Virtual-Physical Symbiosis: A Study on the Sustainable Path of Digital Transformation in the Exhibition Industry

The traditional model of China’s exhibition industry faces challenges such as high resource consumption and severe environmental pollution. Digital transformation has become an inevitable direction for the industry’s high-quality development. However, the current transition is constrained by the absence of “virtual-physical symbiosis” scenarios and the lack of real-time interaction between physical and digital exhibition booths. Centered on “virtual-physical symbiosis,” this paper constructs a four-dimensional theoretical framework encompassing technology, management, experience, and sustainability. By integrating the linkage mechanism between the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the digital transformation of the exhibition industry, it analyzes the China International Import Expo as a case study. The research clarifies the technological underpinnings and tool applications for exhibition digital transformation, proposes diverse pathways for SDG implementation, and ultimately provides theoretical foundations and practical guidance for government policy formulation and corporate digital practices. This contributes to achieving green, smart, and inclusive high-quality development in the exhibition industry.