Global Connect Show 2026 brings together Chinese innovators and global investors

A significant window of opportunity is opening for Chinese innovation brands to enter global retail channels. The ‘Global Connect Show Shenzhen 2026’ was held on Monday (1/6) to bring together Chinese technology innovators seeking international market expansion with mainstream mass media, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and business associations from North America, the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

‘The value of the Global Connect Show (GCS) does not lie in a single exhibition event, but in building real and sustainable relationships between Chinese innovation and the global market. In this new stage of Chinese brand globalisation, being heard and trusted is more important than merely being seen,’ said Chris Pereira, founder and CEO of Global Connect Show, during the event in Shenzhen.

According to Chris, GCS is a series of business networking events designed to connect innovators, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners. These events are held alongside major industry exhibitions in countries such as the UK, the USA, and Germany, allowing participating brands to build networks with global market stakeholders.

Chris also noted that China has developed a new generation of internationally competitive companies across various sectors, including consumer electronics, smart hardware, artificial intelligence, and robotics. ‘As these companies enter a new phase of reaching global markets, the need for stronger global communication, brand building, market trust, and localised business networks is increasing,’ he added.

Through GCS, Chris stated the initiative helps strengthen the voice of Chinese brands on the global stage, assisting them in effectively communicating their stories of technology and innovation while enhancing their international communication capabilities.

Meanwhile, Andrew Miles, Executive Chairman of Metro China and former President of Sam’s Club China, stated that the development of the Chinese consumer market has had a significant impact on the global retail landscape. ‘A significant window of opportunity is opening for Chinese innovation brands to enter global retail channels, and the key lies in the ability to build engaging brand narratives while developing strong local operational capabilities,’ said Andrew.

The GCS SZ 2026 agenda included a discussion forum themed ‘Chinese Innovation and Global Retail Distribution,’ as well as VIP ‘one-on-one’ business meeting sessions connecting participating brands with potential partners and channels. Additionally, more than 80 international technology journalists, editors, and content creators from various countries attended, providing an opportunity for brands to discuss their products from multiple perspectives.

Global Event Director for GCS, Du Yang, stated that the event consistently emphasises targeted connections, closed-door exchanges, and a results-oriented approach. ‘Through curated invitations, direct product communication, company presentations, and one-on-one meetings, GCS enables meaningful interaction between participating companies, foreign media, and industry stakeholders. The choice of Shenzhen as this year’s location is a direct response to the increasing need for more efficient cross-border collaboration,’ said Yang.

The GCS series extends beyond a single day in Shenzhen, as organisers bring foreign media and KOLs to other innovation ecosystems in China, meeting leading companies in various technology categories within the Yangtze River Delta. Visits included meetings with companies such as Rokid, RoboSense, NAVEE, GCL ET, INMO, Longcheer, and KEENON, covering sectors such as new energy, AIDC, LiDAR, smart glasses, and embodied intelligence.

GCS has been held several times previously: in 2025, GCS Shenzhen brought European and American media to China; in September 2025, the GCS ‘Innovation for All’ was held as an official media event for IFA Berlin, connecting with over 60 media outlets from Europe and America; and in January 2026, GCS appeared at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas through a partnership with USA Today.

‘Moving forward, GCS will continue to maintain a year-round rhythm of activities in global technology and consumer electronics hubs, including London, New York, Berlin, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Dubai, continuing through to CES in Las Vegas in January 2027. This step aims to build a stable and sustainable pathway for Chinese innovation brands to reach the global market,’ said Chris.

The event also featured a competition for favourite brands judged by journalists and KOLs. Winners included ‘iClever,’ a brand of headphones for children from Shenzhen Qianan Technology Co., Ltd; ‘Baseus,’ an electronics brand providing charging solutions, audio, and accessories; ‘Ollobot,’ a non-humanoid cyber pet robot; ‘Scriben,’ an AI-based smart pen capable of real-time transcription in over 85 languages; and ‘Popsoap,’ which offers eco-friendly solutions for pools and water features.