Stop me if you’ve heard this one before—trying to balance work with family on a business trip. It’s a challenge but also an incredible opportunity. When I travelled to Shenzhen recently, my aim was to get the best of both worlds: attend the CMEF (China Medical Equipment Fair) 2024, visit a few medical product factories, and explore this vibrant city with my mum, godmother, and cousin.

Shenzhen, a city known as China’s Silicon Valley, is the epicentre of tech innovation and manufacturing. It’s an ideal place for connecting with industry professionals and discovering the latest developments in medical technology. But for me, this trip was also about bringing my family along to experience a different side of China, from the bustling streets to the unique shopping and sightseeing spots.

In this blog, I’ll share how I managed the dual focus of work and family, the highlights of the CMEF fair and factory visits, and our memorable moments exploring Shenzhen together. If you’re thinking about combining business with pleasure on your next trip, or simply curious about what Shenzhen has to offer, keep reading—you’re in for a mix of insights, tips, and travel stories.

Preparing for the Trip: Logistical Planning for Work and Family

Preparing for an international trip can be tricky, especially when you’re blending work commitments with family time. For this trip to Shenzhen, I had to balance the needs of attending professional events with making sure my family had a great experience. Here’s how I prepared and what I recommend if you’re planning something similar.

1. Planning the Work Itinerary

The first step was to organise my work schedule around the CMEF fair and factory visits. CMEF is one of the largest medical equipment fairs in the world, bringing together professionals, suppliers, and cutting-edge innovations in medical technology. Since I was attending to gain insights and connect with manufacturers, I mapped out the booths I wanted to visit and scheduled meetings in advance. This helped me make the most of my time at the fair without feeling rushed.

Similarly, I planned visits to medical product factories like Lintemed and UTrueMed. Factory visits are a great opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at production processes, ask questions, and understand how products are developed. I made sure these visits were scheduled with some buffer time, just in case of delays or longer discussions.

2. Arranging Family-Friendly Activities and Accommodation

To make the trip enjoyable for my mum, godmother, and cousin, I chose accommodation that was centrally located. Staying in a convenient area allowed us easy access to both the business venues and popular sightseeing spots, reducing the need for long commutes.

I also researched some family-friendly activities that would be enjoyable during our downtime. Shenzhen has a lot to offer, from its vibrant shopping districts to cultural attractions and parks. Having a rough itinerary of things to do with family during the off-hours helped me ensure they were entertained while I was at the fair or in meetings.

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This mix of logistical planning made the trip go smoothly, balancing productivity at CMEF and factory visits with quality family time. With the groundwork laid, I was ready to dive into the exciting business and family experiences awaiting us in Shenzhen.

Conclusion: Work, Family, and the Shenzhen Experience

Reflecting on my trip to Shenzhen, I feel incredibly grateful to have had the chance to combine work with family time in such a dynamic city. Attending the CMEF 2024 fair and touring factories like Lintemed and TrueMed gave me valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations in medical technology. It was inspiring to witness how Shenzhen has grown into a global leader in tech and manufacturing, and these experiences will undoubtedly inform my work going forward.

On the personal side, exploring Shenzhen with my mum, godmother, and cousin added a new layer of meaning to the trip. Whether it was discovering local markets, enjoying traditional food, or taking in the city’s vibrant sights, our family moments made this journey memorable in ways that go beyond business. I loved seeing the joy on their faces as we explored a city that was new to all of us, and it was a reminder of the importance of balance—even on a work trip.

If you’re considering a work trip to Shenzhen, I’d encourage you to bring along family or friends if possible. With a bit of planning, it’s entirely possible to make room for both productive work and memorable experiences. Shenzhen offers plenty for both business and leisure travellers, making it a city that’s worth experiencing from all angles.

To anyone planning a similar journey: embrace the adventure, do your research, and don’t be afraid to blend work with a bit of fun. In the end, it’s those personal connections and experiences that make the trip truly worthwhile.