Association
EW Q & A with Stuart Bailey:
You spoke about the many challenges and achievements of HKECIA. What was the single most satisfying achievement during your time at the helm and what was the biggest professional challenge? SB: The biggest challenge we faced over the last ten years was the global pandemic from 2020 to 2023. At the outset, it seemed very reminiscent of the SARS outbreak that Hong Kong suffered in 2003. There was a working assumption at the time that the situation would be similar and that, within a couple of months, we would be back to business as usual. We now know that this was certainly not the case.
There was a significant effort by myself and the Executive Committee to explain to the government how challenging this was for our industry, which relies on face-to-face human contact at a time when the government was doing its utmost to limit social interaction. We made it clear that the idea of virtual events would not, in any meaningful way, help the industry to survive. We also stressed that real financial support was necessary.
The prospect of the 100 % venue subsidy scheme – and the reassurance it provided to exhibition organisers and contractors who might have to consider closing their operations – emboldened many of us to continue.
From a personal perspective, when I was forced to consider cutting costs, it gave me
Stuart Bailey confidence that we would not have to reduce headcount or lay off staff whom we would later rely on when the industry returned. Through direct action, we had helped to save businesses and jobs that might otherwise not exist today.
Is there anything you would have done differently with hindsight? SB: The restrictions, particularly the lengthy quarantine periods for those entering Hong Kong, went on for far too long. We could and perhaps should have urged the Government far more forcefully to open our doors and welcome international visitors in the same way that other countries in the region were doing at the time.
What key advice would you give any successor in the role? SB: As general advice, I would emphasise the importance of remembering that the chair’ s position serves as the mouthpiece for hundreds of industry stakeholders. It is vital to consider the interests of all of these stakeholders and to work to find common ground that will support organisers, contractors, venues, technology partners, and others. It is clear that the association is most powerful when there is universal agreement and alignment.
Finally, if you had to pick one – which exhibition in Hong Kong has given you the most pleasure and why? SB: This is a very difficult question. It’ s like asking someone who their favourite child is. There are so many excellent exhibitions in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Book Fair routinely attracts almost 1,000,000 visitors each summer. As a self-confessed oenophile, I enjoy the city’ s wine shows. We also have some of the world’ s best art exhibitions.
One of the first exhibitions I ran in Hong Kong was called Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong( now an Informa show). At the time, when we launched, we introduced some brilliant features, from chefs’ competitions and barista championships to the Hong Kong International Beer Awards. These were among the happiest times in organising exhibitions, and hopefully many more great events will follow in Hong Kong.
The focus is now shifting towards exhibitors, whom we must guide on a journey to modify long-standing habits.
Last year, we launched a new subcommittee for technology and innovation. We are living through an era of incredibly fast-changing technology, marked by the rise of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. It is essential for our members to understand what best practice looks like in this context.
Lessons in partnership and resilience and looking ahead One key lesson stands out from my time guiding HKECIA through both growth and crisis: the importance of partnerships. Organisers, venues, contractors, and technology partners all rely on one another. None of us can thrive without the support of the others. Understanding this interdependence and finding ways to collaborate more effectively is of vital importance.
Hong Kong has repeatedly demonstrated its status as one of the world’ s most significant meeting places. The fundamental factors underpinning its success remain intact and Hong Kong’ s resilience and its unique ability to bring people together will ultimately ensure that it continues to deliver excellence. The outlook is promising.
A personal farewell – and a new chapter After ten years, I believe it is the right time for a change in leadership and the introduction of fresh ideas. This is an election year for HKECIA, and I have informed the Executive Committee that I will not be standing for reelection as chairman. I hope to work closely with my successors to ensure a smooth handover.
I have been confirmed as Honorary Life President of HKECIA and will continue to support the new chairman and the Association’ s ongoing great work and I am sure that more great things are in store for Hong Kong’ s exhibition industry. EW www. exhibitionworld. co. uk Issue 3 2026 47