“Successful entrepreneurs don't wait for the moment. They create it.” This powerful message resonated deeply with attendees at Alibaba.com's Co-Create 2023, the company's first in-person conference focused on the U.S. market. Held in the vibrant heart of Las Vegas, this groundbreaking event at Resort World marked Alibaba.com's most significant in-person gathering in more than two decades. For Alibaba.com, a global e-commerce pioneer, the event was an opportunity to showcase its latest technologies and tools and foster a collaborative environment where innovative ideas could take root.

The Co-Create Conference, themed “Co-Create the Future of Global Trade,” brought together more than 1,300 professionals, influencers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs to explore the evolving landscape of global trade. The conference's primary objective was clear: to inspire and empower business leaders to seize control of their success and shape the future of B2B sourcing. The conference theme was more than a tagline — it was a call to action. Throughout the two-day event, from interactive workshops to keynote sessions, the emphasis was on collaboration and innovation. The narrative that unfolded was one of transformation, urging participants to drive change within their industries.
Gathering B2B Innovators to Learn, Explore, and Collaborate
Alibaba.com's goals for the event were each aligned with its broader vision of revolutionizing global trade. The primary objectives included fostering collaboration and innovation, showcasing new sourcing tools and technologies, exploring the latest e-commerce trends, and highlighting the importance of supply chain optimization.

The conference was truly a melting pot of diverse talents and perspectives. Entrepreneurs, influencers, retailers, and industry experts converged on Las Vegas, drawn by the promise of learning, networking, and innovation. The lineup of speakers was stellar, featuring figures such as Daymond John, the charismatic CEO of FUBU and star of Shark Tank; Stephen Kuo, President of Alibaba.com North America; and Yang Zhou, Alibaba.com CTO. These high-profile participants inspired the audience with stories of resilience, creativity, and success.

Kuo summed up the sentiment of many attendees when he said in a public statement, “It was very exciting to see so many of our buyers and suppliers from all over the country, and in some cases, all over the world, come together in the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Conference Highlights
The first day of Co-Create 2023 set the stage for an engaging and insightful experience. The moment attendees arrived, they were greeted by a friendly and efficient team that ensured a smooth check-in process. VIPs enjoyed early entry and a sneak peek at the event setup, creating a positive tone for the days ahead. The conference agenda covered a wide range of topics, including exciting announcements about new features, products, and upgrades to Alibaba.com's services.

Day two was marked by a fireside chat with Daymond John. A panel discussion featuring former Shark Tank contestants further enriched the agenda, offering valuable perspectives on building successful businesses. John's enthusiasm was evident as he toured the venue on a livestream, sampling products sourced by Co-Create attendees and interacting with several suppliers. “I think I made deals with half the people here,” he remarked, highlighting the conference's role in facilitating business connections.

Co-Create 2023 offered unparalleled networking and learning opportunities. Attendees could engage with peers, industry experts, and Alibaba.com employees to exchange ideas and forge new business connections. Many of these conversations took place at the Will Meets Way gallery, a space that showcased portraits of real-life Alibaba.com users whose innovation led to standout products developed through the platform's tools. The Learning Center was also a popular destination, with attendees eager to test out the products and services offered by Alibaba.com and gain firsthand insights from the organization's employees.

One of the most memorable moments of the conference was the unveiling of the Dream Car. This unique project, co-created by the Alibaba.com community, showcased the power of collective creativity. The car, constructed from more than 30 products sourced on Alibaba.com, featured innovative elements like a record as the steering wheel, fish tanks as tires, and a keyboard as the license plate, all encased in a clear outer shell. This whimsical creation demonstrated the possibilities of collaboration while inspiring attendees to think outside the box and pursue their own innovative ideas.
Post-Event Engagement: Keeping the Momentum Alive
The engagement didn't end with the conference. Alibaba.com maintained momentum through post-event engagement, sharing resources such as video recordings, tutorials, and other event materials with attendees. This ensured that the knowledge attendees gained at Co-Create 2023 had a lasting impact. The company also continued to engage with attendees on social media platforms, sharing highlights and responding to questions, thereby fostering an ongoing dialogue.
Achieving Metrics That Matter
The success of the conference was evident through several impressive metrics. The event drew more than 1,300 professionals in person, which far exceeded the expected 800 attendees. This strong turnout underscored the high level of interest and engagement within the global trade community. The conference's reach extended well beyond the physical venue, with more than 7 million viewers tuning in from around the world via livestream. This massive viewership highlighted the global impact and significance of the event.

Media coverage was extensive, with the conference garnering more than 50 press mentions globally. Additionally, it generated significant social media engagement, with more than 500 posts on Instagram and 200 videos on TikTok, further amplifying its reach and influence. The level of expert participation was another key indicator of success. The event featured 52 engaging speeches and sessions led by 82 industry experts, providing attendees with valuable insights and knowledge. Supplier engagement was also notable, with 16 leading suppliers showcasing their products. This facilitated meaningful connections with prospective buyers, expanding networks and fostering new business opportunities.

Several factors contributed to the resounding success of Co-Create 2023. A major highlight was the unveiling of more than 10 next-generation sourcing tools on the Alibaba.com platform, which empowered buyers and demonstrated the company's unwavering commitment to innovation and technological advancement. The conference also benefited greatly from insights provided by industry experts. The exceptional lineup of speakers offered valuable perspectives on the latest trends, best practices, and actionable insights, which helped attendees stay ahead of the curve in the evolving landscape of global trade.

Focusing on business-relevant topics was another crucial element of success. The expert-led sessions covered pressing issues that mattered most to businesses, delivering invaluable insights and practical takeaways that participants could implement in their own operations. Networking opportunities at the event were unparalleled. Co-Create 2023 facilitated connections between C-level leaders, industry experts, and top suppliers, providing unique opportunities for attendees to expand their networks and explore new business ventures. In addition, the interactive, immersive experiences offered throughout the conference set it apart. Hands-on product tutorials and virtual showrooms allowed participants to engage directly with the latest sourcing tools and technologies, providing real-time learning opportunities that enhanced the overall value of the event.
Co-Create 2023: A Milestone in Global Trade Events
The Alibaba.com Co-Create 2023 Conference set a new standard for B2B events, demonstrating Alibaba.com's commitment to shaping the future of global trade. By emphasizing creativity, opportunity creation, and technological innovation, the event provided valuable understanding and inspiration for other event executives interested in adopting similar strategies and approaches.

The event's success showcased Alibaba.com's capabilities while solidifying its position as a key player in the U.S. B2B e-commerce space. Hosting its inaugural event in Las Vegas, a hub for major conventions, underscored Alibaba.com's dedication to expanding its presence in the U.S. market. As the event concluded, the sense of achievement was evident. With plans for Co-Create to be an annual event, Alibaba.com is poised to continue growing in scale and impact, furthering its mission to empower businesses and shape the future of global trade.E