years of the show, it brings us great pleasure to observe how it has grown exponentially, alongside the thriving lighting industry. Over the years, the fair has managed to align itself with market changes and even today, as the industry experiences transformations with the adoption of 5G and AIoT into the daily lives of consumers, it continues to represent progression and innovation. And judging by responses from this edition, the show is highly-valued by the industry as a platform to capitalise on the new opportunities presented by such market changes.”

“Of course, this year has been more challenging than most. So as China’s economy builds upon its promising recovery, we are delighted to have witnessed many successful business interactions across the four days and to have injected a sense of positivity into the industry. As we look ahead with 25 years of experience and knowledge behind us, we are confident that GILE will continue to inspire, encourage and motivate the lighting sector to evolve and develop, whilst maintaining an appreciation for the fundamental foundations of the industry,” Ms Wong added.

Over its 25 years, GILE has always been one of the most effective platforms in the region to discover the latest product and industry trends, and 2020 was no exception. Exhibitors and buyers alike were all discussing and on the look-out for what was trending this year. What was observed and heard throughout the four days of the fair included smart lighting as well as smart street lighting and IoT related products; healthy lighting particularly in light of the effects of the pandemic; healthier lights for children including the development of new school lighting; lighting to improve people’s performance at work; and energy saving products.

The next editions of Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition and Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology will take place from 9 – 12 June 2021 and will be again held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou.

The Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition is a part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology fairs headed by the biennial Light + Building event. The next edition will take place from March 13 to 18 2022 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Messe Frankfurt also offers a series of other light and building technology events worldwide, including the Thailand Lighting Fair, BIEL Light + Building in Argentina, Light Middle East in the United Arab Emirates, Interlight Russia as well as Light India, the LED Expo New Delhi and the LED Expo Mumbai in India.