The 31st edition of the Guangzhou International Beauty & Cosmetic Import-Export Expo (Guangzhou International Beauty Expo) closed on 26 September 2009 at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou, P. R. China with enthusiastic and positive feedback from all parties.
Almost 2,000 exhibiting companies from 18 countries and regions occupied 60,000 square metres of exhibition space. Country and group pavilions included Australia, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. A record 238,331 visitor attended over the three show days, a 10 per cent increase over the Spring 2009 edition in March. Overseas visitors increased 21.17 per cent, with significant growth from Australia, India, Indonesia, Taiwan and the Philippines. Local visitors also increased by 12.11 per cent.
The Expo’s Autumn 2009 edition presented the largest-ever gathering of international brands and top-quality products, with lively performances and forums, seminars and demonstrations to satisfy visitors from all of China’s provinces and abroad, including the several hundred select VVIP buyers hosted by the organisers.
A series of stage shows, live demonstrations, high-level forums and conferences presented by industry leaders from different sectors provided an integrated learning experience for the visitors. The Design & Innovation Seminar Zone in Hall 9.2 presented topical seminars designed for manufacturers and packaging suppliers to the beauty industry. Topics included “What Branding Means in China” and “The Brand Universe at the Point of Sales”; both offering guidance on brand building.
Jointly organised with Cosmetics Observer Magazine, the third Development of the Cosmetic Market in China Conference had the special theme “Cosmetics Reach a New High?”. Celebrity make-up artist Mr Mao Geping took participants on an insightful journey into the success of his MGPIN make-up brand. Mr Zhang Miao, General Manager of Shanxi Shining Color Cosmetic Co. Ltd and Mr Kim Seong Jin, Director R&D Centre of COSMAX Shanghai, Inc. also shared their experience with the audience. Over 180 top Chinese distributors of cosmetic brands participated in the conference.
The 3rd edition of the 2009 China Top 10 Cosmetic Brand Operators Awards was held at the Guangzhou International Beauty Expo Welcome Cocktail Reception at the Shangri-la Hotel on 24 September. Organised by Cosmetics Observer Magazine and endorsed by the Chamber of Beauty Culture & Cosmetics of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce, the award recognises the brand operators, distributors and retailers who have made exceptional contributions to the development of the industry. 
The “All About Spa” area was sponsored by leading international spa brands – Académie, ANIUS, Babor, Bioline, Guinot, Histomer, Matis and Rivage – and supported by the Spa & Wellness Association Singapore (SWAS) and the China Spa Association; offering a broad learning opportunity for specialists, trainers, therapists and brands. Fifi Kao, Director and Managing Editor of SpaChina Magazine, the exclusive Spa Media Partner of the fair, spoke on “The Future Development of the China Spa Industry”, analysing the current situation and the weaknesses of the spa industry in China, and suggesting ways to overcome them. Spa consultant, Samantha Foster, shared her knowledge on “How to Profit in Tough Times”. A unique “Spa Corner” showcased the history of spa and worldwide development trends.
The next Guangzhou International Beauty Expo, the 32nd edition, will take place at the same venue from 9 to 11 March 2010. To accommodate the growing exhibitor waiting list, the organisers will add one more exhibition hall to the show. This will allow even clearer product sectorisation and a wider repertoire of product choices for visitors.