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Hong Kong - where global markets collide and shows achieve more
Commercial hub and gateway to Asia , Hong Kong is the destination of choice for organisers looking to get more out of their shows
ong Kong has a longestablished reputation
H as the trade show capital of Asia . It is a central meeting point for Asian and international markets – a location where organisers , buyers and sellers congregate from all over the world . Its business-friendly market and status as a global commerce hub make the city ideally-positioned to help organisers get more out of their shows .
In 2019 , Cvent voted Hong Kong the best MICE destination in Asia- Pacific . Now that the region has finally emerged from the constraints of Covid , organisers are returning to Hong Kong in strength to capitalise on its commercial potential .
Hong Kong is the destination of choice for over 60 large-scale international MICE events scheduled to run between 2024 and 2026 . Some of the major events include Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 , Vinexpo Asia and Super Terminal Expo 2024 .
Phoebe Shing , director , business development team lead , MICE , at the Hong Kong Tourism Board , says : “ The notable wins and success cases are a vote of confidence from the organisers … We will fuel this growth momentum by stepping up promotion and working cohesively with Hong Kong partners to showcase how Hong Kong offers more for trade shows .”
Monica Lee-Müller , MD of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Limited ( HKCEC ) , reports a pattern of returning business : “ 100 % of recurrent trade exhibitions have now returned to our venue , reflecting Hong Kong ’ s unique advantages for hosting international events remain .” The centre has also managed to secure 14 new exhibitions .
The HKCEC is one of Hong Kong ’ s two major venues , located in Wan Chai district . The other is AsiaWorld- Expo ( AWE ) on Lantau island – a centre that opened in 2005 after a $ 300m construction project .
AWE will be hosting the UFI Global Congress in 2025 . The association last hosted the Congress in Hong Kong in 2000 . Returning to the region after 25 years shows trust in the region ’ s future for exhibition success . What ’ s more , AWE recently signed a multi-year Diamond Sponsorship programme with UFI , gaining yearround promotion and visibility across all UFI events .
Irene Chan , CEO at AWE , said the partnership with UFI would reinforce Hong Kong ’ s role as an essential hub for international exhibitions , and enable “ exhibitors and organisers
58 Issue 5 2024 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk