HKECIA’s Position to the Announcement on Convention and Exhibition Sites in the 2017 Policy Address
18 October 2017

HKECIA’s Position to the Announcement on Convention and Exhibition Sites in the 2017 Policy Address

The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) is the authoritative organisation of the Hong Kong exhibition and convention industries since 1990.

The HKECIA welcomes the latest HKSAR Government’s Policy Address recognising the importance of further supporting Hong Kong’s convention and exhibition industry by expanding the capacity of event space in the city. The Association supports its proposal to demolish and redevelop the three government buildings in Wan Chai to build a new convention and exhibition venue that can be connected to and integrated with the existing Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) which will add an estimated 23,000 square metres of convention & exhibition space.

The exhibition industry has contributed a great deal to the Hong Kong economy over the years. In 2014, the exhibition industry contributed HK$52.9 billion (US$6.8 billion) directly and indirectly to Hong Kong’s economy in terms of expenditure, equivalent to 2.3% of the city’s total GDP. In the same calendar year, the exhibition industry also provided equivalent of around 83,500 full-time jobs in the exhibition industry and other service and supporting sectors. (Source: HKECIA 2014 Economic Impact Study: https://exhibitions.org.hk/media-centre/study-reaffirms-economic-benefits-of-hong-kongs-exhibition-industry-climb-to-hk52-9-billion-in-2014/)

According to the Demand Study for New convention and Exhibition Facilities in Hong Kong conducted by AMR International in 2015, it is estimated that by 2028, around additional 132,000 sqm of convention and exhibition space would be required to capture all unmet demand during peak months. (Source: http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr14-15/english/panels/ci/papers/ci20150210cb1-512-5-e.pdf)

The HKECIA supports the proposed development in Wan Chai announced in the latest Policy Address and the future development of other existing exhibition and convention venues including the development of the readily-available exhibition and convention site adjacent to the AsiaWorld-Expo. To maintain the competitiveness of Hong Kong as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia and to holistically address Hong Kong’s venue space shortage issue, we call on the government to proceed swiftly as our neighboring cities in China and in Asia are all in the process of building more convention & exhibition space. The HKECIA does not favor the option of a third venue in the city as this will not solve the problem of trade organisers seeking to hold a large-scale meetings and exhibitions under one roof.

Over the past three decades Hong Kong has successfully positioned itself as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia and brought enormous benefits to Hong Kong’s reputation and economy, the HKECIA is resolute not to let this position slip as Hong Kong’s key advantages over other cities in the region remain strong.

About the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association

The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) was established in 1990 to promote Hong Kong as a world-class exhibition and conference destination and the trade fair capital of Asia Pacific. It works to represent the interests of all members involved in the exhibition and convention industries, and provides a unified voice in dealing with the government, legislative and statutory bodies, the media and public organisations, on all matters associate with the role of the exhibition and convention industry in Hong Kong’s economy. In addition, it offers training and educational programmes, and collects, analyses and distributes information and statistics relating to the industry. Currently, HKECIA has 100 members including exhibition organisers, venue managers and operators, contractors, hotels, and travel agents.

HKECIA is a member of UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and AFECA – The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ms Alexandra Seto
Association Manager
Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association