On October 12, 2024, the 16th China Weihai International Fishing Tackle Fair opened. Leveraging Weihai's status as the world's largest fishing tackle manufacturing base, it aims to create a renowned professional fishing tackle brand exhibition. It leads and drives fishing tackle enterprises to build brands, innovate, and develop, promoting the deep integration of Weihai's fishing tackle industry and fashion leisure sports product industry, and expanding the international influence of Weihai as "China's Fishing Tackle Capital", "China's Leisure Fishing Capital", and "China's Fishing Rod City".
- Time and Organizers
- The fair opened at 8:30 am on October 12 at the Weihai International Economic and Trade Exchange Center (without a formal opening ceremony) and lasts until October 14. It's organized by the Weihai International Chamber of Commerce and Beijing Aoqin Runjiang Exhibition Company, and supported by Weihai City Investment Group Co., Ltd., Weihai Fishing Tackle Industry Association, Weihai Yacht Industry Association, Weihai Convention and Exhibition Industry Association, and Rongcheng RV Association.
- Exhibition Scale and Content
- Using E1, E2, E3, E4, E5 halls of the international economic and trade exchange center and some outdoor square areas, the total exhibition area is about 60,000 square meters, with about 2,000 international standard booths set up. It displays fishing rods, reels, hooks, lines, baits, nets and other fishing supplies; fishing tackle manufacturing materials, accessories, and equipment; fishing electronic products and auxiliary tools; fishing boats, RVs, paddle boards, tents, clothing, bags, and outdoor leisure products, etc.
- Registration of Exhibitors and Purchasers
- About 1,000 exhibitors were selected from over 1,400 domestic and foreign enterprises that applied. Among them, there are 198 Weihai enterprises and 768 enterprises outside Weihai, including overseas enterprises from the US, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Indonesia, and other countries and regions. Domestic exhibitors come from 22 provinces and autonomous regions, mainly in Shandong, Hebei, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Anhui, Henan, etc. There are 246 enterprises in Shandong Province, with Weihai enterprises accounting for 80% of Shandong's and 20% of the total exhibitors.
- As of now, nearly 1,000 international purchasers from nearly 60 countries and regions have registered to attend, and the registered domestic purchasers come from 22 provinces and cities, with nearly 2,000 people from 737 companies (the data is still increasing).
- Larger Scale
- The total exhibition area this year is about 60,000 square meters, with over 1,000 exhibitors, setting new highs. With the expansion, all 5 halls of the exchange center are used for the first time, and outdoor spaces are also utilized to display large exhibits like fishing boats and RVs. The fair's exhibition area ranks second among national fishing tackle exhibitions.
- Higher Grade
- The number of large enterprises and well-known brands participating has increased significantly. 245 enterprises have set up special booths, with the special decoration area accounting for over 50% of the total. As the fair's level and influence rise, exhibitors have increased investment in booth decoration, exhibit transportation, and personnel. They bring many new products, technologies, and concepts. The fair has transformed from a display and trading platform to one that promotes industry innovation and product development.
- Better Services
- To create a professional exhibition, the layout was re-planned, the Xiaoyao Road section on the west side of the hall was renovated, and the west side entrance was opened. After security check, merchants can move between halls more easily. To ensure catering, two rest areas are set up in the corridors. At the same time, to strengthen intellectual property protection, it cooperates with relevant institutions and brands to carry out education and inspections to purify the environment. The bus route was adjusted and a stop was added to facilitate citizens.
The fishing tackle fair, as a high-level platform for Weihai's opening and a top event in the global industry, attracts many domestic and foreign merchants. Before each exhibition ends, over 90% of the next exhibition's booths are reserved. According to incomplete statistics, this year there are about 5,600 exhibitors; domestic registered purchasers from 22 provinces and cities, about 2,000 people; international registered purchasers from nearly 60 countries, about 1,000 people. Compared with other domestic fairs, its internationalization degree ranks first. There are also many unregistered merchants coming. In October, over 10,000 merchants and enthusiasts will gather in Weihai to feel the charm of "China's Fishing Tackle Capital" and "China's Fishing Rod City".
This year's exhibition has carefully organized various activities, such as brand launches, professional competitions, and entertainment shows, to promote the integration of exhibition, cultural tourism, and leisure industries and create a refreshing fishing tackle feast. The brand launch activities include the "Weihai Fishing Tackle" collective trademark launch and new product launches. The trademark launch will be on the morning of October 12 at the Habitat Center. Guests will unveil the trademark to expand the industry influence. It also includes the China Weihai Kayak 路亚 Boat Fishing Competition (held in Weihai for the first time), the Cross-border E-commerce Summit, and performance and test drive activities. Entertainment activities include fishing tackle product catwalk shows, Weihai specialty product exhibitions, and carnivals. We hope the public, fishing friends, and outdoor enthusiasts will participate.
