Dezeen promotion: participants from around the world are invited to register for the virtual version of international trade fair Furniture China, which will be held in conjunction with an onsite event in Shanghai in September.

The 26th China International Furniture Expo will host suppliers, buyers, designers and vendors in Shanghai from 8 to 12 September alongside the online platform, called Digital Trade Show. This will be live from 8 August to 8 November for buyers and attendees who can not attend the fair due to coronavirus.

"The domestic market is sure to be focused during this time, while the new technology adopted to digital platform is the true next step to connect international markets," said Wang Mingliang, founder and director of the Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets, which manages the event.

For the virtual showcase, Furniture China will select an estimate of 1,000 brands to present their products, including furniture and light fixtures for over three months. Each exhibitor will have an online showroom it can customise with text, video and photographs of its products and services.

Buyers will be able to contact suppliers and negotiate deals directly through the online portal, which will also host video meetings and industry news.

While some foreign exhibitors will be unable to showcase at the exhibition due to travel restrictions from the pandemic, the fair understands the importance of the industry's "in-person experience".

Attendees able to visit the fair in person can expect slight changes in programming as organisers work to control the pandemic.

"Physical exhibition plays an irreplaceable role in the furniture and home furnishing industry with its focus on the in-person experience," Mingliang added.

Registration is now open to visit onsite Furniture China. The event will take place from 8 to 12 September 2020 at SNIEC in Shanghai, in conjunction with Maison Shanghai 2020 from 8 to 11 September at SWEECC.

Subscription is also open to engage in the Digital Trade Show from 8 August to 8 November 2020.