I used to think events like Intermodal Asia were a waste of time.
Too far. Too crowded. Too much going on.
But one year, I had a supply issue I couldn’t fix with emails or phone calls. My usual partners couldn’t keep up and I didn’t know where to turn next.
So, I went to Intermodal Asia. And by the end of the first day, I had three solid leads. One of them turned into a supplier who now handles 60% of our business.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth showing up, this article is for you.
You’ll get the full picture what’s inside, who goes, how it works, and most importantly: whether it fits your goals. I’ll walk you through what I learned, what I’d do differently, and how you can get the most from it even if it’s your first time.
By the end, you’ll know if Intermodal Asia can help your business grow or if it’s better to sit this one out.
So let’s get started!
1. How to Prepare Before You Go
The first time I went to Intermodal Asia, I didn’t plan much. I booked a flight, printed my badge, and showed up.
But after walking around for hours tired, overwhelmed, and missing key booths I realized something: this event is massive. And without a plan, it’s easy to waste time.
If you want to get real value from your visit, you need to prepare. Here’s how to do it:
Set Clear Goals
Before anything else, ask yourself: Why am I going?
Not just to “look around.” Be specific.
Are you:
- Comparing products?
- Looking for suppliers?
- Exploring logistics partners?
- Trying to understand new tech?
Write it down.
Also, think about the people you want to meet. Are they:
- Trailer or container suppliers?
- Tech providers?
- Rail or port operators?
- Decision-makers in your industry?
Knowing what you want helps you move on purpose once you’re inside.
Do Your Research
Start with the exhibitor liston the official website.
There are hundreds of booths. You don’t need to visit them all. Just focus on the ones that make sense for your business.
Make a shortlist of:
- Must-see companies
- New suppliers you haven’t worked with yet
- Booths offering services or tools that solve your current problems
Next, check the conference schedule. There are free talks and panels covering topics like:
- Port operations
- Cold chain transport
- AI in logistics
- Cross-border rail freight
Pick the ones that match your business. Add them to your calendar.
Schedule Appointments Early
Don’t wait until the show floor. Reach out to suppliers before you go. Most will be happy to book a time with you especially if you’re a serious buyer or decision-maker.
Ask questions like:
- Will you have sample products at the booth?
- Will there be someone technical I can speak with?
- Can I get pricing info on-site?
This helps you skip the line, avoid long waits, and get deeper conversations that matter.
A little prep goes a long way. It helps you stay focused. It saves time. And it makes your trip to Intermodal Asia more productive.
2. Event Logistics You Should Know
If you’ve never been to Intermodal Asia, the size of the event and the city can feel like a lot. I’ve made the trip myself, and I’ll be honest: the better you plan ahead, the smoother things go.
Here’s what you need to know:
When and Where
Location: The event takes place in Shanghai, China, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center (SWEECC).
Address: 850 Bocheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Dates:The next Intermodal Asia is scheduled for April 22–24, 2026.
Hours:
- Usually it opens around 9:30 AM
- Closes by 5:30 PM(Check the official site for the final schedule)
Entry Fee:
- Entry is free, but you must register online
- You’ll get a confirmation email with a badge code
- Bring a printed or digital copy for check-in to the venue
Travel and Accommodation Tips
Getting There:
- The closest airport is Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- You can also arrive via Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
- Both airports have metro lines and taxi services that connect to SWEECC
Public Transit:
- The Line 7 Metro stops at Yaohua Road Station, which is close to the venue
- From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk
Where to Stay:
There are several hotels nearby:
- InterContinental Shanghai Expo
- Novotel Atlantis
- Dorsett Shanghai
- Budget options like Jinjiang Inn and Hanting Hotel
Tip: Book early. Rooms fill up fast during exhibition season.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Visa Types:
- Most business travelers will need an M visa (for business visits)
- Requirements vary depending on your country
Documents You Might Need:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Invitation letter from the event or a Chinese business partner
- Flight and hotel bookings
- Completed visa application form
Processing Time:
- Allow at least 3–4 weeks for approval
- Check with your local Chinese embassy or consulate for updates
On-site Help: Some large expos offer a help desk for foreign visitors. While it’s not confirmed for Intermodal Asia, the main info booth at the venue can usually guide you if you run into issues.
Planning these basics in advance makes your trip easier and helps you focus on what matters.
3. What to Bring (And What to Leave Behind)
By the second hour of walking through Intermodal Asia, I felt it my feet were aching, my phone was at 12%, and I had already missed writing down two important names. That’s when I learned: what you pack makes a big difference.
Here’s a guide to help you carry the right things and leave behind what you don’t need.
Essentials for Business
This is a trade show. You’re there to make contacts, compare solutions, and maybe even strike a deal. So come prepared. Bring:
- Business cards bring more than you think you need
- A notepad or tablet to write down contacts and meeting notes
- Product samples or a mini portfolio, if relevant to your business
- Flyers or brochures if you’re planning to network or show your brand
If you’re attending as a buyer or potential partner, having something small to explain what your company does helps people remember you. It also keeps the conversation moving.
And don’t forget a pen. Yes, a real one. Wi-Fi gets spotty, and writing something down still works best sometimes.
Personal Comfort Tips
This event is big. You’ll be walking, standing, and talking sometimes all at once. Taking care of your comfort helps you focus on business.
Pack:
- Comfortable shoes nothing fancy, just something you can stand in all day
- A refillable water bottle you’ll thank yourself later
- Snacks like nuts or an energy bar, especially if you’re skipping lunch to catch a session
- A phone charger or power bank, your device will drain fast from maps, photos, and messages
- A face mask and hand sanitizer, just in case local rules change or the venue gets crowded
Skip the heavy backpack or extra electronics. You’ll be moving through crowds, and lightening your load makes the day easier.
Bringing the right gear doesn’t take much. But it can mean the difference between a productive day and one you spend looking for a power outlet or a place to sit.
4. Making the Most of Your Time at the Event
The first time I walked into Intermodal Asia, I was hit by how big it felt. Aisles of booths. Conversations in every corner. People moving fast with plans and I didn’t have one.
By the end of the day, I had a sore back and only a handful of useful contacts. Lesson learned.
Here’s how to stay focused, use your time well, and get real value from the event.
Map Your Day
Before you walk in, look at the floor plan. Intermodal Asia is split into zones. You’ll find container suppliers in one area, tech solutions in another, and so on.
Group your visits by section. It saves time and energy.
And don’t pack your day too tight. Leave space between meetings for:
- Short breaks
- Walking time
- Surprise booths you didn’t plan to visit
Sometimes the best finds aren’t on your list.
Prepare Your Pitch or Questions
You don’t need a fancy pitch. But you do need to be clear. If you’re an individual buyer, be ready to share:
- What kind of loads do you haul
- What routes do you cover
- What problems you’re trying to solve
If you’re with a company, explain:
- What type of trailer or equipment do you need
- Expected order sizes
- How soon do you need delivery
- Any technical requirements
Being specific helps suppliers give you the right info fast.
Use the App or Show Directory
Most large shows have a mobile app or printed directory. These tools help you stay organized. Use them for:
- Booth numbers
- Live event changes
- Session reminders
- Floor maps
Download the app before the event, if one is available.
Take Notes and Photos
After three or four conversations, everything starts to blur. Write things down while it’s fresh:
- Who you talked to
- What they said
- Pricing details
- Any follow-up needed
Use a notebook or your phone. Photos of booths or product tags can also jog your memory later.
A good day at Intermodal Asia isn’t just about who you meet—it’s what you remember. A little planning goes a long way.
5. What You’ll Find Inside Intermodal Asia
Walking into Intermodal Asia felt like stepping into a warehouse filled with opportunity.
Everywhere I looked, there were booths, displays, handshakes, and real conversations happening. If you’ve ever been frustrated trying to compare options online or waiting on supplier replies, this place feels different. You see the products. You meet people. You get answers right away.
Here’s what you can expect once you’re inside:
Exhibitors and Product Categories
The show floor is packed with different types of companies. Some booths are big, with large equipment displays. Others are small just a table, a banner, and a sharp rep who knows their stuff.
You’ll find:
- Container suppliers (standard dry containers, refrigerated units, tank containers for liquids)
- Port and terminal tech (automation systems, tracking tools, smart cranes)
- Logistics and transport platforms (software for booking, tracking, managing fleets)
- Intermodal equipment (chassis, twist locks, handling systems, trailers)
If your business moves freight by land or sea, there’s something here worth seeing.
Key Learning Opportunities
This isn’t just a trade floor it’s also a learning space. Every day, there are free talks and panels that cover topics most buyers and planners care about.
You’ll find:
- Technical sessions on container design, maintenance, and safety
- Panels on green logistics and how to reduce emissions across modes
- Talks on keeping supply chains steady especially in Asia’s busiest trade lanes
Even if you’re not looking to attend every session, picking just one or two can give you insights that help back home.
Networking and Partnership Potential
You’re not just meeting salespeople here. You’ll cross paths with:
- Logistics heads
- Operations managers
- Port development teams
- Large-scale buyers and supply chain planners
These are decision-makers, the kind who can move a deal forward.
Tip: Bring business cards. Bring product photos. Bring good questions. The people you meet here could shape your next big move.
Inside Intermodal Asia, it’s not just about products it’s about people, strategy, and timing. And it’s all under one roof.
6. After the Event: How to Make It Worth It
The show ends. The booths come down. You’re back at the hotel, feet sore, pockets full of cards and flyers.
Now what?
This part matters more than people think. What you do after Intermodal Asia can be the difference between a good trip and a game-changer.
Here’s how to keep the momentum going:
Follow Up Promptly
Don’t wait a week. Don’t wait until things “calm down.” The people you meet are busy too. Strike while it’s still fresh. Within 48 hours:
- Send thank-you emails to the people you spoke with
- Mention what you talked about
- Keep it short and personal
Then go through your notes. Sort the contacts by:
- Who you need to follow up with now
- Who do you want quotes or samples from
- Who you want to keep in touch with long-term
This is where having written notes or photos from each booth helps. You’ll remember what made someone stand out.
Request:
- Product specs or pricing sheets
- Follow-up calls or video demos
- Sample units if you’re comparing options
Don’t assume they’ll reach out first. Take the lead.
Evaluate ROI
After the follow-ups, take time to think. Ask yourself:
- Did I meet the goals I set before the event?
- Did I find new leads that are worth pursuing?
- Did I learn something that shifts how we do things?
Sometimes ROI isn’t just about placing an order. It’s about discovering new tools. Meeting partners you never knew existed. Or gaining clarity about what your business needs next.
Even one solid connection can pay for the whole trip.
If nothing clicked? That’s okay too. You’ve still gained insight. You’ve seen what’s out there. And now you know how to approach the next show better.
The real value of Intermodal Asia doesn’t end when the event does. It’s in what you build after.
7. Final Tips for First-Time Attendees
If this is your first time going to Intermodal Asia, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and pressure. That’s normal.
I felt the same way curious about what I’d find, but unsure how to make it all work.
Now that I’ve been through it, here are some simple tips that can help you stay focused, feel prepared, and get the most out of your visit.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Wear comfortable shoes You’ll walk more than you expect. Blisters ruin focus.
- Bring a power bank or charger Your phone will be working all day for maps, photos, contacts, and notes.
- Talk to people even outside your niche Some of the best contacts I made were ones I didn’t plan for. A quick chat turned into a long-term supplier.
Don’t:
- Overbook your day Meetings run late. Lines get long. Give yourself breathing room.
- Rely only on brochures Most of what matters comes from real conversations. Ask questions. Watch demos. Get clarity.
- Skip the sessions I almost did and I would’ve missed smart ideas on rail freight and cold chain delivery that changed how we approached our shipping process.
What I Wish I Knew Before Attending
- “The best booths were sometimes the smallest.” Don’t judge by size. A small table might be the one offering the exact product you need.
- “I got better pricing talking face-to-face than through online portals.” Some vendors offer better deals when they know you’re serious and standing in front of them.
- “Asking smarter questions opened more doors.” Once I got clear on my needs, like delivery timelines or load types, I had better conversations, faster follow-ups, and stronger connections.
Intermodal Asia isn’t just a place to look at products. It’s a chance to meet people, build partnerships, and learn from the field.
Start simple. Stay curious. And treat every conversation like it matters because it might.
Conclusion
I remember feeling lost for the first time. So much noise. So many booths.
Now? I walk in with a plan and walk out with results.
You’ve got everything you need here:
- Where it happens
- What to bring
- How to connect
- What to ask
- What to do after
You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting ahead.
So ask yourself what’s holding you back?
Could this be the year you grow faster, with better partners?
You’ve got the map. Take the first step. Let’s talk. Contact us today!
