The global furniture industry is moving through a moment of deep transition. New consumer behaviours, shifting trade patterns, rapid digitalisation and the rising demand for smarter, greener living are reshaping the way companies design, produce and bring furniture to the world.

It is precisely within this landscape that the 57th CIFF Guangzhou – returning from 18-21 March and 28-31 March 2026 – introduces its new theme: ‘Connect. Create’.

Phase 1 will feature home furniture, home decor and home textiles, outdoor and leisure furniture. Phase 2 will display office furniture, commercial furniture, hotel furniture and furniture machinery and raw materials.

The strong results of CIFF Guangzhou 2025 laid the foundation for this evolution. Last March, more than 4,900 exhibitors and 363,000 professional visitors from 187 countries gathered at the fair, marking a 10.91% increase in overseas attendance.

‘Connect’ expresses CIFF’s role as a platform where flows of people, ideas, goods and information converge. International buyers are again looking to China for competitive and reliable sourcing, while manufacturers accelerate innovation in materials, technology and R&D.

At the same time, consumers are embracing new digital models: virtual reality home design, social commerce, and omnichannel retail are transforming the shopping journey and raising expectations for products that are more adaptive, sustainable and personalised.

‘Create’ captures the energy that pushes it forward. Innovation today is not only about technology, but also about rethinking design, improving sustainability, addressing new lifestyles and embracing creative collaboration.

CIFF aims to encourage companies to translate global trends into real competitive strategies, from smart manufacturing and digital innovation to new approaches in retail and international business.

Spanning 850,000 square metres, CIFF Guangzhou 2026 evolves its exhibition structure to better reflect the new directions of living and working. It aims to be a catalyst, a place where companies can understand the changes ahead, find new inspiration, and build the connections that will guide the furniture industry into its next phase.

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