Five Strategies to Maximise ROI When Exhibiting at LPS Shanghai

Held every December at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, LPS Shanghai brings together more than 180 exhibitors from around 50 countries. Developers and international real-estate agencies meet Chinese high-net-worth investors looking for overseas property opportunities, whether for portfolio diversification, residency planning, education or lifestyle.

For exhibitors, however, simply attending is not enough. Choosing the right properties, making the most of the event and following up effectively can make a major difference. Here are five strategies shared by repeat exhibitors.
 

1. Leave the average properties at home

Successful exhibitors at LPS Shanghai do their homework before the exhibition doors even open. They don't just bring everything they have; they pick properties that Chinese buyers actually want. With over 180 exhibitors on the floor, competition is tough, so you need to focus on prime locations, good lifestyle perks, and real growth potential.

For instance, the Greek agency Real Estate from A to Z has been going to the show since 2014. Their CEO, George Kontos, says the secret is to only bring premium properties from central Athens. He points out that while they have properties all over Greece, bringing anything less than top-tier assets just disappoints clients. For these buyers, strong resale value isn't just nice to have—it’s a must.
 

2. Balance on-site sales with effective follow-up

Exhibitors need a plan to close deals both during the event and in the months after. Having a solid follow-up system for the leads you get is just as important as the event itself.

Many exhibitors manage to close deals right on the floor. Ashley Cheng from UAE-based Emaar Properties, who has been exhibiting to the event seven times, mentions that the show connects them with high-end clients, leading to direct sales that are closed during the show. Others, like Manhua Cao (Damac Properties) and Jingjing Ying (Danube Properties), also report closing numerous deals on-site at each edition. The takeaway here? If you can balance making direct luxury sales with building a long-term pipeline in China, the cost of the booth can quickly pay for itself.
 

3. Build B2B connections in China

Getting a good ROI for an exhibitor at LPS Shanghai isn't just about selling directly to buyers. It’s also about building business-to-business (B2B) channels while you are in the country.

This means meeting local real estate agents who can then sell your properties year-round but it also means networking with wealth management firms, VIP clubs, family offices, and private banks. Alvis Lim from GSKL Property in Malaysia, a regular exhibitor at the show, says this dual approach works well. While it’s great to meet direct buyers and close immediate deals, the B2B connections they make at the show keep bringing in business long after the event is over and create a year-round sales pipeline of Chinese buyers.
 

4. Go beyond the booth

Experienced and repeat exhibitors know that just standing at a booth isn't the only advantage they can get out of the show. The event has other ways to get their name out there, and they use them.

Try to get a speaking slot at one of the seminars, get featured in the show's magazine, or join the show’s targeted WeChat campaigns. Tapping into these extra options helps you reach a much larger group of potential buyers than just the people who happen to walk past your stand.
 

5. Think beyond a single edition

For repeat exhibitors, LPS Shanghai is also a long-term brand-building opportunity. Returning year after year can strengthen recognition and trust among Chinese buyers and local partners.

After a successful first experience, Ali Amir Alzaai from UAE-based Eshel Properties increased his presence to a 36 sqm booth for the following edition. For exhibitors taking this approach, ROI is not measured solely by sales made during the event, but also by the business generated from contacts over the following months.
 

The key: match your properties to the audience

Strong results at LPS Shanghai ultimately depend on presenting properties that match Chinese investors’ expectations. Prime international locations, diversification potential, stability, growth prospects and lifestyle appeal can all strengthen an offer.

With around 180 agencies and developers competing for attention, a carefully selected portfolio is more likely to stand out than a broad catalogue of properties with limited relevance to this specific market.
 

About LPS Shanghai

LPS Shanghai is an international luxury property exhibition held every December at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. It brings together more than 180 developers and real-estate agencies representing around 50 countries, connecting international property professionals with Chinese high-net-worth investors.