AsiaWorld-Expo leading Hong Kong back into the global events fastlane
AsiaWorld-Expo ( AWE ) is all set to welcome the bounce-back of events . More than 20 events will be held at the Hong Kong venue over the next three months . With the new subsidy scheme funded by the HKSAR government , organisers have an extra incentive to plan on expanding their show portfolio and tap further the Asian market or spin out an Asia show edition in Hong Kong . It is certainly now the time for action .
To put Hong Kong back on the road to normalcy , the HKSAR government is rolling out a series of incentives to attract the return of MICE events . The latest Policy Address confirmed the extension of the existing Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme ( CEISS ) for another six months , offering continued support to organisers staging events in Hong Kong . The scheme provides organisers with a 100 % rental subsidy for eligible events held by 30 June 2023 . To be eligible , exhibition events should have no less than 1,200sqm , and a conference event must have over 400 participants , at least 50 % of whom come from outside Hong Kong .
To support the industry over the long term , the HKSAR government also announced the launch of a fresh subsidy of HK $ 1.4bn ( US $ 180m ) to support over 200 shows in the coming three years , a powerful confirmation of Hong Kong ’ s commitment in solidifying its status as the world ’ s trade fair capital .
Recent signature events at AWE In recent months , AsiaWorld-Expo has welcomed a wide range of dynamic events , from trade exhibitions and professional conferences to sports events and live shows . This strong track record demonstrates the venue ’ s versatility in complying with the challenges of social distancing while also empowering event organisers as they get back to business .
One of the showcases is the Global Sources October 2022 Hong Kong Trade Show held 11-14 October 2022 . This influential B2B trade platform was a four-day event and featured almost 1,000 exhibitors from across Asia , showcasing 20,000 innovative and exceptional products in four specialised product categories : Consumer Electronics , Mobile Electronics , Smart Home , and Lifestyle x Fashion .
Despite social distancing measures and Hong Kong ’ s current “ 0 + 3 ” compulsory testing and medical surveillance policy for inbound travellers , the show successfully attracted many visitors from Mainland China and overseas , signifying an encouraging start to the resumption of global trade . To facilitate those who could not attend in person , the physical show also came with a virtual exhibition , which collectively attracted over 100,000 global buyers .
Another recent iconic event at AWE is the inaugural Hong Kong Fitness and Wellness Expo held 18-20 November 2002 . Aspiring to become Hong Kong ’ s largest annual indoor event for fitness and wellness , the Expo featured five key zones – Fit District , Yoga Stage , HYROX Fitness Race , Lifestyle and Leisure Expo , and Gym Village – showcasing brands , products , and services to help Hongkongers embrace a healthier , fitter , and more balanced lifestyle .
The event also introduced Asia ’ s first HYROX : The World Series of Fitness Racing . Originally launched in Germany , HYROX has become the world ’ s largest fitness race , with events in 14 countries across the world . AWE is proud to have been the venue for its debut in Asia , putting Hong Kong on the map as the very first city in Asia to host a HYROX race .
Other highlights of this three-day mega
36 Issue 6 2022 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk