Research on the Positioning Models and Elemental Guarantees of Convention and Exhibition Buildings in Small and Medium-Sized Cities: Based on Empirical Case Studies

Abstract

With industrial upgrading and increasingly diversified urban functions in small and medium-sized cities in China, the demand for convention and exhibition buildings has been steadily rising. However, current research mainly focuses on the planning and operation of such buildings in large cities, with a lack of systematic and targeted studies on small and medium-sized cities that have relatively limited resources and varied development orientations. According to data collection and field surveys of convention and exhibition buildings in 148 small and medium-sized cities nationwide, this paper constructs a case database and conducts in-depth research on building types and factor guarantee mechanisms. This study first employs cluster analysis to classify 73 typical cases, incorporating comparative analysis from multiple dimensions such as the city’s economic development level, characteristics of the convention and exhibition industry, primary functions, operational focus, service targets, and planning layout, based on literature review and expert opinions. It then proposes four convention and exhibition building positioning models—market type, production-based type, enclave type and comprehensive type—and analyzes the characteristics of their typical cases. Afterward, through surveys, literature reviews, and expert interviews, this study identifies relevant indicators—such as resource factors and development conditions—and applies the importance index method to select 19 core indicators. These are used to establish a factor guarantee indicator system comprising two levels: “city-related factors” and “regional-related factors”. Subsequently, by analyzing the development strategies and core support factors of different building types using the priority diagram method, this study clarifies the resource demands and development paths for each model. The results indicate that the positioning strategy for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities should align with local industrial foundations and stages of urban development, fostering the formation of differentiated and sustainable development models. This research offers theoretical support and practical guidance for the scientific planning and efficient construction of convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities, contributing to improved functionality, regional economic growth, and optimized urban spatial structure.

1. Introduction

The “14th Five-Year Plan” explicitly calls for accelerating the development of small and medium-sized cities and optimizing their spatial layout. This national strategy plays a crucial role in promoting sustained, healthy, and high-quality economic growth. With policy support and strategic direction, small and medium-sized cities have gradually become key destinations for industrial transfer and a deepening division of labor, steadily advancing toward greater specialization and diversification [1] (Figure 1). Moreover, the accelerated processes of informatization and urbanization are gradually eliminating the constraints that previously hindered the development of the convention and exhibition industry in these cities. This trend not only enhances the economic driving effect of convention and exhibition services in small and medium-sized cities but also further stimulates real demand for the construction of related facilities [2,3] (Figure 2).

The emergence of convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities is driven by the rapid development of the convention and exhibition economy in these areas. This economy refers to the range of economic activities, phenomena, and effects generated by convention and exhibition events held in small and medium-sized cities. The establishment of the “Small and Medium-Sized Cities Convention and Exhibition Industry Development Research Center” by the China Convention and Exhibition Economic Society in 2017 [4], along with the expansion of China’s convention and exhibition market to approximately CNY 560 billion in 2019—a year-on-year increase of 8.6% [5]—reflects the sector strong growth momentum. This upward trend has attracted increasing attention from both exhibitors and visitors to small and medium-sized cities. Convention and exhibition buildings, as the material foundation for industrial development, have become a vital support for driving the robust growth of the convention and exhibition economy in small and medium-sized cities.

For a long time, academic and practical research on convention and exhibition buildings has mainly concentrated on large cities, resulting in a relatively mature theoretical framework and extensive construction experience. However, small and medium-sized cities differ significantly from large cities in terms of urban classification, industrial structure, and market capacity. Simply replicating the development models of large cities often leads to problems such as resource misallocation, underutilized facilities, and inefficient operations [2]. Therefore, it is essential to develop a deep understanding of the unique development logic of convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities. Identifying their specific characteristics and development pathways has become an urgent and necessary focus of research.

(1)

Development Characteristics of the Convention and Exhibition Industry in Small and Medium-Sized Cities in China

The development of the convention and exhibition industry in small and medium-sized cities in China exhibits distinct typological characteristics, which stem from the diverse trajectories of urban industrial development. According to a review of relevant literature [6,7], the convention and exhibition industry in these cities can generally be categorized into three typical types.

The first type comprises economically advanced cities such as Kunshan, Jinjiang, and Yiwu. These cities benefit from favorable geographical locations, convenient transportation networks, and the developmental influence of nearby central cities. Their convention and exhibition industries are supported by a diversified industrial base, including sectors such as equipment manufacturing and new energy [8].

The second type involves specialized convention and exhibition models, such as the Shouguang International Vegetable Expo and the Guangrao International Rubber Tire Expo. In these cases, the convention and exhibition industry is closely aligned with the industrial chain needs of core cities.

The third type is the interactive convention and exhibition model, mainly found in regions rich in tourism and cultural resources, such as the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. This model emphasizes the deep integration of themed exhibitions with local culture, offering a strong sense of immersion and participation.

The differentiated development of these types reflects the structural transformation occurring in China’s new urbanization process. As infrastructure continues to improve and cities become more “flat” in terms of development, small and medium-sized cities are facing unprecedented opportunities. The convention and exhibition industry, serving as a barometer of urban economic development, is becoming increasingly specialized and differentiated [9]. The author believes that this trend of differentiation will become more pronounced in the future. On one hand, the collaborative development of urban agglomerations will enhance the professional division of interactive exhibitions; on the other hand, consumption upgrades will propel specialized exhibitions toward more immersive experiences. Therefore, as a key platform for the convention and exhibition industry, the standards for convention and exhibition buildings should incorporate a dynamic adjustment mechanism. These standards should follow the principles of “integration of production and exhibition” and “one city, one policy”, enabling convention and exhibition buildings to become a vital driver of industrial upgrading in small and medium-sized cities [1,4,10].

(2)

Review of Theories on Convention and Exhibition Architecture

Theories on convention and exhibition buildings have traditionally been based on the “MICE” system (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions), with a primary focus on the spatial organization, functional integration, and operational management of large convention and exhibition facilities. However, in recent years, as convention and exhibition activities have expanded in small and medium-sized cities, academic and industry research on convention and exhibition buildings in these cities has gradually gained momentum.

In international research, Fred Lawson (2000) systematically explored the planning, design, and management lifecycle of convention and exhibition facilities in Meetings and Exhibition Facilities: Planning, Design, and Management [11]. Clemens F. Kusche (2014) focused on construction practices and design principles for exhibition halls [12]; UFI (The Global Association of the Convention and Exhibition Industry) published reports in 2011 and 2017 titled World Map of Exhibition Venues, which statistically analyzed the spatial distribution and development trends of major exhibition venues worldwide. Additionally, internationally renowned projects, such as the ASEM Exhibition Center designed by SOM and the New Leipzig Fair by GMP, have provided valuable references for the spatial design and functional integration of convention and exhibition buildings.

Domestically, significant progress has also been made in related research. Chen Jianfei and Mei Hongyuan (2008) outlined the basic logic and spatial transformation path of the convention and exhibition industry in convention and exhibition buildings [13]. Zhou Zhenyu (2008) examined the evolution mechanism of convention and exhibition buildings in China through an interdisciplinary approach [14]. Ni Yang (2017) applied typological methods to identify convention and exhibition building models that reflect the characteristics of contemporary China [15]. Hou Xiao (2019) introduced the “Symbiosis Theory” to study the sustainable development mechanisms of convention and exhibition complexes [16]. Qin Siyuan (2021) [17] and Tian Yulong (2021) [18] developed evaluation systems and design strategies from the perspectives of elasticity and adaptability. In the field of convention and exhibition economy research [17,18], Zhang Jiankang (2012) focused on sustainable operational models for small and medium-sized cities [19], while Zhu Feiyue (2022) emphasized the practical need for an integrated “hardware + software” service system in these cities [1].

Through a systematic analysis of existing literature, this study identifies four key issues in current research on convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities.

(1)

Bias in research focus: Existing domestic and international studies predominantly concentrate on convention and exhibition facilities in large metropolitan areas, while insufficient attention has been paid to the unique constraints of small and medium-sized cities, including site limitations, differentiated operational models, and restricted economic carrying capacity.

(2)

Lack of tailored theoretical frameworks: Current theoretical approaches (e.g., Ni Yang’s typological study and Hou Xiao’s symbiosis theory) fail to adequately account for the developmental characteristics of small and medium-sized cities and the specificities of their convention and exhibition industries. This results in significant limitations when applying these theories to guide the planning and design of convention and exhibition buildings in such contexts.

(3)

Insufficient interdisciplinary integration: The development of convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities must be closely aligned with local industrial characteristics. However, current research remains largely confined to traditional architectural perspectives and lacks effective integration with theories and methodologies from related disciplines such as convention management and urban governance.

(4)

Methodological limitations: Existing studies predominantly rely on qualitative analysis, expert judgment, and case studies, lacking systematic data collection and statistical validation. Consequently, the reliability and generalizability of their findings remain questionable.

In summary, while research on convention and exhibition buildings in large cities has developed a relatively mature framework, systematic studies on convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities remain limited. The lack of tailored theoretical guidance and empirically validated strategies has led to an uncritical adoption of development models designed for large urban contexts, disregarding the distinct characteristics of smaller cities in terms of urban scale, industrial composition, and market dynamics.

Given the increasing diversification of the convention and exhibition industry in small and medium-sized cities, these unique regional and industrial traits necessitate differentiated approaches to the functional and strategic positioning of such buildings. Consequently, investigating the typology of positioning models for convention and exhibition buildings in these urban contexts carries substantial theoretical and practical implications. The positioning of these buildings not only determines the economic viability and social impact of individual projects but also influences broader urban development objectives, including industrial restructuring, spatial resource optimization, and regional economic coordination.

This study addresses the central issue of positioning typologies for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities, with a focus on the following research questions:

(1)

Typology and Differentiation: What are the typical types of positioning models for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities, and what are the main differences between them?

(2)

Sustainability and Resource Dependencies: What are the key resources and development conditions required for the sustainable operation of convention and exhibition buildings under different positioning models?

By addressing these questions, this research aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how small and medium-sized cities can leverage their unique advantages to develop convention and exhibition facilities that align with local conditions and long-term growth objectives.

2. Research Design

This study addresses the two core issues identified in the previous section: first, the types and differences in positioning models for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities; second, the key resources and development conditions required for the sustainable operation of convention and exhibition buildings under different positioning models. To systematically explore these issues, this paper constructs a research framework based on two dimensions: “typological characteristics” and “elemental guarantees” (Figure 3).

In the “typological characteristics” research section, the goal is to clarify the distinctive features of convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities and to construct a typological system through inductive generalization. The specific steps are as follows: First, a database is established based on 73 convention and exhibition building cases from small and medium-sized cities nationwide, collecting relevant attribute information. Second, element analysis is used to extract key dimensions, and clustering algorithms are applied to classify the samples, identifying representative architectural types. Finally, in-depth comparisons of the morphological characteristics, functional configurations, and urban integration of various building types are conducted through typical case analysis, aiming to construct a more systematic typological spectrum of convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities.

The “Element Guarantees” research section focuses on the supporting conditions for sustainable development of different types of exhibition buildings. Typological studies reveal significant variations among different positioning models in terms of urban economic and industrial foundations, geographic location and policy dimensions, planning conditions and infrastructure, as well as commercial services and transportation guarantees, which provide the basis for extracting element guarantee factors for different positioning models. By integrating project documentation from the authors’ and their team’s engineering practice over the past five years, existing literature, and expert interviews, an evaluation Indicators Pool for element guarantees was established. The importance index and dispersion degree of indicators were then calculated through the expert scoring method to screen the evaluation indicators. Finally, the precedence chart method was employed to conduct quantitative comparisons of key elements across different positioning models, identifying core supporting resources in their operational mechanisms. The research findings contribute to exploring feasible development pathways for various positioning types of convention and exhibition buildings and proposing corresponding development strategies and resource allocation recommendations.

Through the research design outlined above, this paper aims to address the gaps in typological identification and development mechanisms within current studies on convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities. The goal is to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for decision-making, planning, construction, and operational management of convention and exhibition buildings in these cities.

3. Research Methods

3.1. Database Information Collection

This study utilizes various methods, including field surveys, telephone interviews, and online data collection, to systematically organize and analyze data on convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities. Over the two-year research process, the author collected and organized data on 148 convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities, including field surveys of 73 representative cases. In the sample selection process, this study adopted rigorous scientific screening methods. Based on the preliminary list of convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities compiled from literature such as the “China Exhibition Economic Development Report”, the research team identified issues such as inaccurate project names, discrepancies in floor area, and outdated operational status information during field investigations. Therefore, the team conducted a comprehensive nationwide survey over two years, ultimately verifying and establishing a database of 148 completed cases. Building upon this database, this study employed a multi-dimensional comprehensive screening method to select 73 typical cases according to the following six core principles: (1) Geographical Coverage Balance Principle: Ensure the samples cover seven major geographical regions (East China, Central China, South China, etc.) to reflect regional characteristics. (2) Operational Status Validity Principle: Exclude projects that have undergone functional transformations or long-term inactivity, focusing on normally operated representative cases. (3) Functional Feature Typicality Principle: Systematically classify cases based on key indicators such as exhibition resource endowment, usage patterns, and spatial organization. (4) Quality Feature Representativeness Principle: Selected samples must exhibit typical characteristics of convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities across at least three dimensions: architectural quality, external space, and location features. (5) Type Heterogeneity Principle: Ensure sufficient diversity in scale, location (urban center/new district/suburb), and spatial form (centralized/dispersed). (6) Sample Size Appropriateness Principle: Control the sample size to ensure research depth while maintaining statistical significance.

The collected data encompass four major categories of information (Figure 4): city information, project details, core information, and additional information. The indicators adopted in the database are primarily derived from two reliable sources: First, a systematic review of authoritative literature on convention and exhibition architecture from recent research in both exhibition studies [1,4,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33] and architectural [2,12,13,17,18,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41] disciplines, through which core information on convention and exhibition buildings was extracted. Second, the integration of key decision-making indicators validated by expert teams during the preliminary planning and conceptual design phases of four representative convention and exhibition projects (including Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center, Sanya International Convention and Exhibition Center, and Changde International Convention and Exhibition Center—all located in small and medium-sized cities) that the research team participated in over the past five years.

City Information: This mainly reflects the city’s economic development level, industrial structure, and the foundation of its convention and exhibition industry, helping to analyze its positioning and competitiveness within the regional convention and exhibition landscape.

Project Information: This focuses on the fundamental technical indicators of the building itself, such as building area, design capacity, and year of construction, providing a comprehensive understanding of the project’s construction background and physical attributes.

Core Information: This addresses key parameters like building function layout, usage frequency, and spatial organization, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the spatial features and usage logic of convention and exhibition buildings.

Additional Information: This includes operational status, revenue conditions, and usage efficiency. Since these data involve the commercial secrets of operating companies, it is difficult to obtain through online channels. Some of this information was gathered through field visits and oral communications, making it somewhat scarce and confidential.

3.2. Clustering Analysis

Clustering is a fundamental task in data analysis, and the k-Means clustering algorithm, a widely used method, has become a popular tool across various disciplines due to its simplicity and efficiency [42]. Particularly suited for our study on convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities, k-Means offers distinct advantages: (1) its computational efficiency enables rapid analysis of our medium-sized dataset (73 cases); (2) the algorithm’s ability to handle multiple quantitative variables aligns perfectly with our multidimensional evaluation framework encompassing economic, spatial and functional indicators; (3) the clear cluster centroids facilitate interpretability of results, which is crucial for deriving the four distinct positioning models in our research. While other methods like hierarchical clustering would be computationally intensive for our dataset, and DBSCAN’s density-based approach might overlook meaningful patterns in our carefully selected indicators, k-Means provides the optimal balance between analytical rigor and practical applicability for our urban planning research context. The algorithm is extensively applied in fields such as pattern recognition, machine learning, bioinformatics, and image processing (Figure 5).

Let the dataset be $\mathrm{X}={\left\{\mathrm{x}\right\}}_{\mathrm{i}=1}^{\mathrm{N}}$, where each ${\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{i}}=\in {\mathrm{R}}^{\mathrm{d}}$, and divide the data into M disjoint clusters $\mathrm{C}={\left\{{\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{k}}\right\}}_{\mathrm{k}=1}^{\mathrm{M}}$. The core idea of the k-means algorithm is to minimize the sum of the variances within each cluster, i.e.,

$${\mathrm{m}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}}_{\in \mathrm{s}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{m}}=\mathrm{m}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}{\sum }_{\mathrm{k}=1}^{\mathrm{M}}{\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{k}}=\mathrm{m}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}\left\{{\sum }_{\mathrm{k}=1}^{\mathrm{M}}{\sum }_{\mathrm{k}=1}^{\mathrm{M}}{\mathsf{\delta }}_{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{k}}{‖{\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{i}}-{\mathrm{m}}_{\mathrm{k}}‖}^2\right\}$$

(1)

Assuming the dataset $\mathrm{X}=\left\{{\mathrm{x}}_1,{\mathrm{x}}_2,···,{\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{n}}\right\}$ consists of n sample data points, the steps for dividing X into k clusters are as follows:

(1) Randomly select k sample data points from X as the initial cluster centers, denoted as $\mathrm{C}=\left\{{\mathrm{c}}_1,{\mathrm{c}}_2,···,{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{k}}\right\}$.

(2) Calculate the distance from each sample data point ${\mathrm{x}}_1(\mathrm{i}=\mathrm{1,2},···,\mathrm{n})$ to the cluster centers $\mathrm{C}=\left\{{\mathrm{c}}_1,{\mathrm{c}}_2,···,{\mathrm{c}}_{\mathrm{k}}\right\}$, and assign each point ${\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{i}}$ to the nearest cluster center based on the nearest neighbor principle.

(3) Calculate the mean of each cluster to determine the new cluster center.

(4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the cluster centers no longer change or the specified number of iterations is reached, at which point the clustering process concludes [43].

3.3. Indicator Selection and Questionnaire Data Processing

3.3.1. Indicator Selection Method

According to the evaluation indicator set established by the author, the importance index method is used to select the indicators. In this approach, experts involved in the decision-making process assign importance scores to each indicator on a scale from 1 to 5. The expert scoring results are processed as follows: First, for the i-th indicator, calculate the number of experts who assigned each score and determine the total score. Then, compute the average score of the i-th indicator, which serves as the basis for assessing its level of importance. Second, the importance index is applied to statistically analyze the scores by calculating the degree of dispersion δi using the mean and standard deviation. The threshold criteria (I < 80 or δ > 0.25 for elimination) follow established methodological standards: the I ≥ 80 requirement (equivalent to 4/5 on Likert scale) ensures only high-importance indicators are retained, while δ ≤ 0.25 maintains expert consensus (analogous to Cronbach’s α > 0.7 reliability threshold). This dual-filter approach, validated in urban renewal studies, effectively balances indicator significance with rating consistency [44]. If the importance index (I) of the i-th indicator is less than 80, or if δ exceeds 0.25, the indicator is deemed either insufficiently important or subject to significant disagreement and should, therefore, be eliminated.

$$\mathrm{I}={\displaystyle \frac{{\sum }_{\mathrm{j}=1}^5{\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{j}}\times \mathrm{k}}{5\mathrm{N}}}\times 100$$

(2)

$${\mathsf{\delta }}_{\mathrm{i}}={\displaystyle \frac{{\mathrm{S}}_{\mathrm{i}}}{\overline{{\mathrm{X}}_{\mathrm{i}}}}}$$

(3)

Here, k represents the score assigned by experts; scores of 0 are excluded from the analysis, so k = 1, 2, ..., 5; ${\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{j}}$ denotes the number of experts who assigned a score of k to the i-th indicator, and N is the total number of experts participating in the evaluation.

${\mathrm{S}}_{\mathrm{i}}$ represents the standard deviation of the i-th indicator, calculated based on the statistical distribution of expert scores.

$${\mathrm{S}}_{\mathrm{i}}=\sqrt{{\displaystyle \frac{1}{\mathrm{n}-1}}{\sum }_{\mathrm{j}=1}^{\mathrm{n}}{\left({\mathrm{X}}_{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{j}}-\overline{\mathrm{X}}\right)}^2}$$

(4)

$\overline{{\mathrm{X}}_{\mathrm{i}}}$ represents the average score of the i-th indicator based on the evaluations provided by the expert group.

$$\overline{{\mathrm{X}}_{\mathrm{i}}}={\displaystyle \frac{1}{\mathrm{n}}}{\sum }_{\mathrm{j}}^{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{X}}_{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{j}}$$

(5)

This method directly evaluates the relevance and significance of candidate indicators in relation to the assessment objectives. By combining comparative analysis with quantitative statistical calculations, it facilitates the selection of appropriate indicators. Integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, it offers strong practical value and is adopted as the primary method for selecting factor assurance evaluation indicators for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities.

3.3.2. Questionnaire Data Processing

This study adopts the expert survey method, placing emphasis on the authority and scientific validity of the evaluators, as the level of expertise directly influences the reliability of the results. To finalize the indicators and calculate their weights, consultation, and evaluation forms were distributed [45].

The questionnaire respondents were grouped into three categories of professionals:

Category I: Convention and Exhibition Industry Practitioners—individuals involved in organizing convention and exhibition events or managing venue operations.

Category II: Professional Exhibitors—participants who regularly attend conventions and exhibitions for promotional or procurement purposes, including curators and industry-specific visitors

Category III: Convention and Exhibition Building Designers—professionals involved in the planning and design of convention and exhibition buildings, including architects and technical experts from various disciplines.

The average weight of each type of respondent’s scores denoted as G, is calculated using the following formula: $\mathrm{G}=\sqrt[\mathrm{n}]{{\mathrm{x}}_1·{\mathrm{x}}_2\dots {\mathrm{x}}_{\mathrm{n}}}$, where ${\mathrm{x}}_1$ represents the score of the i-th questionnaire, and n is the number of valid questionnaires. According to a percentage scoring system, pairwise comparisons were conducted using the precedence chart method, which addresses the limitations of purely subjective expert scoring for each indicator. To enhance data accuracy and reliability, the precedence chart method was applied for both pairwise comparisons and weight calculations, resulting in more precise and dependable analytical outcomes [46,47].

The precedence chart, first introduced by P. E. Moody in 1983, serves as a tool for multi-criteria decision analysis, mainly used to rank or prioritize multiple evaluation indicators or alternatives [48]. The weight calculation method using the precedence chart involves summing the numbers filled in each row (referred to as the total through line (TTL) value). The weight of each indicator is then calculated by dividing its TTL value by the sum of all TTL values for the indicators.

$${\mathrm{w}}_{\mathrm{i}}={\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{i}}/{\sum }_{\mathrm{i}=1}^{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{i}}$$

(6)

${\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{i}}$ represents the TTL value of the i-th indicator, and n is the total number of evaluated indicators. According to these calculations, a corresponding weight table for the key assurance factors is generated).

4. Analysis of Convention and Exhibition Building Typologies in Small and Medium-Sized Cities

4.1. Clustering Calculation of Typological Patterns

Considering factors such as data completeness, geographical distribution, and the scale of the host cities, this study selected 73 convention and exhibition building projects in small and medium-sized cities as research samples for cluster analysis. To enhance the scientific rigor and accuracy of the clustering process, string-format variables were numerically encoded: hierarchical categorical variables (e.g., site selection types) used ordinal encoding, while nominal variables employed integer label encoding, with all numerical variables standardized via Z-score normalization. Validation through silhouette score demonstrated limited impact of different encoding methods on the stability of final cluster structures (average silhouette score > 0.5). When interpreting cluster centroids, we only referenced the means of numerical and ordinal variables, while nominal variable labels were solely used for type descriptions (e.g., “Cluster 2 is predominantly manufacturing-oriented”). Adopting a mixed-method approach, our quantitative clustering analysis enables scientific identification of positioning patterns for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities. However, for individual case analysis, we further refined and adjusted the results by incorporating typological definitions (see Section 4.2 of the paper) (

Table 1. Explanation of data information and final cluster center classification.

Variable	Indicator	Definition	Final Cluster Centers
			1	2	3	4
1	Total GDP (100 million CNY)	The gross domestic product (GDP) data in this study represents the total value of all production activities carried out by resident units in each region during the year 2023.	3307.26	714.63	1116.64	3925.19
2	Primary Industry GDP (100 million CNY)	This refers to the gross output value of various types of farmers and primary agricultural products (including both aquatic and terrestrial) in 2023.	268	101	98	215
3	Secondary Industry GDP (100 million CNY)	This refers to the gross output value of various professional workers and all types of industrial production in 2023.	1446	511	409	1737
4	Tertiary Industry GDP (100 million CNY)	The tertiary industry, also known as the service sector, refers to the gross output value of industries excluding the primary and secondary sectors in 2023.	1458	660	575	2003
5	Total Population (10,000 people)	According to the 7th National Population Census of 2020, this refers to the permanent population in urban built-up areas.	399.47	107.71	135.63	370.79
6	Site Selection and Urban Relationship	1—Urban center, 2—Urban suburbs, 3—Urban outskirts.	1.79	1.65	1.94	1.70
7	Resource Advantages	1—Near industrial clusters, 2—Within urban development plans, 3—The urban core area, 4—Near transportation hubs, 5—Near natural resources.	2.4	2.1	2.6	2.3
8	Number of Roads	Refers to the number of roads in the base city of the convention and exhibition project, mainly those roads with a dual-carriageway standard or higher.	2.75	2.5	1.94	2.60
9	Functional Model	1—Exhibition function, 2—Convention and exhibition function, 3—Composite function.	1.83	2.05	1.76	2.30
10	Major Exhibition Level	1—Government-led, 2—Government-enterprise cooperation, 3—Venue-enterprise cooperation.	2.25	2.10	2.18	2.40
11	Layout Type	1—Horizontally independent, 2—Vertically independent, 3—Single comb-style, 4—Double comb-style, 5—Dispersed, 6—Enclosed.	3.21	2.10	2.06	2.60
12	Year of Completion	Refers to the completion and operational start date of the project.	2012.5	2012.0	2012.8	2013.3
13	Total Investment (100 million CNY)	Refers to the total investment cost during the construction period (estimated or actual) to complete the project.	8.5	5.8	6.8	13.3
14	Total Land Area (10,000 m2)	Refers to the total land area allocated for buildings, supporting facilities, roads, and landscaping, as defined by land use and planning permits and redline boundaries.	14.5	9.8	9.0	16.0
15	Total Building Area (10,000 m2)	Refers to the total gross floor area of all above-ground and below-ground structures within the land area.	8.0	4.9	5.6	10.8
16	Indoor Exhibition Area (10,000 m2)	Refers to the total indoor exhibition area within the exhibition facility.	3	3	1	3
17	Outdoor Exhibition Area (10,000 m2)	Refers to the total outdoor exhibition space within the exhibition facility.	2	2	2	2
18	Main Exhibition Hall Area (m2)	Refers to the floor area of the main exhibition hall.	6516	7590	3817	11,788
19	Clear Height (m)	Refers to the ceiling height of the main indoor exhibition hall.	15	14	15	14
20	Number of Exhibition Halls	Refers to the total number of exhibition halls in the project.	4.1	4.2	3.9	3.8
21	Number of Booths	Refers to the total number of booths that can be accommodated in the exhibition area.	1057	1187	875	1231
22	Conference Area (m2)	Refers to the total area designated for meetings and conferences within the venue.	1	0	1	2
23	Number of Meeting Rooms	Refers to the total number of meeting rooms within the venue.	11	8	10	19
24	Minimum Meeting Room Area (m2)	Refers to the area of the smallest meeting room.	112	119	175	96
25	Maximum Meeting Room Area (m2)	Refers to the area of the largest meeting room.	1208	1017	1387	1360
26	Maximum Floor Load (T/m2)	Refers to the maximum floor load capacity of the exhibition hal (T/m2).	3	3	3	4
27	Number of Parking Spaces	Total number of parking spaces.	881	641	733	956
28	Expansion Demand	1—Yes, 2—No	1.04	0.75	1.47	1.20
29	Renovation Demand	1—Yes, 2—No	0.88	0.65	1.18	1.00
30	Profit and Loss Status	1—Profit, 2—Loss, 3—Financially budgeted.	0.96	0.65	1.71	1.40
31	Operation Model	1—Government public institution, 2—State-owned enterprise, 3—Entrusted operation, 4—Privately operated.	2.50	2.33	2.14	1.94

).

Using a self-constructed database and employing SPSS software (IBM SPSS Statistics 22) along with Formula (1) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), it was found that the variables “Exhibition Hall Area” and “Total City GDP” were highly correlated at the 0.01 significance level, with F-values of 99.799 and 37.790, respectively. These two statistically significant variables were selected as the primary basis for the clustering analysis, and a corresponding cluster diagram was generated (Figure 6). After testing multiple cluster numbers, a four-cluster model was identified as the optimal solution, as the resulting clusters showed high compactness and clear differentiation.

The numbers represent different item/project codes.

4.2. Definition of Type Patterns

This study utilizes cluster analysis to systematically examine the definitions and classification criteria for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities. According to the results of the cluster analysis (

Table 2. Positioning types and key features.

Cluster Data Features	Cluster Center Representative Case	Typical Case Analysis	Definition
The data characteristics of Cluster 1 reveal that this type of city has a highly developed economy, the largest urban population, and superior transportation infrastructure around the convention and exhibition venues. Key indicators such as exhibition level, total investment, total land area, and total building area are significantly high in these cities. Furthermore, the operational status of the convention and exhibition buildings is strong, with an operational model predominantly based on entrusted operation, demonstrating a high level of marketization and operational efficiency.	Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center	Cluster 1—Yiwu International Expo Center The Yiwu International Expo Center is situated in Yiwu, a globally recognized hub for small commodity trade. Capitalizing on its robust economic foundation and an outward-facing market environment, it has become one of the leading convention and exhibition centers in the country. The center features a large-scale facility with numerous exhibition halls, making it capable of hosting a wide range of large-scale exhibitions and trade fairs. Its operational model is based on entrusted operation, characterized by a high degree of marketization, leading exhibition hall utilization rates, and strong profitability. Additionally, the surrounding area offers convenient transportation, comprehensive logistics, and extensive commercial and accommodation facilities, all of which provide solid support for the successful operation of exhibitions.	Market type
	Xingtai International Convention and Exhibition Center
	Zhumadian International Convention and Exhibition Center
	Yiwu International Expo Center
The centroid analysis of Cluster 2 reveals that these cities have relatively small economic scales and lower GDP levels. However, the locations of their convention and exhibition venues are typically situated in the city center. Convention and exhibition activities in these cities are mainly government-led or involve government-enterprise cooperation. While investment in venues is comparatively low, the number of exhibition halls and booths remains high. Notably, the conference spaces in these venues are smaller, with significant demand for expansion and upgrades. This indicates a need for further optimization and expansion in future developments.	Shouguang International Convention and Exhibition Center	Cluster 2—Shouguang International Convention and Exhibition Center Shouguang International Convention and Exhibition Center is located in Shouguang, China’s “Vegetable Capital”, and leverages the region’s well-developed agricultural industrial chain to become a prominent agricultural exhibition platform nationwide. Although Shouguang’s GDP is relatively low, its agricultural prominence stands out. The convention and exhibition center mainly hosts agricultural expos, trade fairs for agricultural products, and other specialized exhibitions, with a high exhibition hall usage rate. It is conveniently located near the city’s core area with easy transportation access. Convention and exhibition activities are mainly government-led or involve government-business cooperation. Despite the relatively small investment scale, the center benefits from strong demand for agricultural exhibitions, resulting in a high number of exhibition halls and booths. This creates significant potential for future exhibition upgrades and industry expansion.	Production-based type
	Guangrao International Convention and Exhibition Center
	Yuyao Zhongsu International Convention and Exhibition Center
	Jingdezhen International Convention and Exhibition Center
Cluster 3 includes cities with relatively low overall economic development levels. The location indicators for their convention and exhibition buildings suggest that these venues are typically situated away from the city center. Moreover, the building and exhibition hall areas tend to be smaller, and their financial status is less favorable, indicating challenges in operational efficiency and economic performance.	Qufu Confucius Cultural Convention and Exhibition Center	Cluster 3—Wuzhen Internet International Expo Center The Wuzhen Internet International Expo Center serves as the venue for the World Internet Conference. Despite Wuzhen’s overall lower economic level, the center has gained prominence as a key location for top-tier industry conferences, largely due to the influence of the Internet industry. While the exhibition hall is of moderate size, its location away from the city center results in a relatively low daily usage rate, with the venue mainly supporting specific industry events. The operational model is government-led, and the profit model is relatively straightforward, presenting notable challenges for long-term sustainability.	Enclave type
	Wuzhen Internet International Convention and Exhibition Center
	Yunqi Town Convention and Exhibition Center
	Deqing Geographical Information Town International Convention and Exhibition Center
The centroid analysis of Cluster 4 reveals that these cities are leaders in both development and population size. They rank highly in terms of building scale, land area, and investment. Convention and exhibition activities in these cities are typically government-led, with operational models mainly involving government institutions and state-owned enterprises. This reflects strong development momentum and effective resource integration capabilities.	Jiujiang International Convention and Exhibition Center	Cluster 4—Zhenjiang Sports and Exhibition Center Zhenjiang Sports and Exhibition Center is located in the economically developed Yangtze River Delta region. Capitalizing on Zhenjiang’s industrial foundation and geographic advantages, it has become a prominent government-led exhibition venue. The center hosts not only large-scale exhibitions but also integrates multifunctional uses, such as sports events and cultural activities, showcasing strong resource integration capabilities. With a large building scale, substantial investment, and comprehensive facilities, the venue is well-equipped to host high-level exhibitions and government-led events. The operational model is mainly driven by public institutions and state-owned enterprises, benefiting from robust policy support and demonstrating strong advantages in regional economic development and government-resource synergy.	Comprehensive type
	Binzhou Bohai Sci-Tech Innovation City Exhibition Center
	Zhenjiang Sports Exhibition Center
	Weihai International Economic and Trade Exchange Center

) and factors such as the city’s economic development level, the primary function of the building, operational focus, target audience, and development model, while also considering the specific characteristics of the convention and exhibition industry in small and medium-sized cities, four distinct positioning models for convention and exhibition buildings are identified: market-oriented, production-based, enclave, and integrated. The classification of type definitions is mainly based on three dimensions. First, the industrial foundation and development orientation are the main considerations, evaluated using three criteria: (1) whether the convention and exhibition building has a clear construction goal; (2) whether the city has a dominant industry of a certain scale; and (3) whether large-scale thematic convention and exhibition activities rely on the city’s industry. Additionally, this study takes into account the content characteristics and capacity scale of the convention and exhibition activities. Finally, spatial factors such as the building location, functional configuration, and scale characteristics are considered to further clarify the connotations and characteristics of each positioning model.

4.3. Analysis of Model Types

• Market type

The market-oriented positioning model is driven by market demand and is mainly applicable to medium and small cities with relatively high development levels and favorable geographic locations. These cities typically have large consumer markets, well-developed import and export trade, and comprehensive transportation infrastructure, including airports and ports serving as logistics hubs. As a result, they require high-end platforms to access integrated product information and foster the growth of a market-driven convention and exhibition industry (

Table 3. Typical cases of the market-oriented positioning model.

Case	Industry Type	Development Level/Location Advantage	Functional Configuration	Photo
Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center	Textile and Apparel Industry, Footwear Industry, Paper Products Industry, Food and Beverage Industry	In 2023, the city’s GDP reached 330 billion RMB, ranking 4th among the top 100 counties nationwide, with a per capita GDP of 150,000 RMB. The private sector accounts for over 95% of the local economy. The city is home to more than 50 listed companies, including Anta, and the footwear and apparel industries generate an annual output value of 200 billion RMB—representing one-fifth of the national total. Geographically, the city enjoys notable advantages: it is just 18 min from Xiamen by high-speed rail, and Jinjiang Airport handles 8 million passengers annually. Additionally, the city has a strong overseas Chinese presence, with 2 million overseas Chinese contributing 2 billion USD in annual remittances. Overseas Chinese capital constitutes 60% of total foreign investment. The development model integrates the private economy, overseas Chinese networks, and transportation hub advantages, driving the high-quality growth of an export-oriented economy.	The total construction area is 338,000 m2, comprising six exhibition halls—including a 100,000 m2 pillarless hall—5000 international standard exhibition booths, and a 5000 m2 main venue. The facility is equipped with 18 multifunctional meeting rooms, an eight-language simultaneous interpretation system, 12,000 m2 of commercial space, and 2000 smart parking spaces. It features full 5G coverage and holds LEED Gold certification. Notable highlights include a 10-ton load-bearing lift platform and an advanced digital management system.
Kunshan International Convention and Exhibition Center	Flat Panel Display, Integrated Circuits, Intelligent Manufacturing, Biomedicine	In 2023, the GDP surpassed 500 billion RMB, securing Kunshan’s position as the top county in China by GDP, with a per capita GDP of 210,000 RMB. The electronics industry alone generated over 100 billion RMB in output, with notebook production accounting for one-third of the global market. The city hosts more than 70 listed companies and over 5000 foreign-funded enterprises. Strategically located near Shanghai—just 40 km from Hongqiao Airport and 17 min away by high-speed rail—Kunshan benefits from its proximity to the Yangtze River Delta economic hub. Supported by a national-level development zone and a Taiwan cooperation zone, Kunshan follows a “Shanghai Radiation + Foreign Investment Driven” development model. Unlike Jinjiang’s “Private Economy + Overseas Chinese” approach, Kunshan emphasizes foreign investment leadership, with both cities serving as frontrunners in China’s county-level economic development.	The Kunshan International Convention and Exhibition Center spans a total construction area of 126,000 m2 and includes five exhibition halls, one of which is a 36,000 m2 pillarless space. The center accommodates 2500 standard exhibition booths and features a 4000 m2 multifunctional hall. It is equipped with 12 meeting rooms, an intelligent conference system, 8000 m2 of commercial facilities, and 1200 parking spaces, all with full 5G coverage. Additional highlights include an 8-ton load-bearing platform and advanced digital management systems.
Heze International Convention and Exhibition Center	High-end Chemicals, Biomedicine, Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, New Energy and New Materials	In 2023, Heze’s GDP exceeded 420 billion RMB, placing it among the top cities in southwestern Shandong. The city has notable agricultural strengths, consistently ranking first in the province for grain output and generating over 10 billion RMB annually through its peony industry. Its industrial sector is led by energy chemicals and biomedicine, with major enterprises like Dongming Petrochemical. Heze enjoys a strategic location at the intersection of Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, and Anhui provinces, with the newly opened Rilan High-Speed Railway allowing travel to Zhengzhou and Jinan in just two hours. The development of inland ports in Rizhao and Qingdao is helping the city establish a multimodal transportation system integrating road, rail, and water. As a vital hub in the Central Plains urban cluster, Heze is accelerating the construction of a regional integrated transportation network and an industrial transfer base, supported by infrastructure projects such as Heze Peony Airport and the Lunan High-Speed Railway.	Heze International Convention and Exhibition Center spans a total construction area of 93,000 m2, featuring four exhibition halls, including a 22,000 m2 pillarless hall, 1500 standard exhibition booths, and a 3000 m2 multifunctional hall. The facility is equipped with eight meeting rooms, an intelligent exhibition system, 5000 m2 of commercial space, and 800 parking spaces, all with full 5G coverage. Additional features include a 6-ton load-bearing platform and advanced digital management systems.

). The market-oriented positioning model is characterized by the following:

(1) High Commercialization: Centered on economic benefits, this model prioritizes high-standard construction to meet large-scale market demands, attracting exhibitors and visitors. Its development approach mirrors that of large urban convention and exhibition venues and requires maintaining a competitive edge in a highly competitive environment.

(2) Modernized Facilities: Equipped with advanced infrastructure, including flexible spatial design, professional equipment (such as rigging points, mechanical and electrical systems, and audiovisual equipment), and comprehensive support services (such as Internet access and conference facilities), this model is capable of supporting a wide range of event requirements.

(3) Exhibition Diversification: This model leverages the city’s economic and demographic foundations to accommodate a wide range of exhibition types and scales, requiring high efficiency and flexibility in spatial usage. Its growth is often fueled by metropolitan economic spillover, with site selection emphasizing accessibility and the availability of comprehensive supporting infrastructure.

2.

Production-based type

The production-oriented development model emerges from the internal demands of urban industrial growth. Anchored by well-established industrial clusters, this model has fostered a convention and exhibition economy centered around related products (see

Table 4. Typical cases of production-oriented positioning model.

Case	Leading Industry	Core Industry Situation	Photos	Site Analysis
Yuyao Zhongsu International Convention and Exhibition Center	Plastic Products	Relying on “China Plastic City”—the world’s largest plastic raw material trading market with an annual transaction volume exceeding 100 billion RMB—Yuyao has emerged as a major hub for China’s plastic industry. The city’s annual plastic industry output surpasses 80 billion RMB, representing over 15% of the national market share. Yuyao is home to more than 4200 plastic-related enterprises, including over 600 large-scale companies, with a combined annual production capacity of 3 million tons. It holds notable advantages in specialized sectors, commanding a 35% national market share in plastic molds, 60% in plastic accessories for daily requirements, and an annual engineering plastics production capacity of 500,000 tons.
Taizhou International Expo Center	Pharmaceutical Products	Relying on Taizhou China Pharmaceutical City, a national-level pharmaceutical high-tech zone, the city’s pharmaceutical industry surpassed 130 billion RMB in 2023. Taizhou is home to over 1200 pharmaceutical enterprises, including 14 of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies, such as AstraZeneca and Nestlé Health. The city has developed a comprehensive industry chain ecosystem. The vaccine industry accounts for one-quarter of the national total, while the market share of diagnostic reagents exceeds 20%. Additionally, Taizhou hosts 56 ongoing first-class new drug projects, 5 national-level key laboratories, and 286 pharmaceutical high-tech enterprises, with annual R&D investment exceeding 5 billion RMB.
Yongkang International Expo Center	Hardware Products	Relying on China Science and Technology Hardware City, with an annual transaction volume exceeding 60 billion RMB, the hardware industry has an annual output value surpassing 120 billion RMB, accounting for more than 30% of the national market share. The products are exported to over 180 countries and regions worldwide. The industry clustering effect is strong, with over 16,000 hardware manufacturing enterprises, including more than 800 large-scale companies. Leading firms such as Buyang and Wangli have emerged from this cluster. The city holds notable advantages in specialized fields, including 70% of the national production of anti-theft doors, one-third of the national export volume of electric tools, and a leading market share in stainless steel products in China.

). In these small and medium-sized cities, the scale of industrial clusters generates a strong demand for platforms that support trade negotiations, product exhibitions, and marketing efforts. The production-oriented positioning model is characterized by the following:

(1) Industrial Focus:

Development is driven by specific industrial clusters, with convention and exhibition activities closely aligned to industry needs. The goal is to facilitate technological exchange and collaboration. This positioning strategy is tailored to the requirements of industrial growth, offering specialized services such as industry-focused event planning, curated exhibition content, and coordinated exhibitor participation.

(2) Professional Orientation:

This model emphasizes specialized exhibitions and conferences that highlight cutting-edge technologies and attract industry professionals. Venue design must cater to specific industry requirements—such as clear ceiling height and load-bearing capacity—and support complementary activities such as seminars, training sessions, and product demonstrations within the industrial value chain.

(3) Regional Connectivity:

As a regional industrial hub, this model facilitates connections across upstream and downstream segments of the industrial chain and promotes synergy through themed exhibitions. Architectural design should align with local industrial characteristics and embody the region’s cultural identity to enhance relevance and appeal.

3.

Enclave type

In urban planning and geography, an “enclave” refers to land that is governed by a specific administrative region but is not contiguous with it. The enclave-oriented positioning model refers to convention and exhibition buildings and operations located outside the main urban area, typically developing a distinctive convention and exhibition economy based on tourism or cultural resources. These venues are situated away from city centers, occupying independent spaces and facilities that serve various types of exhibitions and events (

Table 5. Typical cases of enclave-oriented positioning model.

Case	Featured Exhibition	Situation Introduction	Photos	Site Analysis
Wucheng Migratory Bird Town Convention Center	International Migratory Bird Protection Conference	Wucheng Migratory Bird Town exemplifies the implementation of international migratory bird conservation principles and is located in the core area of the Poyang Lake Nature Reserve. It attracts around 600,000 migratory birds annually, including 98% of the global population of white cranes. The town has pioneered an innovative model that integrates “ecological birdwatching + scientific research & protection + community development”. It features intelligent monitoring systems and ecological birdwatching facilities while preserving traditional fishing culture and promoting a green economy. This initiative has created employment for 2000 local residents. Its “government + technology + community” protection model has been recognized as a typical case under the “Ramsar Convention”.
Wuzhen Internet International Convention and Exhibition Center	World Internet Conference	Since the World Internet Conference permanently settled in Wuzhen in 2014, it has evolved into a central platform for global Internet governance. The 9th edition of the conference in 2023 attracted over 1800 guests from 120 countries, including eight Nobel laureates, and featured 567 exhibiting companies—40% of which were Fortune 500 enterprises. The event saw the release of 27 authoritative reports and 136 cutting-edge technological achievements, such as Huawei’s Ascend AI, and led to the signing of 19 international agreements. Leveraging the “Exhibition + Digital” model, the number of digital economy companies in Wuzhen has grown from 12 to 1058, with the industry’s total output exceeding 30 billion yuan.
Deqing International Exhibition Center	United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress	Since permanently settling in the Geospatial Information Town in 2018, the event has attracted over 4000 guests from more than 100 countries and has released key international agreements, such as the “Moganshan Declaration”. The conference has catalyzed the clustering of over 400 enterprises in Deqing Geospatial Information Town, contributing to an annual output value exceeding 20 billion yuan. It also led to the establishment of the world’s first Geospatial Information Innovation Center and has promoted the application of technologies such as BeiDou Navigation and remote sensing monitoring in fields including autonomous driving and smart cities.

). The enclave-oriented model has the following characteristics:

(1) Cultural Tourism Integration:

This model leverages the city’s unique historical, cultural, or tourism resources to develop a non-physical economy centered around exhibitions. Venues are often situated in tourism hotspots, attracting visitors to engage in convention and exhibition activities while also serving as platforms for cultural display. This approach promotes the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. For example, the Wuyishan Tea Tourism Town Convention Center combines the tea industry with the Internet to create a distinctive tea-tourism model.

(2) Architectural Landmark Quality:

These venues emphasize distinctive architectural design to establish a unique and recognizable brand identity. The architecture typically integrates with the natural environment, fostering a development model that combines technology, exhibitions, and tourism. This approach enhances public engagement and visibility while avoiding standardized, industrialized aesthetics.

(3) Resource Synergy:

Small and medium-sized cities often face high construction and operational costs, requiring the integration of diverse resources to ensure sustainable development. By aligning the convention and exhibition industry with other revenue-generating sectors, these venues create synergistic growth models that address the challenge of “buildable but unsustainable” infrastructure.

(4) Ecological Sustainability:

Environmental protection is a core principle, with a strong emphasis on sustainable construction practices. Architectural design is harmonized with the local topography, landscape, and spatial layout to promote a balanced coexistence between the built environment and nature.

4.

Comprehensive type

The comprehensive-type positioning model refers to a convention and exhibition industry development approach shaped by the combined influence of multiple favorable factors, including industrial development, market demand, geographical location, transportation infrastructure, and policy support. This model is typically suited to cities where no single industry dominates, and the convention and exhibition sector features a relatively balanced mix of event types. Such cities often focus on hosting meetings and small to mid-scale exhibitions while leveraging local consumer industries to stimulate the growth of the convention and exhibition economy (

Table 6. Typical cases of the comprehensive positioning model.

Case	Function Type	Description	Photos	Site Analysis
Zhenjiang Sports and Exhibition Center	Exhibition, Sports Center	The Zhenjiang Sports and Exhibition Center integrates three core functions: sports events, exhibition activities, and cultural entertainment performances. The main venue can be rapidly converted between a basketball court and a 3000 m2 exhibition space. It is equipped with shared parking facilities, dining services, and an intelligent management system. By adopting a time-sharing operation model (daytime exhibitions and evening events), the center maximizes usage efficiency. Hosting over 50 exhibitions and large-scale events annually, including the provincial sports games, the center attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. This influx supports the growth of nearby hotels and commercial areas, fostering the development of a “15 min sports living circle”.
Putian Convention and Exhibition Center	Exhibition, Conference, Commercial, Office	The Putian Convention and Exhibition Center adopts a comprehensive development model of “exhibition + industry + culture + commerce”. It hosts over 30 industry exhibitions annually, including the Shoe Fair and the Global Mazu Culture Forum. The center features a cross-border e-commerce experience zone and professional sports venues, seamlessly integrating the local footwear and apparel industry with a permanent exhibition area. Located directly opposite the Putian High-Speed Railway Station, the venue leverages the accessibility of the high-speed rail hub and its surrounding commercial infrastructure to attract a large number of exhibitors and visitors from outside the region.
Rizhao International Expo Center	Exhibition, Conference, Grand Theater, Hotel	The Rizhao International Expo Center incorporates multiple functions, including exhibition spaces, conference facilities, a grand theater, and star-rated hotels. It is situated next to the Olympic Water Park and the Science and Culture Center, forming an integrated hub for conventions, exhibitions, and cultural tourism. The center hosts over 50 events annually, including the Tea Expo, and also organizes various performing arts activities. Additionally, it has established an exhibition industry park to support the development of local sectors such as the tea and marine industries.

). The comprehensive-type positioning model is characterized by the following features:

(1) Functional Integration: By integrating functions such as conferences, exhibitions, business, and catering, this model creates a cultural complex within the city. The design should prioritize spatial organization and technology choices to ensure functional flexibility, spatial diversity, and long-term operational viability. Usage rates can be increased through supplementary functions such as sports facilities, fitness centers, and warehouse leasing.

(2) Geographical Synergy: These venues are typically located in city centers or transportation hubs, emphasizing interaction and integration with nearby commercial areas. Through the inclusion of street-facing retail, public plaza designs, and other urban elements, the exhibition space becomes organically connected to the city’s commercial zones, attracting foot traffic and stimulating regional economic growth.

(3) Urban Integration: This approach focuses on deeply embedding the venue within the urban environment and the daily lives of residents. It advocates for a “Convention and Exhibition+” model that combines functions such as culture, sports, and administration, enhancing the venue’s landmark status and improving surrounding real estate value. Functional design should be tailored to the city’s characteristics, supporting diversified and sustainable operational development.

5. Elemental Guarantees Analysis for Convention and Exhibition Buildings in Small and Medium-Sized Cities

Different positioning models for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities require distinct resources and support. To better understand the characteristics and development needs of each model, conducting element assurance research ensures the practical feasibility of these positioning strategies. Element assurance is integral to the entire decision-making process for convention and exhibition buildings, encompassing feasibility studies, goal setting, site planning, economic analysis, and other relevant factors. By combining element analysis with different positioning types, the characteristics of each model can be clarified, urban shortcomings identified, and a scientific foundation provided for positioning decisions in small and medium-sized cities.

5.1. Selection of Evaluation Indicators for Element Guarantees

According to the previously defined positioning models, and incorporating insights from interviews with convention and exhibition operators, surveys, and relevant literature, this study identifies 27 key indicators. Using the importance indicator method (Formulas (2)–(5)), 19 evaluation indicators were selected. These evaluation indicators for element assurance are categorized into urban-related and regional-related factors (

Table 7. Results of the selection of evaluation indicators for element assurance.

Primary Indicator	Secondary Indicator	Tertiary Indicator	Specific Meaning	${\mathsf{\delta }}_{\mathbf{i}}$	$\mathbf{I}$	References
City-Related Factors A1	Urban Vitality B1	Urban Location C1	Refers to the city’s geographical position within a region or country, including its connectivity with neighboring cities, its role as a transportation hub, and its economic influence. The locational advantage directly impacts the city’s development potential and attractiveness.	0.107	92.6316	[10,15,17,22,23,49,50,51,52]
		Resource Endowment C2	Refers to the natural and cultural resources available in a city or region. Resource endowment forms the foundation for economic development. Leveraging market-driven operations or developing unique historical, cultural, or tourism resources can consistently attract exhibition organizers and participants from around the world to the region.	0.145	83.1579	[1,24,25,26,27,28,53,54,55,56]
		Population and Economy C3	Refers to the city’s population size, demographic structure, and level of economic development, reflecting its consumption capacity and labor supply.	0.180	82.1053	[4,22,57]
	Industrial Foundation B2	Industry Competitiveness C4	Refers to the technological level, market share, and degree of internationalization of industries, used to assess their competitiveness within the region or on a national scale.	0.153	81.0526	[1,4,32,58,59,60]
		Industry Scale C5	Refers to the overall size of the primary industries in a city or region, typically measured by output value, employment numbers, etc. The industry scale reflects the city’s economic strength and industrial concentration.	0.107	92.6316	[4,29,59,61,62]
		Industry Category C6	Refers to the types of dominant industries in a city or region, including the distribution of primary industries (agriculture), secondary industries (manufacturing), and tertiary industries (services).	0.153	81.0526	[4,29,57,59,63]
	Policy Formulation B3	Land Supply Policy C7	Refers to the government’s planning and policies regarding land supply, including the amount, allocation method, and land use designation. Land supply policies directly affect the efficiency of land development and utilization.	0.144	80	[23,60,64,65]
		Financial Support Policy C8	Refers to government policies designed to promote the development of the convention and exhibition industry, such as tax incentives, financial subsidies, and venue support. These supportive policies play a crucial role in enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of the industry.	0.137	87.3684	[23,57,60,64,65,66]
Regional-Related Factors A2	Higher-Level Planning B4	Area Planning C9	Refers to the functional positioning, spatial layout, and development direction of a specific area within a city or region. Area planning defines the future development trajectory and land use patterns for the area.	0.115	89.4737	[17,49,56,64]
		Public Facility Planning C10	Refers to the arrangement of public facilities (such as schools, hospitals, parks, and cultural venues) and the planning of essential infrastructure, including road networks, parking, water, electricity, gas, lighting, and landscaping. The comprehensiveness of public facilities directly influences the quality of basic infrastructure.	0.160	82.1053	[31,67,68]
	Location Development B5	Land Supply C11	Refers to the amount of available land for development within a city or region and its distribution. The adequacy and rationality of land supply impact the city’s expansion and industrial layout.	0.186	80	[56,65,69,70]
		Residential Density C12	Refers to the population density in the region, typically measured by the number of people per square kilometer or the number of residential units. Residential density reflects the area’s capacity to support its population and the quality of its living environment.	0.121	83.1579	[4,17,30]
		Surrounding Functional Mix C13	Refers to the degree of spatial integration of residential, commercial, office, cultural, and other functions within a region. A high degree of functional integration can enhance regional vitality and land use efficiency.	0.100	81.0526	[1,30,71]
	Development Potential B6	Land Development Value C14	Refers to the economic value that can be generated from land during the development process, including land prices, development potential, and market demand. Land development value is a key indicator for investors.	0.166	80	[60,65,72,73]
		Cultural Development Value C15	Refers to the development potential and economic value of cultural resources in the region (such as historical relics, cultural heritage, and creative industries.). Cultural development value can increase the region’s attractiveness and uniqueness.	0.144	80	[15,35,65]
	Supporting Facilities B7	Road Construction Status C16	Refers to the completeness of the road network in the region, including factors such as the length, density, classification (e.g., main roads, secondary roads), and traffic flow. The condition of the road infrastructure directly impacts transportation convenience and regional connectivity.	0.077	82.1053	[4,74,75,76]
		Public Transportation Facilities C17	Refers to the coverage, number of routes, and operational efficiency of the public transportation system (such as subways, buses, light rail, etc.) in the region. The comprehensiveness of public transportation facilities is a key indicator of urban modernization.	0.184	83.1579	[74,75,77]
		Infrastructure Conditions C18	Refers to the completeness and operational status of infrastructure such as airports, high-speed rail stations, and ports in the region.	0.225	81.0526	[4,22,60,78,79]
		Supporting Service Facilities C19	Refers to the various service facilities available for residents and businesses in the region, such as commercial centers, restaurants, hotels, banks, and educational institutions. The completeness of these supporting services directly impacts the region’s livability and attractiveness.	0.107	92.6316	[4,64,78]

).

5.1.1. Explanation of Urban-Related Factors

Urban-related factors reflect the city’s capacity to support the construction of convention and exhibition buildings. This mainly includes the potential impact of urban economic, population, policy, and industrial development trends on the convention and exhibition industry. The positioning and planning of convention and exhibition venues must align with these factors to ensure compatibility with the city’s overall development direction. Specifically, this includes the following aspects:

(1) Urban Vitality refers to the city’s ability to provide the necessary resources for the future development of the convention and exhibition industry. It reflects the city’s economic structure, resource advantages, population characteristics, and whether these factors can meet the demands of the convention and exhibition sector. This can be summarized as urban location, resource endowment, and population and economic factors.

(2) Industrial Foundation refers to whether the city has a solid industrial development foundation and level, including the scale, categories, and competitiveness of its industries.

(3) Policy Formulation refers to the city’s fiscal support for the development of the convention and exhibition industry, as well as land supply policies that ensure the availability of land for venue development.

5.1.2. Explanation of Regional-Related Factors

Regional-related factors mainly reflect whether the environmental conditions in the region where the project is located are adequate to meet the needs of convention and exhibition activities. These factors determine whether the regional environment supports the growth of the convention and exhibition industry in small and medium-sized cities or enhances the development potential of regional convention and exhibition sectors. Additionally, they contribute to improving the operational value of convention and exhibition buildings.

(1) Higher-Level Planning includes urban master planning, spatial planning, regional planning, special planning, and detailed planning. A well-structured planning system ensures the city has clear development strategies for convention and exhibition buildings.

(2) Location Environment mainly refers to the population density in the area surrounding the convention and exhibition building, the availability of land for development, and nearby land uses. This reflects the vitality of the surrounding urban environment.

(3) Development Potential refers to both land development value and urban cultural development value. Land development value considers whether the land’s worth and profitability can be increased and whether it facilitates project financing. Cultural development value evaluates whether the convention and exhibition building, as a significant landmark, can enhance the urban spatial environment, culture, and image.

(4) Supporting Facilities refers to the necessary infrastructure for large-scale convention and exhibition activities, including road conditions, public transportation systems, general infrastructure, and support services. These facilities are crucial for hosting and successfully operating convention and exhibition events.

5.2. Quantification of Element Guarantees

Analyzing the characteristics of element guarantees in different development models helps to understand the distinctions between these models and enables better judgment of whether the conditions and guarantees for developing convention and exhibition buildings of a particular type are met before making decisions.

5.2.1. Survey Distribution and Calculation

The study distributed 19 questionnaires and received 18 valid responses from three professional groups: (1) 7 convention and exhibition industry practitioners (Category I: 4 Vice Presidents, 2 Operations Supervisors, and 1 President), (2) 5 professional exhibitors (Category II: 2 Vice Presidents, 2 Operations Supervisors, and 1 President), and (3) 6 convention and exhibition building designers (Category III: 4 Senior Engineers, 1 Intermediate Engineer, and 1 Junior Engineer). Building upon the author’s analysis of different development model characteristics, the research established a factor feature model with an associated scoring system to assess elemental guarantees for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities, with survey results evaluating the relative importance of these support factors across development models (

Table 8. Questionnaire statistics of factor characteristics for different development models of element assurance.

Indicator		Market-Type	Production-Based Type	Enclave-Oriented Type	Comprehensive Type
Primary Indicator	City-Related Factors A1	58.73	54.57	38.86	54.98
	Regional-Related Factors A2	40.85	45.14	60.11	44.55
Secondary Indicator	Urban Vitality B1	27.33	33.70	29.36	39.42
	Industrial Foundation B2	35.62	30.26	19.93	30.26
	Policy Formulation B3	37.16	35.66	49.27	30.16
	Higher-Level Planning B4	56.25	51.07	71.72	47.99
	Location Development B5	43.63	50.53	26.64	51.41
	Development Potential B6	35.93	35.07	61.03	50.18
	Supporting Facilities B7	63.49	64.24	38.80	48.85
Tertiary Indicator	Urban Location C1	76.23	87.27	73.02	72.23
	Resource Endowment C2	53.75	82.67	82.13	85.28
	Population and Economy C3	57.87	80.92	30.48	74.90
	Industry Competitiveness C4	81.28	89.15	38.28	68.78
	Industry Scale C5	55.20	87.04	27.39	76.92
	Industry Category C6	68.35	84.68	27.39	69.84
	Land Supply Policy C7	79.88	78.46	74.71	79.91
	Financial Support Policy C8	87.37	69.39	81.93	80.38
	Area Planning C9	65.55	73.39	63.48	82.87
	Public Facility Planning C10	66.13	76.04	67.84	86.76
	Land Supply C11	74.06	79.57	71.49	66.31
	Residential Density C12	25.51	72.94	30.94	76.40
	Surrounding Functional Mix C13	23.25	76.37	25.34	72.50
	Land Development Value C14	22.13	51.21	83.38	73.81
	Cultural Development Value C15	19.11	31.91	89.19	58.95
	Road Construction Status C16	86.12	78.51	80.95	82.05
	Public Transportation Facilities C17	79.71	88.24	64.37	88.38
	Infrastructure Conditions C18	88.04	90.72	70.04	83.75
	Supporting Service Facilities C19	82.15	92.09	66.66	90.18

).

The survey questionnaire was divided into three levels. The first and second-level evaluation options allowed for a comparative assessment of different choices for each question. To ensure the differentiation and completeness of the weight data, the total score for the first and second-level indicators was set at 100 points, while there was no limit for the third-level factor indicators. To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the questionnaire results, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients for the survey results were 0.988, 0.990, 0.979, and 0.984 (all greater than 0.7), indicating good internal consistency. Finally, the questionnaire data were weighted according to Formula (6) (

Table 9. Relevant weights of element guarantees factors.

Indicator (A)	Weight	Indicator (B)	Weight	Indicator (C)	Weight
Urban Location A1	0.750	Urban Vitality B1	0.102	Urban Location C1	0.025
				Resource Endowment C2	0.086
				Population and Economy C3	0.042
		Industrial Foundation B2	0.061	Industry Competitiveness C4	0.014
				Industry Scale C5	0.047
				Industry Category C6	0.019
		Policy Formulation B3	0.020	Land Supply Policy C7	0.058
				Financial Support Policy C8	0.064
Resource Endowment A2	0.250	Higher-Level Planning B4	0.143	Area Planning C9	0.075
				Public Facility Planning C10	0.092
		Location Development B5	0.265	Land Supply C11	0.008
				Residential Density C12	0.047
				Surrounding Functional Mix C13	0.031
		Development Potential B6	0.224	Land Development Value C14	0.036
				Cultural Development Value C15	0.003
		Supporting Facilities B7	0.184	Road Construction Status C16	0.070
				Public Transportation Facilities C17	0.097
				Infrastructure Conditions C18	0.081
				Supporting Service Facilities C19	0.103

).

5.2.2. Factor Comparison Analysis

The evaluation analysis of primary indicators across different positioning models is illustrated in Figure 7. The origin-based, market-based, and integrated development models are more reliant on urban element guarantees, such as urban vitality, industrial foundation, and related policies. Among these, the origin-based model is most dependent on the city’s development foundation, mainly influenced by the city’s leading industries. The integrated model requires a more balanced demand for both urban and regional element guarantees. The market-based model requires guarantees at both the city and regional levels, especially in terms of regional site selection, planning, land value, and population density, which require proactive planning. The enclave-based development model, on the other hand, relies more on regional element guarantees. Since its site selection is typically far from the city’s main urban area (e.g., resorts, ports, and tourist attractions), support from the city center is limited. As such, it is crucial to focus on regional factors such as upper-level planning, development value, and supporting facilities.

Overall, the origin-based and enclave-based models have well-defined service content, a relatively clear market environment, and simpler positioning planning. These models mainly serve local industrial needs and aim to enhance the city’s influence and reputation through exhibitions. In contrast, the market-based and integrated models involve more complex positioning planning with relatively vague objectives. Their success depends not only on the construction of convention and exhibition buildings but also on the collaboration between upper-level planning, policy support, and the coordination of spatial functions and operational models.

The evaluation analysis of secondary indicators across different positioning models is illustrated in Figure 8. The origin-based development model mainly relies on support from supporting facilities, industrial foundations, policy formulation, and upper-level planning, rather than on urban vitality and development potential. Its industrial development direction is clear, requiring complete infrastructure and long-term policy guarantees, with minimal influence from factors such as population, economy, natural resources, and land value (Figure 8b). The market-based development model, on the other hand, places higher demands on the location environment, urban vitality, and supporting facilities. Compared with the origin-based model, it requires a stronger industrial foundation, better infrastructure, and superior urban location. Driven by market mechanisms, this model has a higher demand for comprehensive factors (Figure 8a). The enclave-based development model relies on policy support, upper-level planning, and development potential. Simply having natural or tourism resources is not sufficient to drive its development; adequate element guarantees are necessary to ensure sustainable operation (Figure 8c). The integrated development model has the strictest requirements for the location environment and supporting facilities. Whether it involves function-integrated or usage-integrated buildings, it demands a certain population base, commercial environment, infrastructure, and mixed-use land development to enhance regional attractiveness. A well-developed urban environment not only provides services for convention and exhibition activities but also helps attract populations, thereby promoting the development of lifestyle-oriented exhibitions (Figure 8d).

Experts believe that the positioning of market-based and integrated models must be grounded in a solid urban construction foundation. Without a robust commercial environment, market competitiveness, and supporting policies, the development of the convention and exhibition industry will be challenging. Overall, the element guarantee requirements vary across different models. Small and medium-sized cities should choose an appropriate development model based on their actual conditions or undertake construction after improving the necessary guarantee conditions. The absence of clear goals and comprehensive element guarantees will negatively impact the overall effectiveness of convention and exhibition buildings.

Evaluation analysis of tertiary indicators across different positioning models is illustrated in Figure 9. The origin-based, market-based, and integrated development models all have high requirements for factors such as road construction, public transportation, infrastructure, and support services (Figure 9a,b,d). Among these, transportation conditions are critical to the sustained development of the convention and exhibition industry, with the market-based and integrated models placing particular emphasis on this. Excellent transportation conditions help exhibition and trade companies attract exhibition business, as well as exhibitors and audiences from outside the region. As a result, newly constructed convention and exhibition buildings in recent years focus on connecting to transportation hubs such as high-speed rail stations and airports. In contrast, the site selection for the origin-based and enclave-based models is more influenced by the specific needs of the convention and exhibition industry and industrial location (Figure 9b,c).

The enclave-based development model has higher demands for cultural development value, land development value, fiscal support policies, and resource endowment, all of which are essential for its sustainable development (Figure 9c). Land supply and fiscal policies are crucial for all four models, as a favorable policy environment is vital for the healthy growth of the convention and exhibition industry in small and medium-sized cities. Therefore, small and medium-sized cities should leverage existing policies or develop long-term plans to ensure the steady advancement of the convention and exhibition industry. The origin-based model has lower requirements for cultural development value, land development value, functional integration, and residential density. However, it has higher demands for transportation, infrastructure, and supporting facilities, as well as stronger policy guarantees related to industrial competitiveness, land supply policies, supportive policies, and district planning.

The market-based and integrated models have similar demands. Except for the lower requirement for cultural development value in the market-based model, the need for support in other tertiary indicators is higher. The development of these two models relies on more comprehensive urban construction and industrial support, which results in relatively higher thresholds (Figure 9a,d).

6. Limitations of the Study

Limitation 1: First, in terms of research methodology, this study uses the importance index method and expert scoring method to effectively highlight the differences in the demand for development elements across various convention and exhibition building positioning types. However, it does not provide a detailed analysis of the indicator system and weight distribution for element guarantees. Specifically, this study lacks a process for constructing an indicator system using quantitative methods such as the analytic hierarchy process and conducting consistency tests. This methodological limitation will be a key focus of future research, with plans to improve the study through the following measures: (1) constructing a systematic evaluation indicator system; (2) adopting more scientific weight analysis methods; and (3) establishing a quantifiable evaluation model. These improvements will significantly enhance the scientific rigor of the research and its practical value.

Limitation 2: This study’s data sample has certain limitations. Although more than 150 convention and exhibition buildings have been constructed nationwide, this study only selected 73 projects with adequate field research and relatively complete data as research samples. Future research will expand the sample size and improve the construction of the database to further enhance the accuracy and generalizability of the research conclusions, providing more comprehensive data support for convention and exhibition building positioning decisions in small and medium-sized cities.

Limitation 3: The respondents in this study’s questionnaire survey were mainly industry experts whom the author and their team met during recent engineering projects, as well as professionals considered to have specialized knowledge in the field. While these respondents are somewhat representative, the sample size remains limited due to factors such as the uneven distribution of economic development levels, expert availability, and differences in perspectives, which may affect the generalizability and accuracy of the research conclusions. Therefore, future research could expand the scope of the questionnaire distribution and increase both the number and variety of expert samples to improve the representativeness, accuracy, and reliability of the research findings.

Limitation 4: While this study establishes typological positioning criteria and implements case-specific adjustments (e.g., reclassifying high-GDP cities with exhibition facilities primarily serving satellite towns or tourism development as enclave-type models), our cluster analysis remains constrained by its heavy reliance on quantitative indicators (e.g., GDP, floor area metrics), which inadequately captures qualitative dimensions such as cultural heritage, architectural distinctiveness, and policy frameworks, resulting in certain limitations and uncertainties. To address these issues, future research should (1) adopt the Delphi method to develop weighted evaluation matrices incorporating qualitative indicators (cultural, policy, etc.), and (2) enhance research depth and practical applicability through specialized studies on policy implementation guidelines (tax incentives, subsidies, reward mechanisms) and decision-making frameworks (e.g., a tri-dimensional “economic–cultural–policy” evaluation model).

7. Conclusions

Conducting a scientific cluster analysis of convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving accurate functional positioning and rational spatial planning. It also serves as a vital analytical tool for enabling decision-makers to gain a deeper understanding of the development characteristics and structural logic behind different building types. Addressing common issues such as vague positioning, homogeneous development models, and mismatched element guarantees systems, this study analyzes 73 representative cases and proposes four positioning models: market type, production-based type, enclave type, and comprehensive type. Through comparative analysis, this study systematically explores the development logic and resource support demands associated with each model, thereby constructing a comprehensive and practical multi-dimensional evaluation framework.

The findings indicate that the development of convention and exhibition buildings is not an isolated phenomenon but is closely tied to the economic structure, industrial foundation, resource endowment, and policy context of the host city. Production-based and enclave models are particularly suited to cities with distinct industrial features or strong resource advantages, and their success largely depends on the ability to respond effectively to local industrial demands or transform specific resources into spatial and economic value. In contrast, the market type and comprehensive type models demonstrate more diverse objectives and multifunctional integration, requiring not only sound physical infrastructure but also advanced policy coordination, spatial planning, and operational innovation. These models are more appropriate for cities with diversified economies and robust institutional support.

The analysis of elemental guarantees further reveals significant differences in resource allocation, policy dependency, and coordination mechanisms among the four models. For instance, enclave models rely heavily on external resources and inter-regional collaboration, making policy synergy and spatial connectivity particularly critical. Comprehensive models exhibit a high degree of systematic resource demand, necessitating the alignment of planning strategies, market mechanisms, and spatial functions. These insights provide theoretical guidance and practical tools for developing differentiated, context-specific positioning strategies for convention and exhibition buildings in small and medium-sized cities.

Future research should focus on the dynamic performance of different positioning models in real-world operations, especially on how to optimize the element guarantees system to enhance both spatial efficiency and economic effectiveness. Small and medium-sized cities should avoid blindly replicating the development paths of large metropolitan areas. Instead, they should strengthen top-level design, align development strategies with local economic stages, industrial structures, and resource conditions, and clarify their target user groups and service functions. A clear positioning model combined with a well-matched support system is essential not only for improving the economic returns of convention and exhibition facilities, but also for avoiding inefficient resource allocation and functional mismatch.

Ultimately, by identifying the characteristics and element guarantees requirements of different positioning models, cities can better leverage the platform functions of convention and exhibition buildings, enhance their competitiveness and regional influence, and promote a virtuous cycle of integration between the exhibition industry and urban development. This study provides both theoretical reference and practical implications for the spatial optimization and high-quality development of the convention and exhibition industry in small and medium-sized cities.