As has been witnessed throughout 2016, information technology is driving a smart manufacturing revolution that is fundamentally changing the industrial system. Recent visitors to the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai Hongqiao can certainly attest to having witnessed this phenomenon firsthand.

The center held the 2016 China International Industry Fair (CIIF) from Oct 31 to Nov 5 and showcased a wide range of innovative projects totaling a value in excess of 41.3 billion yuan ($6 billion).

China Mobile, China's leading telecommunications services provider, installs a big data analytics screen in front of its booth at the 2016 CIIF. [Photo/Hongqiao WeChat]

In a smart stroke of meta reflection, the CIIF used the same big data technology it was showcasing to record and analyze its own event. Every visitor that entered the venue and subsequent pavilions was recorded, along with their age and sex. Attendees were presented with both general data and flow distribution analysis on a large screen at the back of the hall. 

According to the data collected, the five-day fair attracted 150,200 visitors, a 13.78 percent increase from last year's festival, and the number of overseas attendees increased by 10.9 percent.

Innovative products on display at the 2016 CIIF. [Photo/Hongqiao WeChat]

In order to maximize the experience for exhibitors and visitors, CIIF's website and WeChat page displayed information about the range of products on display, thus enabling people to print tickets and plan the venues they wanted to attend ahead of time.

A car featuring network technology on display at the 2016 CIIF. [Photo/Hongqiao WeChat]

This year's logistical improvements are in direct reaction to applying visitor feedback from the 2015 exhibition. These improvements include upgraded catering options and a navigation service that uses sensors throughout the hall to help visitors get from A to B.

The event is hosted by Shanghai Hongqiao Central Business District (CBD) and it boasts a constant determination to improve the experience once again in 2017.