2016 Shanghai Restaurant Chain & Digital Expo: Key Facts

If you’ve ever wondered what the biggest restaurant franchise and digital management expo in China looked like back in 2016—how many companies exhibited, what topics were discussed, or how professionals networked—this is the detailed breakdown you need. The 2016 Shanghai event wasn’t just another trade show; it was a major milestone for the industry.

In 2016, the Shanghai Restaurant Chain and Digital Management Exhibition (FBIC) drew over 900 exhibiting companies and more than 50,000 professional visitors. Held August 25–27 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, it was one of China’s largest franchise-focused events, backed by the China Hotel Association and the Asian Good Food Alliance.

What Was the 2016 Shanghai Restaurant Chain & Digital Expo?

The 2016 Shanghai Restaurant Chain and Digital Management Exhibition (also known as FBIC) was a flagship event for the Chinese restaurant franchising and digital management sector. Organized by the China Hotel Association, the Asian Good Food Alliance, and managed by Shanghai XINJI Exhibition Services, it built on six previous successful editions. The show was recognized as the country’s largest and most effective franchise exhibition, with a track record of connecting over 180,000 investors with brands and facilitating the expansion of 800,000 seed franchises. Over its history, the event had seen 300,000+ entrepreneurial attendees and more than 1,800 brands participating. By 2016, the show was growing at 32% per edition, featuring a majority of mainstream restaurant chain brands.

When and Where Was It Held?

The 2016 exhibition took place August 25–27 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, located at 2345 Longyang Road. This venue is one of China’s premier convention spaces, known for its modern facilities and central location. The show benefited from Shanghai’s status as a commercial hub, offering exhibitors access to a wide range of investors, franchisors, and industry stakeholders.

Who Organized and Supported the Event?

The event was jointly organized by the China Hotel Association, Asia Good Food Alliance, and Shanghai XINJI Exhibition Services. Co-organizers included Taiwan’s restaurant industry group and the China Chefs Association. The show also enjoyed support from media partners and forum collaborators such as MediaGao Consulting and Dianping . These partnerships helped boost both the authority and reach of the event.

What Kinds of Companies Exhibited?

The exhibition spanned multiple segments of the foodservice industry, including:

• Chinese cuisine: fast food, hot pot, and restaurants
• Western cuisine: Japanese, Korean, and other international chains
• Fashionable drinks: coffee, tea, bubble tea, bars, and dessert shops
• Specialty snacks: chicken cutlets, duck necks, regional street foods, and halal offerings
• Snack foods: pastries, mooncakes, seafood, and ready-to-eat meals
• Hotel chains: business, economy, serviced apartments, and resort hotels
• Digital solutions: POS systems, management software, wireless and monitoring devices, membership systems, and ordering interfaces

What Events and Activities Took Place?

The expo featured several key activities and forums, including:

• The 2016 Expo Excellence Awards
• The 7th Forum on Restaurant Franchisees and Digital Technology Applications
• The 2016 7th International Food Ingredients Exhibition
• Sessions on O2O models for restaurant chains
• Workshops on rebuilding restaurant brands

The 7th Digital Technology Forum was supported by MediaGao Consulting and Dianping. These sessions aimed to explore technology integration, branding strategies, and franchise development in a rapidly evolving market.

How Were Exhibitors Promoted?

Promotion for the event was extensive, with efforts including:

• 30+ print media outlets, 40+ magazines, and 50+ websites
• 30,000 free tickets distributed (10% government, 35% chains, 50% franchisees, 5% media)
• 50,000 pre-distributed tickets and 30,000 invitation letters
• Partnerships with industry websites and publications for member outreach
• An expert-judged awards program recognizing brands for integrity, investment potential, and market leadership

The event also emphasized its premium venue—the Shanghai New International Expo Centre—with its broad transport links, high-end facilities, and scenic surroundings designed to enhance the attendee experience.

What Were the Booth Costs and Application Process?

Exhibiting companies could choose between standard booths and raw space:

• For domestic companies: Standard booths cost RMB 13,800 for 9m² (3x3m), raw space RMB 1,300/m²
• For foreign companies: USD 3,800 per standard booth, USD 380/m² for raw space
• For joint ventures: RMB 16,800 per standard booth, RMB 1,600/m² for raw space

Raw space required exhibitors to handle their own design and setup (minimum 36m²). The booking process required submitting an application form, paying 50% deposit (or full payment), and settling the balance by July 31, 2016. Booths were allocated on a first-paid, first-served basis.

How Could Visitors and Media Get Involved?

The event offered various channels for engagement:

• Free ticket distribution targeting different industry roles
• Pre-event mailings and on-site distribution at related exhibitions
• Partnerships with industry media for member invitations
• An award ceremony and expert-led judging panel

Comprehensive marketing ensured strong attendance from investors, franchisors, and restaurant operators seeking growth opportunities or partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the 2016 Shanghai Restaurant Chain & Digital Expo held?

The 2016 Shanghai Restaurant Chain and Digital Management Exhibition took place from August 25 to 27, 2016.

Where was the 2016 Shanghai Restaurant Expo held?

It was held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, located at 2345 Longyang Road in Shanghai.

Who organized the 2016 Shanghai Restaurant Chain Expo?

The event was organized by the China Hotel Association, the Asian Good Food Alliance, and managed by Shanghai XINJI Exhibition Services, with support from the Taiwan Restaurant Industry Group and the China Chefs Association.

How many companies and visitors attended the 2016 expo?

The exhibition hosted over 900 exhibiting companies and welcomed more than 50,000 professional visitors.

What kinds of businesses exhibited at the 2016 Shanghai foodservice expo?

Exhibitors spanned Chinese and Western restaurants, cafes and bars, snack brands, hotel chains, and digital management solution providers.

What were the key events or forums at the 2016 expo?

Key events included the Expo Excellence Awards, the 7th Digital Technology Forum, the International Food Ingredients Exhibition, and workshops on O2O models and brand rebuilding.