Learning Expedition
Firsthand Business Learning Across China
At Craft Associates, we believe meaningful business insights come from firsthand experiences and direct engagement with the people shaping industries.
Working with the Thunderbird School of Global Management alumni community and our network of corporate, academic, and industry partners, we organize executive learning programs, corporate visits, and business networking initiatives across China.
From the world’s largest small-commodities market in Yiwu to Hefei’s electric vehicle factories, Hangzhou’s artificial intelligence innovators, and Hainan’s emerging industries, our programs connect business leaders with the companies, technologies, and people driving economic transformation.
We combine industry research, relationship development, curated corporate access, and on-the-ground coordination to create experiences that foster understanding, collaboration, and new business opportunities.
Chengdu · March 28–31, 2024
Connecting Global Business Leaders in Chengdu
A four-day gathering connecting more than 100 Thunderbird alumni, family members, and guests through executive conversations, corporate visits, and cultural exchange in Chengdu.
Yiwu · August 29–30, 2024
Inside the World’s Small Commodities Trading Hub
A firsthand exploration of Yiwu’s wholesale trading ecosystem, digital sourcing platforms, and cross-border e-commerce practices.
Hefei · April 24–25, 2025
Exploring China’s Electric Vehicle and Clean Energy Ecosystem
Executive-level exposure to Hefei’s electric vehicle, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing value chains, including NIO and Sungrow.
Hangzhou · December 4–6, 2025
Discovering China’s Emerging AI and Robotics Innovation Ecosystem
A three-day immersion into Hangzhou’s AI, robotics, academic research, and technology commercialization ecosystem.
Haikou & Wenchang · March 2026
Bridging Academic Learning, Entrepreneurship, and Hainan’s Emerging Industries
An interdisciplinary program connecting Thunderbird alumni with university leaders, family enterprises, Free Trade Port stakeholders, and the emerging space economy in Hainan.
These programs were organized or supported in collaboration with Thunderbird alumni and other partners. Program elements and visits vary by learning objective, timing, and host availability.