What to expect at AWE 2026's Eastern Hub exhibition area

From March 12 to 15, the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE 2026) will be held in Shanghai.

As one of the world's three major exhibitions for home appliances and consumer electronics, this year's event adopts a new dual-venue format, taking place at both the Shanghai New International Expo Centre and the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone.

Under the theme "AI Tech, Smarter Future", AWE 2026 will bring together more than 1,200 companies and over 10,000 cutting-edge products, presenting new developments in smart living and the consumer electronics industry.

PART 01 Why the Eastern Hub exhibition area matters

As the first international exhibition to be held in the business cooperation zone, AWE 2026 marks a milestone for the Eastern Hub exhibition area, which is expected to become a highlight of this year's event.

More than 200 companies are expected to showcase their latest technologies and products at the Eastern Hub exhibition area, including major players such as JD.com, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Sony, LG, Intel, Hisense, TCL, BOE, MiniMax, SenseTime, and Unitree Robotics, along with tech innovation firms from Silicon Valley.

Covering AI smart terminal devices, embodied intelligent robots, and other advanced technologies, the Eastern Hub exhibition area will highlight new momentum and emerging opportunities across the consumer electronics sector.

The venue also offers practical advantages for business exchange. Under the relevant policies of the business cooperation zone, overseas visitors holding an invitation certificate filed with the zone's administrative authority may enter the zone visa-free and stay for up to 30 days. Visitors from across China will also be able to reach the venue with ease.

PART 02 What's on at the Eastern Hub from March 12 to 14

Alongside the exhibition, the Eastern Hub exhibition area will host more than 20 forums and supporting events from March 12 to 14. These activities are intended to help companies follow industry trends, connect with relevant partners, and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation.

The program includes:

·an opening ceremony

·a main forum

·new product launch events

·business matchmaking sessions

The events will provide platforms for sharing research findings, discussing technology and business practices, and promoting more targeted connections between supply and demand. They are also expected to support closer integration between emerging technologies and the real economy, while strengthening industrial collaboration and international exchange.

PART 03 Ideas, launches, and opportunities to connect

The main forum will bring together guests from leading technology companies for discussions focused on AI and related topics, including a more connected and real-time world, more agile intelligent manufacturing, and more intuitive AI companions.

At the same time, a number of technology companies will hold product launch events in the central hall, including JD.com 3D Printing, Lisuan Tech, and Orka Health.

In addition, several business matchmaking events will be held with participation from buyer groups from Europe and the United States, as well as visiting groups such as JD.com and Tmall store operators from China. These activities are expected to combine industry exchange, business cooperation, and technology showcases in a practical and results-oriented way.

To help visitors plan their schedules, the detailed event agenda is provided below for reference.

Those planning to attend can scan the QR code to complete registration.