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Sydney’s first Alibaba Expo expecting 10,000+

The Alibaba Group’s inaugural Sydney eCommerce Expo was held on 21-22 September with the launch of the event at the International Conference Centre (ICC Sydney). Over 175 exhibiting Australian and New Zealand brands and retailers took part in the two-day event focused on helping local businesses tap into the e-commerce enabled Chinese economy. The organisers expected 10,000+ visitors through the expo over its two days.
Australian and New Zealand exhibitors experienced first-hand the retail technology developed by Alibaba Cloud, which allows them to build relationships with Alibaba and its ecosystem of partners, meet with Chinese buyers, and engage directly with Chinese consumers who livestream product demonstrations on Taobao, claimed to be China’s largest mobile commerce destination.
Managing director for Alibaba Australia and New Zealand Maggie Zhou said the Expo’s aim was to provide value to Australian businesses large and small: “The 2018 Expo has been designed to engage big businesses already having great success with our online marketplaces like Tmall and Tmall Global, as well as SME who are looking for knowledge and support to tap into the Chinese market.”
Augmented reality technology powered by Alibaba Cloud was on display at the Expo including the ‘Magic Mirror’, through which real-time personal images can be combined with beauty product to drive sales conversion for brand merchants. Artificial intelligence on display included the ‘cloud shelf’, where Chinese retailers include virtual products on the shop shelf that are available to order online.
A select showcase of Hema supermarket features was also available at the Expo, where attendees experienced the future of grocery shopping in China. QR codes enable Hema shoppers to access product information while customers can pay for their purchases through their mobile devices.
General manager of Alibaba Cloud in Australia and New Zealand Raymond Ma commented: “Retail and technology trends in China are continuing to change the way consumers, sellers, service providers and producers buy and sell. Alibaba Cloud underpins much of this technology, and organised this expo to share it with Australian industry over the two days.”
Executive general manager international services Annette Carey said Australia Post was delighted to participate in the Expo for the second year in a row (it was held in Melbourne for the first time last year). “We’re proud to use our trusted brand and international reach to help Australian businesses grow locally and overseas. We recognise the importance of global trade to local businesses and economies, and we’re committed to helping grow cross-border e-commerce through new international products, services and partnerships with global players like Alibaba.”
The Alibaba eCommerce Expo will return to Melbourne for the second consecutive year at the Melbourne Convention Centre from 18-20 October.
 

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