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?

The ITB China Matchmaking System provides exhibitors with an efficient and streamlined process to manage pre-scheduled appointments with hosted Chinese buyers. It helps overcome cultural barriers, kick-start meaningful interactions, and foster seamless connections between exhibitors and buyers.

How Does the ITB China Matchmaking System Work?

The matchmaking process is structured into five distinct phases:

  1. Preparation Phase  (10 February – 11 April)

Exhibitor Action: Main and co-exhibitors can enhance their company profiles by uploading videos, images, and brochures for buyers to view during the Open Calendar Phase. Accurate and complete registration details are essential—ensure all co-exhibitors are registered by 11 April.

  1. Match Calculation Phase(14 April – 25 April)

Meeting pairings are automatically generated based on exhibitor and buyer profiles. Buyers’ purchasing preferences and regional interests are matched with exhibitors’ products and operating markets to create a preliminary meeting schedule.

  1. Open Calendar Phase (28 April to 14 May)

Exhibitor Action: Exhibitors and buyers can customize their meeting schedules during this phase. They can add, modify, or remove appointments to align with their preferences.

  1. Finalization Phase (23 May to 26 May)

Exhibitors and buyers will receive notifications to download their finalized pre-scheduled meeting calendars from their ITB China accounts.

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

Exhibitor Action: During ITB China, exhibitors will meet buyers at their booths according to the pre-scheduled meeting calendars.

What are the matchmaking criteria?

The matchmaking process is guided by the following criteria:

  • Product and Operating Markets:Information provided during online registration is crucial for accurate matches.

  • Company Profile:A well-maintained profile with promotional materials (videos, brochures, and images) attracts greater buyer interest and additional meeting requests.

How Can I Improve the Quality of My Appointments?

  • Accurate Registration Details:Provide precise information about your products and operating markets during the registration process to optimize matchmaking results.

  • High-Quality Profile:Upload compelling promotional content (videos, images, and brochures) to enhance visibility and interest during the Open Calendar Phase.

  • Targeted Invitations:Use the matchmaking tool to identify potential partners and send meeting invitations 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, comprising a minimum of 21 meetings with Chinese buyers.

Can I receive additional appointments?

Yes. Exhibitors can purchase one extra appointment set for USD 1,730 per 9 square meters.

Can appointment sets be shared?

No, appointments are tailored to individual exhibitor and buyer profiles and cannot be shared.

When can I see and invite buyers I wish to meet?

The Open Calendar Phase (28 April – 14 May 2025) allows exhibitors to invite buyers to meetings.

Why aren’t my invitations appearing in my final calendar?

Invitations will only be scheduled if buyers accept them within 48 hours. Meetings requested by buyers during the Open Calendar Phase are automatically added to the finalized schedule.

Why are there fewer than 21 meetings in the open calendar phase?

Initial matches reflect the best-automated pairings. During the Open Calendar Phase, exhibitors and buyers can adjust schedules by adding or deleting meetings. A finalized schedule will ensure at least 21 meetings.

Where will the meetings take place?

All pre-scheduled meetings are held at the exhibitor’s booth during the designated time slots.

How do I confirm a meeting?

Buyers can confirm meetings by scanning the exhibitor’s QR code via the ITB China app or their badge.

Can I rate a meeting?

Yes, exhibitors can provide feedback on the quality of appointments using the ITB China app’s rating function. This feedback helps improve future matchmaking and buyer selection processes.