Smart Spaces Take Centre Stage at First International Smart Space Exhibition
Next week marks a major milestone in the evolution of digital urbanism as Hangzhou prepares to host the inaugural International Smart Space Exhibition (ISSE).
Running from 25 to 29 September 2025 at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Centre, ISSE is being staged as part of the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE). With the theme “Shaping the Future of Smart Space”, the event promises to be a catalyst for innovation across intelligent buildings, urban public spaces, commercial environments, and smart living.
The exhibition will serve as a magnet for technology providers, industry leaders, and policymakers who are seeking practical solutions for a rapidly changing world. In Hall 8 of the convention centre, visitors will encounter themed product zones showcasing everything from zero-carbon parks and energy management systems to data centres, smart hotels, and even gerontechnology for an ageing population.
Technology in action
The integration of cutting-edge technology into urban environments will be front and centre at ISSE. A highlight will be the Zero-Carbon Smart Space Experience zone, co-developed with Siemens, which leverages digital twins to create an interactive vision of future buildings. Here, participants can virtually walk through a carbon-neutral park, experiencing energy self-sufficiency and intelligent regulation systems in real time.
Another major draw will be the immersive Data Centre zone, curated with the support of the China Communications Industry Association Data Center Committee (CIDC) and IDC Quan. Leading exhibitors including AUX, Legrand, Shenling, and Tellhow will present systems for power distribution, cooling, server infrastructure, and operational maintenance. All areas increasingly critical in a world hungry for computing power.
A robust programme of forums will complement these showcases. Sessions such as Exchange Conference on Standard-Driven High-Quality Development of Smart Parks and the 3rd Yangtze River Delta Intelligent Building and Smart City Forum will explore how standards and innovation can underpin more sustainable and efficient smart environments.
Connecting cities digitally
Beyond individual buildings, ISSE will spotlight how entire cities can become smarter. The Digital City zone will be led by the Zhejiang Contractors Association and partners such as the Zhejiang Construction Investment Group and the Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University. Their exhibits will cover integrated infrastructure, governance systems, and digital development tools.
Adding weight to the agenda, the Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province will join forces with GDTE to launch the International Economic and Trade Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development. This initiative includes establishing a digital city development committee, signalling a shift from pilot projects towards broader, scalable implementation.
Urban efficiency will also be addressed through mobility and lighting. Roleds, a Hangzhou-based technology firm, will display its smart city lighting innovations, while water management and archival systems from ATT PUMP, Shui Zhi Dao, and Taiyu Information will highlight how everyday urban services are evolving.
Smart mobility will receive particular attention through the first-ever collaboration with the China Parking Industry Conference. The new Smart Parking zone, featuring players like Xiziiparking and Zhongke Construction, aims to showcase solutions that tackle one of the thorniest urban challenges: congestion and parking shortages.
Rethinking the workplace
As hybrid work continues to reshape office culture, the Smart Office zone at ISSE will offer insights into future workspaces. Developed in partnership with Samsung, Lenovo, Barco, and Colipu, the zone will highlight solutions for remote collaboration, space optimisation, and energy efficiency.
WOW Office will use ISSE as a launchpad for its Earth Forest product line, which is designed around ESG principles. According to organisers, this debut underscores the sector’s pivot towards sustainability and employee-centric design. Complementing the exhibits, the OffiSmart Smart Office Conference will host discussions on digital innovation, smart meeting systems, and cost-efficient office management.
Blending technology and lifestyle
At the consumer end of the spectrum, ISSE’s Smart Living zone will focus on how technology enhances daily life. Leading brands such as KNX China, Siemens, ABB, Panasonic, and EnOcean will present integrated systems covering home automation, energy efficiency, and smart hospitality.
Hangzhou-based HONYAR will stand out with solutions aimed at “digital households”, including low-carbon energy systems for homes and public spaces. In a creative twist, ISSE will also introduce the ISSE X Léwin Artistic Smart Space Experience, where art meets technology to create immersive, personalised living spaces.
The Smart Home Digital Innovation Summit, hosted by the China Smart Home Industry Alliance (CSHIA), will bring together experts to discuss how connected technologies are shaping modern living environments. The summit is expected to shed light on trends like interoperability, cybersecurity, and user experience design.
A truly international showcase
ISSE is not just a domestic affair. The event has already drawn purchase orders from 142 overseas companies, with buyers from 23 countries including Australia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US confirmed to attend. Delegations from Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore will also participate, demonstrating the international appetite for smart space solutions.
To help exhibitors access new markets, ISSE is co-hosting the Forum on Overseas Opportunities for Smart Space with the Beijing Internet of Things Intelligent Technology Application Association. This initiative is intended to strengthen global competitiveness and open up fresh opportunities for collaboration.
Spotlighting leadership in smart space
Adding prestige to the exhibition, the ISSE International Smart Space Summit will gather experts, government officials, and corporate leaders to exchange ideas. A centrepiece of this summit will be the Global Engineering Design Top 50 Brands Awards, recognising the companies that are pushing the boundaries of design and innovation in the smart space industry.
According to organisers, the awards are more than ceremonial. They serve to highlight global benchmarks in quality and creativity, setting a standard for others to follow. By honouring innovators, ISSE hopes to encourage further investment and R&D across the sector.
Shaping the very fabric of how people live, work, and interact
As the exhibition prepares to open, one thing is clear: ISSE is more than a trade fair. It is a platform for shaping the very fabric of how people live, work, and interact with their environments. By bringing together global expertise and local innovation, the event signals a future where technology and design are not separate domains but integrated solutions for better living.
The ambition of ISSE reflects a growing consensus across the industry: smart spaces are not a luxury, but a necessity in a world grappling with urbanisation, sustainability, and digital transformation. For attendees, Hangzhou offers not just an exhibition, but a glimpse into the cities and spaces of tomorrow.
