Matchmaking Q&A

Frequently asked questions: The ITB China Matchmaking System.

Do you have additional questions or need assistance? Reach out to us at exhibitor@itb-china.com, and we’ll gladly help.

Why does ITB China have a Matchmaking System?

ITB China’s matchmaking system offers exhibitors a highly efficient process to receive and manage pre-scheduled appointments with Chinese hosted buyers.

How Does the ITB China Matchmaking Work?

The ITB China Matchmaking is set up in 5 phases:

  1. Preparation Phase (1 Feb – 12. April)

Exhibitor ActionMain and co-exhibitors can optimize their
company profiles by uploading videos, images, and brochures for buyers to browse later during the important Open
Calendar Phase
. Please ensure that your registration information is accurate and that all your
co-exhibitors have registered by April 12.

  1. Match Calculation Phase (15 to 23 Apr 2024)

Meeting pairings between exhibitors and buyers are calculated based on the information
provided during registration. Buyers’ purchasing demands and regional interests are automatically matched with
exhibitors’ products and operating markets during this phase and a preliminary meeting schedule is created.

  1. Open Calendar Phase (24th April 2024 to 14th May 2024)

Exhibitor ActionExhibitors and buyers can customize their
meeting schedules by adding or removing appointments based on their preferences.

  1. Finalization Phase (from 22nd May 2024)

Exhibitors and buyers receive their finalized pre-scheduled meeting calendars, providing a
clear overview of their upcoming engagements.

  1. Onsite Meeting Phase (27th to 29th May 2024)

Exhibitor Action: Exhibitors are visited by
buyers at their booths during ITB China according to their pre-scheduled meeting calendars.

What are the matchmaking criteria?

The information regarding the exhibitor`s products and operating markets provided during the online registration are the first criteria for the matchmaking with buyers. A well-maintained online exhibitor profile with additional uploads such as promotional videos, images and informational brochures can further attract the interest of buyers and additional meeting requests.

How can I improve the quality of my appointments?

Accurate company details: Ensure that the products and your operating markets you provided during your online registration are accurate for precise matchmaking results during the Match Calculation Phase. Please don’t hesitate to ask your ITB China contact if you have any questions regarding the correct selection.

Quality of company profile: A well-crafted company profile is likely to increase the quantity and quality of appointment requests from buyers during the Open Calendar Phase. Upload additional video and promotion material in your ITB China account that will be displayed to buyers in the matchmaking tool as well as in the ITB China online catalog later on.

Additional appointment requests to buyers: Use the ITB China matchmaking tool to filter potential partners according to your specific needs and invite them to a meeting during the Open Calendar Phase.

How many appointments will I receive?

Main exhibitors are entitled to one appointment set per 9 square meters of booth space. Each set comprises approximately 21 appointments with Chinese buyers.

How can I receive additional appointments with Chinese buyers?

Exhibitors can order one extra appointment set for USD 1,650 per 9 square meters.

Can appointment sets be shared with another exhibitor?

As appointments are tailored to specific exhibitor and buyer profiles, sharing sets with other exhibitors is not possible.

When will I be able to see and invite the buyers that I would like to meet?

Mark your calendars from April 22, 2024 – the start of the 3-week Open Calendar Phase, where exhibitors can invite the buyers, they wish to meet until May 14, 2024.

Why can't I see my invitations to meetings with buyers in my final calendar?

The exhibitor invitations will only become scheduled meetings if the buyer accepts the invitation within 48 hours. However, if a hosted buyer selects your company actively during the open calendar phase and would like to meet with you, an appointment is automatically added to your finalized calendar.

Why can I only see 15 meetings during the open calendar phase?

The 15 meetings represent the initial baseline of the best possible matches found between you and buyers during the Match Calculation Phase based on an automated matching process. During the subsequent 3-week Open Calendar Phase, both exhibitors and hosted buyers can add additional meeting requests based on their preferences. In the final schedule calculation, a minimum of 21 meetings will be in your onsite meeting calendar.

Where will the pre-scheduled meetings take place?

All pre-scheduled meetings are held exclusively at the exhibitor’s booth during the specified meeting time window.

How do I confirm that the meeting took place?

Buyers can confirm meetings by scanning the exhibitor’s QR code in the app or on their badge, ensuring a smooth post-engagement process.

Can I rate a meeting?

Yes, the ITB China APP features an appointment rating function, allowing exhibitors to provide instant feedback on the quality of each appointment after the meeting. This feature contributes to ongoing improvement and refinement of the matchmaking experience and the future buyer selection process.