DesignInspire 2026, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre, will run from 18 to 21 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme "Wander & Wonder". The fair opens exclusively to trade buyers on 18 November and to both trade buyers and the public from 19 to 21 November, with free admission throughout. The event matters because it brings together more than 200 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions and works by over 320 internationally renowned designer brands, turning creative excellence into commercial opportunity while reinforcing Hong Kong's position as Asia's hub for creative design and business exchange.
The headline attraction is "ABITO/HK", presented for the first time in Hong Kong by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, produced and promoted by the Ministry and staged in collaboration with Salone del Mobile.Milano. Curated by Palomba Serafini Associati, the pavilion juxtaposes iconic Italian furniture from Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Versace, Max Mara, Porro, Cassina, Kartell, B&B Italia and Memphis with signature works by Hong Kong creative pioneers including Alan Chan, Douglas Young, Elaine Ng, Freeman Lau, Henry Steiner and William Lim. The exhibition gives global high-end buyers and collectors a platform to appreciate both design traditions and to network around pieces rich in cultural heritage.
Swiss creativity features strongly, with Business of Design Week welcoming Switzerland as partner country. "Cabinets of Wonders", curated by Chilai Howard, brings together 20-25 designers, artists and brands from Hong Kong and Switzerland, including Parmigiani Fleurier, Dafi Kühne, Adrien Rovero, Freeman Lau, Edward Chan, Joseph Chan, Vitra and BIG GAME. Swiss studio atelier oï presents the immersive installation "Breathing in Motion", centred on its Oiphorique lighting collection, while lighting maestro Tino Kwan and interior designer CM Jao curate "House of Lumière", showcasing over 80 designer lighting creations from Hong Kong, France, Italy, Spain and the Chinese Mainland.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Anna Cheung said design is "not only a form of creative expression, but also a powerful force driving cultural exchange, brand development and business innovation", adding that the fair supports Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan to develop the city into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The American Hardwood Export Council participates for the first time, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a regional hub for creative design exchange.
Beyond the show floor, complimentary business matching and intellectual property advisory services help creative talent commercialise ideas. Full details and registration are available at https://designinspire.hktdc.com/en/, with photo downloads at https://bit.ly/4iyWCcE. The HKTDC, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub through international exhibitions, conferences and business missions, and publishes research reports and digital news channels. The original release is available via www.newmediawire.com.
