"The only hardware show worldwide this year"

Even if visitor numbers fell well short of the usual level due to the coronavirus pandemic, as was expected, the organisers of the Taiwan Hardware Show (THS) have concluded that this year's show was a success. After all, it was "the only hardware show available worldwide this year," said Gerd Keim, president of trade show organising company Kaigo. It must also be taken into account, however, that the THS was staged this year together with International Metal Technology Taiwan (iMT Taiwan). Figures were only released for the two events together.
On the exhibitor side, 402 companies were represented (THS 2019: 430). The exhibition area in the Taichung International Exhibition Center covered 16 500 m², the same as a year ago. On the three days from 13 to 15 October 2020, a total of 23 800 visitors were counted, around 9 000 fewer than in 2019.
Most international buyers were unable to attend in person due to the pandemic, according to the closing report. In conjunction with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (Taitra), the show organisers instigated a virtual matchmaking programme: 120 sessions were organised for 55 participants from 37 countries. Kaigo reported that deals had even been concluded at these. This virtual format is to be retained in the future. The twin events next year (13 to 15 October 2021) will continue to feature the online business matchmaking programme.

The first day of this year's THS kicked off with vice-president William Lai's opening remarks. He encouraged businesses to gear up for the post-Covid economy and demonstrate supply chain resilience. Among other things, the opening event focused on the fact that Taiwan's supply chain has remained relatively uninterrupted while competitors around the world are shutting down factories and postponing shipments due to pandemic concerns.
In recent years, Rainer Strnad, editor of DIY International, has visited the trade fair several times and has been involved in the supporting programme with presentations. Due to the uncertainties relating to the coronavirus crisis, he chose not to travel to Taiwan this year, but was given the opportunity by the event organisers to address participants in the trade fair by video with a short welcome message.