Inaugural Shows See Long-Term Success
The 2026 event calendar featured a vibrant mix of inaugural launches and landmark returns. Among them was first-ever Hong Kong Comic Con 2026, which recorded impressive attendance and sales in its debut edition and is already set to return with an expanded footprint in 2027.
The HKCEC is a purpose-built, scalable venue that effortlessly accommodates our complex exhibitor and setup needs. We fully intend to build a long-term, lasting partnership with the HKCEC.
-Mr Daniel Yim, Co-founder of Optics Ventures
Another resounding success was LEAP East 2026— the Asian debut of the mega tech festival originating from the Middle East. The event brought together 300 startups and 600 investors, representing over US $ 6.5 trillion in collective assets under management. Securing its multi-year commitment in Hong Kong from 2027 to 2029, the event underscores the venueʼs capacity to anchor major cross-border innovation hubs.
LEAP East is far more than just an event; it is a bridge to the wider technology ecosystem. Hong Kong was the natural choice to launch a brand like LEAP, and the HKCEC has proven to be the ideal venue to foster collaboration and innovation. The venue provides everything I could want as both a host and an attendee.
-Ms Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf and co-creator of LEAP
The track record of successful launches at the HKCEC continues to grow. Joining the roster of high-profile debuts in 2026 are Vitality Living Asia and the Amazing Toy Show, both injecting vibrant energy and expanding the centreʼs reach into dynamic new market segments.
Flagship Show Stay for the Long Haul
Vinexpo Asia— one of the regionʼs premier wine and spirits trade events since 1998— is bringing its rotation between Hong Kong and Singapore to an end. Following a triumphant 2026 edition, Vinexposium announced that Vinexpo Asia will officially call Hong Kong its home.
Mr Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, emphasised that the decision was directly driven by exhibitorsʼ feedback, reinforcing the principle that the show stays where business thrives.
One of the things that has been very important over the years has been the quality of the relationship that we have developed with the HKCEC team. Their ability to understand our needs, their ability to provide an efficient answer to the show here in Hong Kong.
- Mr Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium
Recurrent Shows Continue to Thrive
Meanwhile, long-standing flagship events continued to set new benchmarks. The 27 th Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong spanned over 38,000 square metres of exhibition space across multiple halls for the first time, while the popular summer showcase— comprising the 36 th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, the 9 th HKTDC Sports and Leisure Expo, and the 6 th HKTDC World of Snacks— welcomed nearly 990,000 visits in 2026.
Where World-Class Service Meets Sustainable Excellence
While driving business growth is essential, environmental stewardship is equally critical to HMLʼs core mission.
As an industry leader, HML became the first organisation in Hong Kong to achieve ISO 20121 certification in 2015 and earned recertification under the upgraded ISO 20121:2024 framework, keeping the venue at the forefront of sustainable event management.
Actionable initiatives across the venue yield measurable results. Advanced on-site organic waste decomposition systems have significantly reduced environmental impact— evidenced by a 21 % ^ year-on-year drop in food waste collected during the combined three shows at the 36 th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair. Under the venueʼs " Think Before Plastic " campaign, disposable plastic food utensils have been completely replaced with eco-friendly paper and wooden alternatives.
At the HKCEC, sustainability is woven into daily operations, serving as a vital driver of long-term business success.
Setting Benchmarks in Cultural Inclusivity and Service
In alignment with the HKSAR Governmentʼs strategy to promote Muslim-friendly tourism, the HKCEC is equipped with facilities, and halal-certified menus to ensure a welcoming environment for visitors. With such efforts, the HKCEC marks the first MICE venue in Hong Kong to achieve prestigious Gold Accreditation as a Muslim-Friendly Venue from CrescentRating.
" The HKCEC serves as a global gateway connecting people and enterprises, which makes us deeply dedicated to delivering exceptional, culturally inclusive experiences for every guest," noted Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML.
Complemented by world-class services across event security, bespoke catering, technical support, and coordination, the HKCEC delivers a seamless end-to-end experience that reinforces its global reputation for hospitality excellence.
Shape the Future of Trade at Asiaʼs Premier Venue.
^Based on same visitor volume as a previous year
Discover the latest venue updates, industry insights, and event news by following the HKCEC on social media today.