Big Boys Toys China 2020 announced

EVs might be one of the newer additions to the Big Boys Toys event, but news that the show will expand overseas is its latest exciting surprise.

The announcement BBT will be in Shanghai from 2020 was made at the VIP launch for the November 16-18 20th anniversary show at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane which features the inaugural Electric Avenue for electric vehicle related displays.

Representatives from Shanghai show organisers Yuppy Ad have signed an agreement with BBT during a fortnight’s visit to New Zealand to host the China show in October 2020.

Jack Jiang from the Shanghai-based company says the China show will have eight areas, catering for cars, motorcycles, sports, electronic games, health and more.

He expects China BBT to feature over three to five days around China’s national day holiday, October 1-7.

The international event is likely to draw huge crowds and showcase New Zealand products and innovation.

“We have extensive experience in exhibitions and conferences across China,” Jiang says. “The idea came to me ‘why not get a well-known brand from overseas to come to China’.”

Jiang says staff member Yanni Shi, who had been to BBT Auckland while studying here, suggested bringing BBT to China. She also knew Kiwi-based Calvin Yu, general manager of MFY Creative based at Sylvia Park in Auckland which organises New Zealand exhibitions, concerts and performances, who is helping bring BBT to China.

“It’s very exciting,” BBT event director Dean Wilson says of the China announcement. He says he’s very proud the show has been selected.

“It’s a great chance for Kiwi companies to promote themselves in China, and some reciprocal arrangements are likely,” Wilson says.

He says further talks with the Chinese delegation are planned during the next few days.

The Auckland lifestyle and entertainment show – which includes everything from the latest trucks, construction machinery and super cars to stunt riders, music and electronic games – is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors.