DesignInspire, Hong Kong's flagship creative design exhibition, will open on 18 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) with free admission throughout its four-day run, offering trade buyers exclusive access on the first day and welcoming the public from 19 to 21 November. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as lead sponsor, the 2026 edition carries the theme "Wander & Wonder" and brings together more than 200 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, showcasing works by over 320 internationally renowned designer brands.
The fair matters for the design industry because it serves as a commercial bridge between creative talent and global buyers. 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." She noted that DesignInspire supports Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan to develop the city into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, reinforcing its position as Asia's hub for creative design and business exchange.
A headline attraction is "ABITO/HK," presented for the first time in Hong Kong by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with Salone del Mobile.Milano and curated by Palomba Serafini Associati. The exhibition juxtaposes iconic Italian furniture and design pieces from brands including Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Versace, Max Mara, Cassina, Kartell and B&B Italia with signature works by Hong Kong creative pioneers such as Alan Chan, Freeman Lau, Henry Steiner and William Lim. For global high-end buyers and collectors, it offers a rare platform for business networking and discovery of design treasures rich in cultural heritage.
Other highlights include "Cabinets of Wonders," curated by Hong Kong artist Chilai Howard, which brings together 20-25 designers and brands from Hong Kong and Switzerland, including watchmaker Parmigiani Fleurier and furniture brand Vitra. Swiss design studio atelier oï presents the immersive installation "Breathing in Motion," while lighting maestro Tino Kwan and interior designer CM Jao curate "House of Lumière," featuring over 80 designer lighting creations from brands such as Davide Groppi and Vibia. The American Hardwood Export Council participates for the first time, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a regional hub for creative design exchange.
Beyond exhibitions, DesignInspire offers complimentary business matching and intellectual property advisory services to help creative talent commercialise ideas. The fair runs alongside the Business of Design Week (BODW) 2026 Summit and three HKTDC events: the Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum, Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) and Start-up Express International. Full details and registration are available at https://designinspire.hktdc.com/en/, with photo downloads at https://bit.ly/4iyWCcE. Media resources can be found at https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en.
The HKTDC, celebrating its 60th anniversary, promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub through international exhibitions, conferences and business missions. For more information, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
