WAIC 2026 in Shanghai: record‑breaking AI exhibition exceeding 100,000 square metres
Artificial intelligence is no longer the domain of futurists — it has become a reality reshaping economies, science and daily life. When leading minds and companies gather to discuss the future of technology, it is not just a conference but an attempt to find common ground between humanity and machines. Shanghai once again becomes the epicentre of this dialogue, demonstrating that AI cooperation is key to solving global challenges.
The World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High‑Level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC) 2026 will be held in Shanghai next week, from 17 to 20 July, with the exhibition across three zones reaching record scale. The event is themed "AI Partnership for a Bright Future". The exhibition will cover three zones: the Expo Centre, Zhangjiang and the West Bund. The conference will feature 140 forum sessions, with total exhibition space exceeding 100,000 square metres. More than 1,100 enterprises will present over 3,000 products, of which more than 300 AI‑based products will make their global debut.
Shanghai Vice‑Mayor Chen Jie said at a press conference on Tuesday that the conference covers six main segments: forums and conferences, exhibitions and demonstrations, awards and competitions, application experience, innovation incubation and talent attraction. Preparations across all segments are now in their final phase. The conference will host representatives from 12 national ministries and agencies, eight national key laboratories and more than ten international organisations, bringing together over 1,400 Chinese and foreign guests. This year, WAIC will also launch its first high‑level international academic conference.
WAIC has been held annually in Shanghai since 2018 and has become one of the largest and most influential global AI platforms. The conference consistently attracts leading experts, scientists and business representatives from around the world, serving as a key venue for showcasing cutting‑edge developments and discussing the ethical and regulatory dimensions of AI. As CCTV+ reports. The record‑breaking scale of the exhibition and the extensive business programme are expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors and further solidify Shanghai's position as a global innovation hub for artificial intelligence.
