As modern people stroll through the dazzling pavilions of the World Expo, marveling at the fusion of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and eco-architecture, it’s perhaps hard to imagine that the origins of this global event are deeply buried in the bustling marketplaces of the Middle Ages. From the open-air trade of European merchants to the technological extravaganza of industrial civilization, the evolution of the World Expo is like a condensed history of human civilization, recording the leaps in social forms and the collision of intellectual sparks. The Marketplace Gene: The Primitive Confluence of Commerce and Civilization On the Persian Plateau before the Common Era, caravans were no longer content with simple exchange of goods. They established fixed venues, regularly gathering merchants and artisans from different civilizations to showcase rare and exotic goods such as silk, spices, and metalware. This trading model, transcending mere survival needs, quietly nurtured the original genes of the World Expo—promoting cultural dialogue through the exchange of goods. The prosperity of the market at the Saint-Denis Abbey in 11th-century France further elevated this model: agricultural and livestock products intertwined with handicrafts, religious ceremonies coexisted with secular entertainment, forming the prototype of the early “comprehensive exposition.” The rise…

Since the Crystal Palace in London pioneered the modern World’s Fair in 1851, this grand event, with its mission to “showcase the achievements of human civilization,” has always served as a window into technological revolutions, social changes, and human ideals. In 2025, when the world’s attention is focused on a World’s Fair themed “Envisioning a Vibrant Future Society,” we witness not only a concentrated display of cutting-edge technologies, but also a profound reflection on how humanity can coexist with nature, dance with technology, and advance with civilization. This grand event acts as a prism, reflecting the multiple possibilities of future society. Sustainability: A Green Revolution from Concept to Practice Under the dual pressures of climate change and resource depletion, “sustainability” has become the most prominent theme of the World’s Fair. In the design of the pavilions for the 2025 World’s Fair, renewable materials and low-carbon technologies have become mainstream. For example, one pavilion uses a bamboo structure and a solar roof, achieving post-exhibition disassembly and reassembly through modular design; another pavilion uses seaweed bioplastics as raw material to create a biodegradable exhibition space. These practices are not isolated technological demonstrations, but rather concrete interpretations of the “circular economy” concept—from building…

In the wave of globalization, trade fairs have become a key platform for companies to expand international markets and build industry connections. For first-time international exhibitors, maximizing exhibition value within limited time frames resembles a “challenging dungeon” in a game—requiring both efficient completion and precise resource acquisition. Drawing from the practical experience of international exhibitors, this article provides a replicable “dungeon-clearing” methodology covering goal management, resource integration, and strategic review. Goal Setting: Prioritizing “Copy Tasks” Differentiated Positioning: Core objectives should align with corporate development stages. International exhibitors must establish differentiated goals based on their growth phases. For instance, startups should focus on “building industry recognition” through technology demonstrations and case studies to attract early adopters, while established companies should prioritize “strengthening partnerships” by organizing one-on-one business meetings. A German industrial robotics company successfully broke down its exhibition goals into “acquiring 50 qualified leads,”  “signing 3 regional distributors,” and “publishing 2 technical white papers,” ultimately exceeding all targets. Competitive Intelligence Collection: Establish an industry monitoring list. Conduct early analysis of the target market’s competitive landscape through industry databases (e.g., Statista, IBISWorld) to create a “competitor monitoring list”. For instance, a U.S. medical device company identified surging demand for portable ultrasound equipment…