Project Overview

Alibaba.com’s ​CoCreate 2024​ emerged as a transformative global platform bridging AI innovation, cross-border trade, and SME empowerment. Designed to simplify global commerce, the event attracted ​2,153+ on-site attendees​ and ​11 million+ online viewers, uniting suppliers, buyers, and industry leaders across 33 countries. By integrating AI-driven sourcing tools, immersive zones, and strategic partnerships, CoCreate positioned itself as a catalyst for redefining digital trade infrastructure, emphasizing accessibility and growth for small and medium businesses. Its blend of cutting-edge technology, real-time trend analysis, and global networking opportunities invites deeper exploration into how Alibaba.com is shaping the future of borderless commerce.

Organisation

Alibaba.com

Project Brief

CoCreate 2024 captivated audiences through dynamic, tech-forward experiences that blurred the lines between physical and digital engagement. At its core, the event featured the ​Next-Gen Sourcing Center, where AI agents transformed vague buyer queries into actionable supplier matches using 1B+ product datasets. The ​Dream Cart Challenge—a viral Million-Play Shopping Cart game—ignited creativity and media buzz, while the ​Top Product Pavilion​ showcased 800 real-time trending items, driving instant purchasing decisions.

Hybrid engagement thrived: live-streamed forums reached global audiences, and ​Buyer Story Photo Zones​ leveraged user-generated content to amplify social reach. Bold branding—orange hues symbolizing simplicity and transparent materials reflecting collaboration—reinforced Alibaba.com’s vision, making CoCreate a magnet for innovators and decision-makers alike.

Project Need

CoCreate addressed critical gaps in global trade by introducing ​AI-powered procurement tools​ that reduced sourcing complexity by 60%, democratizing access for SMEs lacking specialized expertise. Unlike traditional trade shows, it fused real-time data analytics (via the Top Product Pavilion) with immersive AI demos, enabling buyers to identify trends and suppliers simultaneously.

The event also pioneered hybrid scalability: 50+ thematic sessions were live-streamed globally, while localized activations like Vegas billboards and influencer campaigns ensured cultural relevance. By partnering with ​Mastercard​ and ​Maersk, CoCreate embedded financial and logistical solutions directly into the trade journey, creating a seamless end-to-end ecosystem unmatched in conventional B2B platforms.

User Experience

Attendees navigated a purpose-driven journey: suppliers curated personalized showcases, buyers engaged AI agents for instant sourcing, and entrepreneurs exchanged insights at 50+ forums.

The ​AI Sourcing Center​ allowed users to input prompts (e.g., “farm forklifts”) and receive tailored supplier matches, while the ​Dream Cart Challenge​ gamified product discovery, fostering organic social sharing.

Online participants accessed live demos and real-time updates, with interactive Q&A sessions driving 37.4% follower growth on Alibaba.com’s social channels. Post-event, ​Buyer Story Photo Zones​ generated 415M+ topic views as attendees shared branded content, blending professional networking with viral marketing. Outcomes included a ​69% YoY order surge​ and 3,600+ media mentions, proving that engagement translated into tangible business growth.

Sustainability

CoCreate prioritized sustainability through design and digital-first strategies. Transparent materials in branding symbolized accountability and were reused across event zones to minimize waste. Hybrid formats reduced carbon footprints: 11M+ online viewers participated remotely, cutting travel emissions, while digital catalogs replaced physical brochures.

Locally sourced materials for installations and partnerships with Las Vegas vendors supported regional economies. Economically, the event empowered SMEs by lowering trade barriers via AI tools and financial solutions, fostering long-term business resilience. By aligning environmental consciousness with inclusive growth, CoCreate set a benchmark for sustainable large-scale event design in the digital age.