GUANGDONG, China — The Plastics Industry Association’s NPE2021 show, a TSE Gold 100 show that was scheduled for May 17-21 in Orlando, had to be canceled due to COVID-19 considerations, but Chinaplas21, the 34th The International Plastics & Rubber Industries Exhibition is taking place this week at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Guangdong, China, as a hybrid in-person and digital event. With temperature checks, mask protocols, and other safety precautions in place, it will be the first major plastics industry show of 2021.
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As has been the case with other trade shows held in China since the start of the pandemic, it will likely be more of a domestic affair, with ongoing challenges to international travel expected to reduce the number of international visitors and exhibitors, according to Plastics NewsResidents of the People’s Republic of China must be able to present a resident ID card and a green health code. In addition to a visa or travel permit, international travelers must also provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours of departure to mainland China, complete a health declaration form, and undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival in China.
Show organizers expect the number of exhibitors to be the same – 3,600 companies – as in 2020, but time will tell whether it can reach last year’s 160,000 attendees. The show includes 19 “themed zones” to make it easier for buyers to locate specific types of suppliers.
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The show offers a digital streaming platform for those who cannot attend the event in person. For exhibitors, the organizers offer an “Exhibitor Zone” where they can access the latest show news, the exhibitor manual, tips for participating in the show and exclusive services such as “MyCustomerFirst Services” and various promotional tools.