The 49th CIFF Guangzhou was held in two phases between 17-20 Jul 2022 and 26-29 Jul at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou Pazhou, Guangzhou, China, occupying a total of 510,000 square metres of exhibition space, welcoming over 2,500 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions and 139,574 trade visitors, and staging eight thematic exhibitions along with over 130 conferences and forums.
For the first time, CIFF Guangzhou was also held online on various social and multimedia channels, registering 50.19 million visits and bringing the furniture industry together under one roof and generating synergy between the Chinese domestic and international markets.
First phase
The first phase represented the home, from interior furnishings and decoration to outdoor living. According to the organisers of CIFF Guangzhou, Home Furniture had featured 70 design brands that had not participated in CIFF in the last five years, which proposed new products and solutions with a special focus on the domestic market, and introduced the home-stay sector.
The CMF Trend Lab interpreted market trends through four workshops: the Digital Post-mankind Lab, focused on the virtual economy and the digital narrative; the Unbalance Lab, developing the themes of wellbeing in the post-COVID era, food innovation, and a focus on zero emissions; the Nation Oriented Lab, focalising innovation in traditional craftsmanship, the redefinition of the Eastern spirit, and the use of industrial materials; the Body Shaming Lab, bringing attention to the growing role of women in the economy, as well as the consequently changing trends in consumer decision-making power.
Meanwhile, the D2M Lab, the platform connecting and creating synergy and opportunities between designers and manufacturers saw the participation of some 50 design studios.
Homedecor & Hometextile presented the latest trends in interior decor: furnishing accessories, lighting, decorative paintings, and artificial flowers to add value to every environment. Outdoor & Leisure interpreted outdoor lifestyles, offering solutions for expanding quality and comfort beyond the home.
Second phase
The second phase showcased the world of work and public spaces, as well as technologies for the furniture industry.
The Office Show presented intelligent and sustainable workspace design solutions that improve productivity, well-being, and safety. Space was also dedicated to public commercial spaces, healthcare and senior citizen facilities, and schools.
2030+ International Future Office (IFO), under the theme Hyper Dimensions, analyses the workplace within the three dimensions of time, space, and knowledge, to explore a new workspace model and new trends in office furniture.
Jointly organised by CIFF and the China National Furniture Association, the design exhibition occasioned the collaboration of brands such as Steelcase, Koenig+Neurath, Lamex, Sitland, Magis, Estel, Rexite, Gan, Aurora, Sunon, Tom Dixon, and Linak.
