On the buzzing floor of the China International Import Expo last month, surrounded by cutting-edge tech displays, dazzling product showcases and eager conversations, I found myself drawn to a special yet inspiring group of exhibitors — the "CIIE All-Time Attendees".

These are the companies and organizations that have graced every single edition of the expo since it debuted in 2018. All 186 of them, to be exact.

What makes them special is more than their commitment, it's their stories — stories of dreams tested, risks taken and rewards reaped. These are the loyalists of the CIIE, the ones who saw its potential from the beginning and have ridden its wave of opportunity ever since in the Chinese market.

Take doTERRA, a US-based essential oils company, for instance. The company showed up at the first CIIE with cautious optimism, testing the waters of the Chinese market in 2018.At that time, it left with 380 million yuan ($52.5 million) in orders, but several years later, that number has skyrocketed to 1 billion yuan.

Owen Messick, president of doTERRA China, said that compared to its first CIIE, the company's booth and products have grown over 30 times, gesturing proudly at its sprawling 300-square-meter display.

The company was debuting a new essential oil set made with ginseng and mugwort sourced from China — a nod to its growing connection to the local market.

Its story is a testament to the transformative power of the CIIE. For startups and multinational giants alike, it's not just an expo, but a springboard for growth.

Walking further into the exhibition hall, I spotted the familiar blue-and-white logo of Zeiss, the German optics company that has been part of the CIIE family for seven years.

Maximilian Foerst, president and CEO of Zeiss Greater China, said: "Every CIIE feels like more than just an expo for us. It's like an appointment with the future — a chance to share and grow."

Zeiss has been in China for 67 years, but Foerst insists the past seven years, with the CIIE as a catalyst, have been some of the most dynamic. Its booth was bustling with activity, a mix of visitors marveling at its latest optical technologies and engaging in deep discussions about innovation.

As I moved between the booths, the sense of growth and optimism was palpable. From General Motors showcasing the company's latest electric vehicles to Qualcomm unveiling groundbreaking 5G innovations, CIIE's "All-Time Attendees "represent the vanguard of global cooperation and market adaptability.

But the most inspiring stories often come from humble beginnings. I couldn't stop thinking about the startups — the ones who arrived at the first CIIE relatively unknown, their futures uncertain.

Seven years later, many of them have grown into powerhouses in their respective industries. Their success isn't just about sales figures; it's about resilience and the ability to seize opportunities in a rapidly changing market.

One entrepreneur shared with me how the company's small-scale operation had transformed thanks to the expo. "We came here hoping for exposure," he said, "and we left with partnerships that changed everything."