Hong Kong Exhibitions Proven as Ideal Business Platforms Again

(Released on 22 July 2014) The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (“HKECIA”) today announced very encouraging results of its annual survey of the exhibition activity covering the 2013 calendar year.

While uncertainties over global economy remain, the survey results show clearly that more international exhibitors take the unique advantages of participating in Hong Kong’s trade exhibitions to expand business network and to reach potential buyers from Asia, especially Mainland China.

Questionnaires were sent to organizers of a total of 100 “trade” and “trade and consumer” exhibitions utilizing over 2,000 sqm held during 2013. Responses from 93 exhibitions were received.

The survey showed that the total number of exhibiting companies at 62,101 grew by 3.7% over 2012, which indicates the value that international businesses place on Hong Kong as an exhibition destination.  In 2013, these showed growth across all sectors: Hong Kong, Regional, International and Mainland China.  Particularly significant was the 18.8% jump in international exhibiting companies, accompanied by a 5.5% rise in regional exhibiting companies.

Visitor numbers were strong for the year, with a year-on-year rise of 6.5% to 1,839,424. The number of Mainland Chinese visitors jumped by 12.8% and Hong Kong visitors grew by 7.4%.  These figures suggest that Asian businesses now have considerable purchasing power, making international and regional companies eager to expand their business contacts here. Clearly, Hong Kong trade exhibitions are proven ideal platforms for such purposes.

In line with the increase in exhibiting companies, net square meterage occupied by exhibitors grew by 5.9% while stand rental revenues increased by 7.7%.  These figures are higher than the percentage growth in number of exhibiting companies, indicating that exhibiting companies were renting more space in 2013.

HKECIA newly elected Chairman Mr Javed Khan commented on the survey results, “It is clear that Hong Kong remains an important destination for international and Mainland businesses, which is why we are seeing a rise in exhibiting companies and visitors coming here.  The figures are also interesting in that they suggest a shift in global economic realities, as increasing numbers of international exhibiting companies are coming to Hong Kong for business opportunities.  All this is very encouraging for the Hong Kong exhibition industry, which contributes so significantly to Hong Kong’s economic wellbeing.  The importance of our industry is well recognized by the HKSAR Government which has commissioned a professional consultancy study on the demand of exhibition and convention facilities in Hong Kong. I look forward to the results of this very important study and the Government’s prompt initiatives in addressing its recommendations. ”

Photo Caption:

Mr Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, HKSAR Government (middle in front row) as the guest of honour, had a group photo with Mr Javed Khan, Chairman of the HKECIA (front row: fourth from right) and newly elected members of HKECIA Executive Committee at the 24th Annual Dinner of the Association held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 30 May 2014.

Notes to editors:

1. The HKECIA survey covered number of exhibiting companies, number of visitors, and space occupied at major ‘trade’ and ‘trade and consumer’ exhibitions of over 2,000 sqm held in Hong Kong from January to December 2013.

2. The HKECIA distributed the questionnaire to 51 organizing companies which ran 138 exhibitions in Hong Kong across the calendar year. Out of these 138 exhibitions, 100 were ‘trade’ and ‘trade and consumer’ exhibitions while the remaining 38 were consumer shows. Figures stated in this media release are calculated from 93 completed questionnaires from ‘trade’ and ‘trade and consumer’ exhibitions.

3. ‘Regional’ in the Survey refers to Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific, North Asia, South Asia and South East Asia. ‘International’ refers to Europe, The Americas, Africa and Middle East.

4. Attendance figures are counted in terms of number of visits, i.e. if the same person attends exhibitions held concurrently at two different venues, this is counted as two visits.

2014-2016 HKECIA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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 organizations, 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 programs, and collects, analyses and distributes information and statistics relating to the industry. Currently, HKECIA has members including exhibition organizers, venue managers and operators, contractors, hotels, and travel agents. HKECIA is a member of UFI, and Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

HKECIA Secretariat and Association Manager can be contacted at:

Ms Stella Liu (Association Manager)

Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association

Gloucester Road PO Box 28346, Hong Kong