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The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (\u201cHKECIA\u201d, \u201cAssociation\u201d), first incorporated in May 1990, is celebrating its 35th anniversary. The Association currently has over one hundred company members, including all the leading organisations, making it a truly representative voice for the exhibition and convention industry. Our commitment over the years has been to act as a unified voice that represents and promotes the industry, increasing awareness of its contribution to the economy and wider society. The HKECIA also strives to promote sustainability and safety, as well as support members with professional development, business networking, information exchange, and promoting careers in our industry to emerging talents.<\/p>\n
In 2025, Hong Kong\u2019s exhibition and convention industry demonstrated significant momentum amidst volatile global economic conditions. The city hosted 152 large-scale exhibitions (exceeding 2,000 sq. metres), surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. The total number of visitors from \u201cTrade\u201d and \u201cTrade and Consumer\u201d exhibitions reached 1.62 million, representing a robust 87% recovery rate compared to the 1.86 million recorded in 2019.<\/p>\n
Of these large-scale events, 95 were \u201cTrade\u201d or \u201cTrade and Consumer\u201d exhibitions (an 18.8% increase over 2024), and 57 were \u201cConsumer\u201d exhibitions. The total space rented rose by 11.5%, exceeding 924,000 sq. metres.<\/p>\n
This upward trajectory underscores the strong market demand for Hong Kong as a premier MICE destination. Crucial to this rebound has been the government\u2019s Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE 2.0), which has been instrumental in helping organisers launch new themed fairs and scale existing events.<\/p>\n
Despite the increase in event volume, a concerning trend has emerged regarding exhibitor numbers. Data from the \u201cTrade\u201d and \u201cTrade and Consumer\u201d segments reveals an 8% decline in exhibiting companies, with figures dropping from nearly 52,000 to approximately 47,000. This contraction is evident across all geographic sectors: international markets recorded the most significant drop of 18.8%, followed by drops of 7.8%, 5.5% and 5.6% recorded from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and regional markets respectively.<\/p>\n
This downturn is attributed to a mix of internal and external factors. Externally, a volatile global economy and ongoing tariff uncertainties continue to dampen international merchandise trade. Internally, the tightening of eligibility criteria for the BUD Fund and the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) in March 2025 has constrained SME participation in exhibitions, specifically regarding booth size limitations and reduced funding coverage.<\/p>\n
While total visitor numbers to \u201cTrade\u201d and \u201cTrade and Consumer\u201d exhibitions grew by 10.9% to 1.62 million, the demographic mix is shifting. A 17.5% decline in international visitors was offset by double-digit growth in local and regional visitors.<\/p>\n
The Chinese Mainland remains the standout performer. Following a sharp 21% jump between 2023 and 2024, it recorded a modest increase of 1.4% in 2025. Notably, it is the only market to have surpassed 2019 levels, showing a 10% increase compared to the pre-pandemic baseline.<\/p>\n
The growth of regional visitors reaffirms Hong Kong\u2019s position as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia. The sustained growth of Chinese Mainland visitors also gives Hong Kong an edge over regional competitors and solidifies Hong Kong\u2019s strategic role as the Greater Bay Area\u2019s (GBA) MICE hub, supported by unparalleled world-class connectivity. This will certainly boost Hong Kong\u2019s appeal for global trade shows and events. However, to maintain our status as the leading international bridge between East and West, we must continue enhancing the city’s overall attractiveness to international exhibitors and visitors alike.<\/p>\n
While the exhibition industry has shown remarkable resilience, looking ahead we face significant headwinds and volatility. The global economic outlook, policy uncertainty and the conclusion of government support measures such as ISRE 2.0, pose a substantial financial burden on organisers, making it harder to attract new themed exhibitions or sustain new recurrent ones.<\/p>\n
The exhibition industry is a critical pillar of Hong Kong’s economy; it is a catalyst for trade and cross-sector development. Additionally, it drives sustainable tourism by attracting high-spending visitors, bolstering overall tourism receipts.<\/p>\n
To maintain Hong Kong\u2019s long-established status as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia and global trade hub, we strongly urge the Government to collaborate with the Association to develop new, sustainable support schemes to navigate economic volatility and secure the industry\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) is a leading association to promote the growth and development of the exhibition and convention industry in Asia. The HKECIA is a key association and board member of the AFECA. HKECIA Executive Vice Chairman and AFECA Sub-Committee Chair Ms Wendy Lai is the Treasurer of the AFECA Board.<\/p>\n
Over the past year, the AFECA has implemented many programmes and initiatives to support the resumption of the Asian exhibition and convention industry. AFECA, in partnership with the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA) and the Indonesia Congress and Convention Association (INCCA), successfully convened the AFECA Convention 2025. Over 300 MICE industry leaders from 15 countries and regions attended the AFECA AGM 2025 at Jakarta in Indonesia, from 5\u20137 November 2025, to celebrate 20th anniversary of AFECA. Ms Wendy Lai participated in the AGM, Asia 20 Business Events Forum and the AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2025.<\/p>\n
Thanks to our sponsors who contributed to the HKECIA Education Fund. Our student team from School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was nominated to participate in the 10th edition of the AFECA Youth MICE Challenge and present their exhibition project. The team performed impressively. The Association will continue to nurture the next generation of MICE leaders through creativity, collaboration and competition.<\/p>\n
The AFECA Youth MICE Challenge 2026 will be open for registration in June, and the competition will be held in Xiamen, China on 21 November 2026. HKECIA will continue to support and sponsor students to join the Challenge. Our HKECIA Education Fund is open for sponsorship. The future of our MICE talent relies on your support. By supporting the Fund, you will help students realise their potential and motivate and nurture them to pursue their careers in the MICE industry.<\/p>\n
The Association commits to a proactive role in collaborating and forging new ties with organisations in China. We believe it is crucial to showcase Hong Kong\u2019s distinctive value proposition as the \u2018World\u2019s Meeting Place\u2019.<\/p>\n
The China Sub-Committee remains committed to closely monitoring the developments in Chinese Mainland’s events and venue landscape, with a particular focus on the Greater Bay Area.<\/p>\n
The Sub-Committee will continue to deepen regional collaboration and exchange with Asia\u2019s exhibition and trade industry to provide the latest information and mutual benefits to our members, and explore the immense potential that this important economic zone holds for our industry.<\/p>\n
The Communications Sub-Committee continued to produce materials for the Chairman to respond to media enquiries and conduct interviews.<\/p>\n
During this year, the Sub-Committee has prepared the following materials:<\/p>\n
Some of our Executive Committee members have been interviewed by various media and organisations:<\/p>\n
To provide members and industry players with the latest industry information and trends, the Annual Conference was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in May 2025. The conference covered a range of hot industry topics, including the UFI Global Congress 2025, the secrets of engaging the audience, metaverse conference and events, tech and trends for events and expos, and the tactics to navigate the multi-generational workforce. We are delighted to report that over 140 members and guests participated in this physical conference.<\/p>\n
The Association has recently joined the Education Bureau\u2019s Business-School Partnership Programme (BSPP). The Sub-committee will actively participate in sharing views with students to foster understanding of the MICE industry, and get well prepared for further studies or career pursuits.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead to the new term, the Sub-Committee will connect with academia and industry to build a ready talent pipeline for Hong Kong\u2019s exhibition and convention sector, nurture young talent, and empower emerging talent.<\/p>\n
The Sub-Committee hopes that our members will enjoy the conference today. Celebrating an early Global Exhibitions Day, we have prepared an extensive programme with top-level speakers to discuss the hottest topics in today\u2019s business world, which aligns with our industry\u2019s interests to drive impactful real-world changes. Members can connect, participate in constructive dialogue, and gain insights from thought leaders and subject-matter experts.<\/p>\n
The Membership Sub-Committee has been actively working on providing networking opportunities for members through events such as annual conferences and seminars.<\/p>\n
As of today, the Association has 59 full members, 34 associate members, and 10 overseas members, totalling 103 members.<\/p>\n
New members in 2025-2026 include Allied Health Society for Asia Pacific, Earth Production Ltd., Shenzhen Xiangmi Lake International Communication Center Development Co. Ltd., Convention Center Branch, The Jockey Club CPS Limited, and The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. On the other hand, the Association also experienced a few resignations over the year. It is understandable that some companies had to cut their expenses due to the sluggish economy.<\/p>\n
The Membership Sub-Committee will work closely with the Secretariat over the coming year to invite new members and reach out to lapsed members for the reinstatement of their membership.<\/p>\n
The Sustainability and Operations Sub-Committee was established in June 2022 with the objective to identify and measure initiatives that promote waste reduction and material reuse within the industry.<\/p>\n
Facilitating the development of a sustainability circularity and market ecosystem has been a key strategic focus of the Association. We seek to cultivate collaborative relationships to promote sustainable development. We have been working closely with organisations to raise awareness of their environmental and social impact, and provide guidance on green transition of the MICE industry.<\/p>\n
The Association has joined forces with Informa Markets Asia to promote sustainability in the exhibition industry, endorsing a new benchmark \u201cBetter Stands\u201d for environmentally responsible practices within the industry. The Association will continue to drive members to integrate the framework into their events and exhibitions by transitioning to the use of reusable stands.<\/p>\n
The Association supported the ReThink HK 2025 and 2026, which provides insight and inspiration for driving sustainable development across globally recognised risk and opportunity topics, from a Hong Kong context.<\/p>\n
The Annual Conference today will cover topics such as ESG metrics for the MICE industry, and ESG guidebook outlining the approaches for contributing to greener MICE events.<\/p>\n
At the Annual Dinner tonight, we will donate unconsumed food to Food Angel to reduce food waste. The donated food will be handled as nutritious hot meals and redistributed to the underprivileged community in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n
The Sub-Committee will continue to drive the development of robust sustainability initiatives, accelerate the industry\u2019s transition toward greener practices, and address the concerns facing the sector. We believe that building a sustainable market ecosystem requires collective commitment, and we urge our members to actively implement the Better Stands initiative and the HKECIA Sustainability Charter. Together, we can build a resilient future that benefits our industry and generations to come.<\/p>\n
The AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 expansion is progressing rapidly, increasing total exhibition space to 100,000 square metres. The Government is also taking forward the Wan Chai North Redevelopment project near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as planned. This includes the redevelopment of the sites of the Wan Chai Government Offices Compound, Gloucester Road Garden and the Kong Wan Fire Station into convention and exhibition facilities, hotel and office.<\/p>\n
The new proposals of the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre (KITEC) would be changing from an en-bloc 14-storey non-domestic\/commercial building to a composite mix of trade mart\/exhibition and commercial, residential, social welfare facilities and school uses. The proposed exhibition\/trade-related uses shall be not less than 11,285 meter square.<\/p>\n
The draft Kowloon Bay Outline Zoning Plan with exhibition and or convention hall was approved under section 9(1)(a) of the Town Planning Ordinance, and was notified in the Gazette on July November 2025. The Association welcomes this new proposal, which aims to address the demand for exhibition and showroom-related venues and uses.<\/p>\n
The Sub-committee would like to congratulate the AsiaWorld-Expo for successfully concluding the 92nd UFI Global Congress, celebrating both UFI\u2019s centenary and the 20th anniversary of AsiaWorld-Expo. Returning to Hong Kong after 25 years, the international flagship event drew 600 exhibition and convention leaders from over 50 countries and regions.<\/p>\n
Congratulations also to Ms. Monica Lee-M\u00fcller, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited for winning the Outstanding Leader in Venue Management category at the AFECA Annual Awards 2025.<\/p>\n
The Association has newly established a new Technology & Innovation Sub-committee. As digital transformation reshapes the business events landscape, the sub-committee will serve as a vital catalyst, driving the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance event delivery, optimize operational efficiency, and elevate the overall audience experience.<\/p>\n
By collaborating with tech visionary practitioners, the group aims to future-proof our member businesses, ensuring they possess the digital literacy and technical capabilities required to compete on a global scale. We welcome members to join the Sub-committee WhatsApp group to keep up-to-date on the global event tech trends.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, the sub-committee will spearhead knowledge-sharing and host tech sharing sessions. By bridging the gap between emerging technology and traditional event organisers, the Sub-committee will foster an ecosystem of digital transformation and continuous learning. We are confident that the insights and strategic direction provided by the Sub-committee will not only empower our members to navigate the digital frontier with confidence, but will also redefine excellence for Hong Kong\u2019s exhibition and convention sector.<\/p>\n
One of the primary responsibilities assumed by the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) is to represent the interests of its members in the convention and exhibition-related sectors. This task involves providing a cohesive and unified voice when engaging with governmental, legislative, and statutory bodies, as well as media and public organisations. Over the past year, this work has demanded an unprecedented amount of our time and effort. The Executive Committee, including myself, has been heavily involved in meetings, briefings, and lobbying initiatives.<\/p>\n
There are a number of positive developments for the industry.<\/p>\n
The industry has also experienced challenges in the past few months.<\/p>\n
We have actively advocated for enhanced Government support to ensure the smooth continuation of exhibitions and conventions. The Association submitted the Association\u2019s recommendations for the 2026-27 Budget to the Financial Secretary, HKSAR Government, as well as Legislative Council members. We are confident that persistent dialogue and constructive communication will continue to empower the industry to thrive. Moving forward, the Association will continue to act as a bridge between stakeholders and policymakers, ensuring the industry\u2019s voice is effectively communicated and upheld.<\/p>\n
I have personally also actively participated in meetings of the Hotel, Catering, and Tourism Training Board organised by the Vocational Training Council (VTC). By deepening collaboration with higher education institutions specialising in the exhibition and convention sectors, we are helping to nurture and inspire the next generation of talent, broaden awareness of the industry\u2019s opportunities, and cultivate a strong pipeline of future professionals who will drive its continued growth and contribute to the success of Hong Kong.<\/p>\n
As Hong Kong\u2019s largest exhibition and convention community, the Association will continue to serve as a vital platform for members to exchange insights on industry developments and market trends, fostering collaboration, strengthening connections, and shaping a more dynamic and forward-looking future for the industry.<\/p>\n
The growth of international exhibitions in Hong Kong serves as a vital catalyst for developing “new quality productive forces’, fostering high-quality multi-sector growth, and driving an innovation-led transformation. In doing so, the sector aligns with and supports the goals of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. At the same time, the exhibition sector serves as a powerful catalyst for the HKSARG\u2019s \u201cGo Global\u201d vision, helping to attract Mainland enterprises seeking to expand overseas and to leverage Hong Kong as their gateway to international markets. As the entry point to global markets, flagship trade shows demonstrate the city\u2019s exceptional business efficiency, international connectivity, and professional excellence, reinforcing Hong Kong\u2019s position as a leading Global Trade hub.<\/p>\n
Hong Kong, as Asia\u2019s World City, has always had the huge advantage of its location, world-class infrastructure, and its blend of East and West, which extends to the warm and exceptional experiences in terms of food, language, transportation, and ease of doing business. Maintaining Hong Kong as an international platform connecting buyers and sellers is crucial to the future success of our industry, so I would urge members to bear this in mind, strive to do our best to deliver a diverse event programmes and format catering for a global audience. We will collectively reinforce Hong Kong\u2019s status as the World\u2019s Meeting Place.<\/p>\n
As I conclude my tenure as Chairman, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our Executive Committee, members, affiliations, and Secretariat for their steadfast support, dedication, and trust. It has been a great privilege to serve HKECIA and to work alongside a community that has consistently demonstrated unity, resilience, and professionalism in the face of change. The strength of this Association has always rested in the collective commitment of its members, and it is this shared purpose that has enabled us not only to overcome challenges, but also to continue advancing our industry with confidence and determination.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, I am firmly confident that HKECIA will continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of Hong Kong\u2019s exhibition and convention industry. With a strong foundation, a clear sense of purpose, and the energy of new leadership, the Association is well-positioned to seize new opportunities, champion innovation and sustainability, and reinforce Hong Kong\u2019s standing as a Trade Fair Capital of Asia. I will continue supporting HKECIA as Honorary Life President, and I am certain that, together, we will build an even stronger, more creative and dynamic future for our industry.<\/p>\n
Yours sincerely,<\/p>\n
Stuart Bailey
Chairman (2025-26)<\/p>\n
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The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (\u201cHKECIA\u201d, \u201cAssociation\u201d), first incorporated in May 1990, is celebrating its 34th<\/sup> Anniversary. The Association currently has one hundred corporate members, including all of the leading organisations in the sector, making it a truly representative voice for the exhibition and convention industry. Our commitment over the years has been to act as a unified voice that represents and promotes the industry and increases awareness of the contribution it has made to the economy and the wider society. The HKECIA also strives to promote sustainability and safety as well as support members with professional development, business networking, information exchange and promoting careers in our industry to emerging talents.<\/p> Over the past 12 months, the exhibition and convention industry in Hong Kong has been gaining momentum. While we have not yet reached the size and scale of events seen before the pandemic, the industry has worked diligently to reposition Hong Kong as the premier city for meetings, conventions, and exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region. Momentum is building, and although there are still challenges ahead, we should be proud of the progress and resilience demonstrated over the past year.<\/p> The annual exhibition survey, which serves as an important barometer of the industry's performance, indicates that Hong Kong exhibition activities showed a strong rebound in 2023 after the reopening of boundaries, bringing back international business travellers to Hong Kong.<\/p> In 2023, Hong Kong hosted 125 large-scale exhibitions (over 2,000 sq meters). This represents a 30% increase from the number of such exhibitions in 2022. Of the 125 exhibitions, 73 were \"Trade\" or \"Trade and Consumer\" events, while the remaining 52 were \"Consumer\" exhibitions.<\/p> Some trade exhibitions which were suspended or temporarily staged outside Hong Kong during COVID returned to Hong Kong. As mentioned, there were 73 \u201cTrade\u201d and \u201cTrade and consumer\u201d exhibitions, up from 40 in 2022. Based on the data collected from respondents of the \u201cTrade\u201d and \u201cTrade and consumer\u201d exhibitions, the number of exhibiting companies grew by over 400% from nearly 9,000 to over 45,000, while the number of visitors jumped by over 560% to over 1.4 million. The space rented by exhibitors increased by nearly 280% to nearly 890,000 sqm.<\/p> Yet, since the flight capacity has not fully resumed to pre-COVID levels, among other factors affecting global and regional economic recovery, Hong Kong\u2019s exhibition industry has not fully recovered. When compared with 2019 pre-COVID, the number of \u201cTrade\u201d and \u201cTrade and consumer\u201d exhibitions in 2023 dropped by 9% and the total space rented by exhibitors decreased by 5%.<\/p> The numbers of exhibiting companies and visitors in 2023 reached 70% and 76% respectively of those in 2019. Among all categories, the number of visitors from the Mainland to \u201cTrade\u201d and \u201cTrade and consumer\u201d exhibitions performed the best in terms of recovery pace as the number reached 91% of 2019.<\/p> The number of regional and international exhibiting companies in 2023 is half of those in 2019, while the number of visitors from regional and international origins reached slightly over 50% of the figures in 2019.<\/p> The new $1.4 billion scheme \u201cIncentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions\u201d (\u201cISRE Scheme\u201d) launched by the Government in July 2023 to support the recovery of the convention and exhibition industry helps attract and retain recurrent exhibitions. The Scheme is a practical incentive to attract the organisers to stage their recurrent exhibitions in Hong Kong, helping release the financial burden of the exhibition organisers who were unable to stage international trade fairs during the pandemic. We strongly urge the government to honour its commitment to fully fund this important scheme until June 2026.<\/p> We expect the volume of international exhibitors and visitors in 2024 will gradually increase from 2023 provided that the flight capacity will return to normality. Hong Kong\u2019s unique competitive advantages as a leading city for hosting trade exhibitions and international conventions remain unchanged. Hong Kong is still a top choice for holding international trade exhibitions in Asia for its world-class service and superb infrastructure and facilities.<\/p> The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) is a leading association to promote the growth and development of the exhibition and convention industry in Asia. The HKECIA is a key association and board member of the AFECA. Executive Vice Chairman and AFECA Sub-Committee Chair Ms Wendy Lai is the Secretary General of the AFECA Board.<\/p> Over the past year, the AFECA has implemented many programmes and initiatives to support the resumption of the Asian exhibition and convention industry. Over 200 MICE industry leaders attended the AFECA AGM 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, from 20 to 23 November 2023. Ms Wendy Lai participated in the AGM, Asia Business Events Forum, AFECA Awards & Gala Dinner 2023.<\/p> The AFECA Youth MICE Challenge 2023 was also held in Bangkok, Thailand. Thanks to our sponsors who contributed to the HKECIA Education Fund which allows the association to cover the cost of participating teams.\u00a0 Our student teams from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) were nominated to participate in the competition and present their exhibition projects. Both teams performed impressively. We are very proud that despite fierce competition, the CUHK student team was awarded the second runner-up and one of the students Arnav Sethi won The Best Presenter Award.<\/p> More information about the AFECA Youth MICE Challenge 2024 will be announced soon. HKECIA will continue to support and sponsor students to join the Challenge. Our HKECIA Education Fund is now open for sponsorship and relies on your support. By supporting the Fund, you will help students realise their potential and motivate and nurture them to pursue their careers in the MICE industry.<\/p> The Association commits to a more proactive role in collaborating and forging new ties with organisations in China.\u00a0 \u00a0We believe it is crucial to effectively \u201ctell good stories of Hong Kong\u201d in the region.<\/p> HKECIA and SZCEA will jointly promote the development of the exhibition industry of the two cities, including strengthening project cooperation and co-organising events to raise the industry\u2019s awareness and encourage participation. Both parties agreed to build \u2018bridges\u201d for the development of talents through connection and collaboration.<\/p> The China Sub-Committee remains committed to closely monitoring the developments in Mainland China's events and venue landscape, with a particular focus on the Greater Bay Area. We had exchanges with many affiliates in China and Macao:<\/p> The China Sub-Committee would continue to deepen the regional cooperation and exchange with our sister associations to provide the latest information and mutual benefits for our members.<\/p> Recently, the Central Government announced the expansion of Hong Kong\u2019s and Macao\u2019s Individual Visit Scheme in covering more Mainland cities. We believe it would create new business opportunities for Hong Kong\u2019s tourism and economic development. As Hong Kong strives to maintain its role as a global \u201csuperconnector\u201d, the Association will explore the potential that this holds for our industry and our members. Accordingly, we will intensify cooperation with leading associations in the region to advance the industry's development and provide our members with the best possible opportunities for growth\u00a0and\u00a0success.<\/p> The Communications Sub-Committee continued to produce materials for the Chairman to respond to media enquiries or conduct interviews.<\/p> During this year, the Sub-Committee has prepared the following materials:<\/p> Some of our Executive Committees members have been interviewed by various media and organisations:<\/p> The Sub-Committee also provided advice on the website revamp project. The HKECIA website was successfully launched with a brand-new layout, user friendly navigation and more useful content to provide a better user experience.<\/p> To provide members and industry players with the latest industry information and trends, the Annual Conference was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in June 2023. The conference covered a range of hot industry topics, including opportunities for the Hong Kong Exhibition Industry, support to SMEs from technology, talent and funding, artificial intelligence developments, and sustainability and advocacy. We are delighted to report that over 130 members and guests participated in this physical conference.<\/p> The Annual Seminar, held at JC Cube at Tai Kwun in December 2023, covered several important topics, including how to enhance the \u201cHong Kong brand\u201d, the future of technology and its impact on travel and retail, Greater Bay Area, venue security requirements, sustainability and ESG, and changing event format landscape. This seminar was well-received and attended by over 120 members and industry players. The event continued with the festive Christmas Cocktail with over 100 members attending and mingling at the popular year-end gathering.<\/p> The Education & Training Sub-Committee continued to present the Association to join the Employees Retraining Board (ERB) meeting of Industry Consultative Networks, Tourism and Hotel to help ERB better understand the needs and industry trends of the convention and exhibition industry.<\/p> Looking ahead to the new term, the Sub-Committee will continue to strengthen collaborations with education institutions to provide professional responses to education, publications and papers related to the industries for the betterment of MICE development in the long run. The Sub-Committee will plan in-person seminars and education programmes to highlight new industry trends for recovery and business opportunities and attract more guests from the region to join our events.<\/p> The Sub-Committee hopes that our members will enjoy the conference today. We have prepared an extensive programme with top-level speakers to discuss the hottest topics in today\u2019s business world, which align with your company\u2019s interests to drive impactful real-world changes. Members can connect with thought leaders, gain insights from our subject-matter experts, and celebrate an early Global Exhibitions\u00a0Day.<\/p> The Membership Sub-Committee has been actively working on providing networking opportunities for members through events like annual conferences and seminars.<\/p> As of today, the Association has 56 full members, 32 associate members, and 13 overseas members, totalling 101 members.<\/p> New Members in 2023-2024 included InEvexco Ltd, InfocommAsia Pte Ltd, LE Decor Venue Decoration Limited, Losberger Architecture Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd and Regal Hotels International Limited. Despite the addition of these new members, the Association also experienced a few resignations over the year. It was understandable that some companies had to cut their expenses due to the pandemic's impact on the industry.<\/p> The Membership Sub-Committee will work closely with the Secretariat over the coming year to invite new members and reach out to lapsed members for reinstatement of their membership.<\/p> The Sustainability and Operations Sub-Committee was established in June 2022 with the objective of identifying and measuring initiatives that promote waste reduction and material reuse within the industry. As we harness the positive impact of our members, we make direct contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (\u201cSDGs\u201d). In its efforts to achieve SDG Goal #17, the Association aims to be an \u201cenabler\u201d to \u201cencourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships for sustainability development\u201d.<\/p> The Sub-Committee seek to cultivate collaborative relationships to promote sustainable development. We work closely with organisations to raise awareness of their environmental and social impact and provide guidance on how the industry can best drive sustainable development. With the successful launch of the \u201cTen-Point HKECIA Sustainability Charter\u201d, the Sub-Committee aims to reinforce the role of exhibitions in driving carbon neutrality and demonstrating sustainable approaches and recovery solutions for a resilient future.<\/p> The Sub-Committee participated in the cross-industry focus group arranged by the Business Environment Council to discuss the climate transition of the property management, MICE, events industry, stakeholders\u2019 concerns, as well as challenges faced by practitioners. The views collected from industry experts provided insights for the Corporate Climate Action Research Report, which was recently released by NWS Holdings Limited in early May. Through a multi-dimensional analysis and industry comparison, the report identifies key actions that facilitate the formulation of effective transformational strategies, resource allocation, and the enhancement of resilience against potential risks.<\/p> The Association strives to achieve SDG goal #4 aiming to enhance sustainability knowledge in Hong Kong to promote environmental practices and performance. We actively take part in knowledge exchange to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable industry. Chairman and ExCo Members Mr Chris Brown and Ms Monica Lee-M\u00fcller were invited to the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2024 hosted by the Macau Fair and Trade Association to discuss how to make sustainability a reality at events. They shared case studies and real implementation successes with attendees to provide a clear view of what is achievable in driving sustainable exhibitions. Participants gained insights into harnessing transformational opportunities from the perspective of an event organiser, venue and contractor.<\/p> We contributed to \u201cA Practical Guidebook to Circular Economy (Volume 2): Collaborating with Value Chain Partners for Organising Circular Events and Exhibitions\u201d under the \u201cPartnership for Sustainability Leadership in Business\u201d (PSLB) project, initiated by HKU\u2019s Centre for Civil Society and Governance. The Sub-Committee shared industry views and insights for formulating resource circularity principles where MICE industry practitioners could integrate them into their company\u2019s value chain and event frameworks, ultimately putting sustainability into action.<\/p> After the Annual Dinner tonight, we will donate any unconsumed food to Food Angel to reduce food waste. The donated food will be handled as nutritious hot meals and redistributed to the underprivileged community in Hong Kong.<\/p> The Sub-Committee will continue its concerted effort to develop robust sustainability initiatives and accelerate the industry\u2019s green transition. We believe achieving sustainability requires united efforts, and we call on our members to orchestrate our sustainable ambitions together.<\/p> The Association welcomes the Government's initiatives to develop the C&E industry and will expand the exsisting facilities, including the AsiaWorld-Expo phase II and construction of new facilities in Wan Chai North, raising the C&E space by 40% to 220,000 square metres in total when all works are completed.<\/p> The Kai Tak Sports Park is in its final stage of construction, aiming for a 2025 opening. The exterior building fa\u00e7ade of its 50,000-seat Main Stadium has been completed, signifing a significant milestone.\u00a0 Hong Kong will host several competitive events of the 15th<\/sup> National Games at the Kai Tak Sports Park. The venue will provide a comprehensive and innovative experience for community activities and mega events and contribute to developing the culture, sports, and tourism sectors in East Kowloon.<\/p> Furthermore, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre (KITEC) will cease to operate at the end of June. With the approval of the Town Planning Board last year, the reconstruction of KITEC will turn into three prime office towers with event space included in the design.<\/p> The Association believes that there is still insufficient exhibition space in Hong Kong and with some of the previously mentioned projects not due to be completed before 2034 capacity remains a significant challenge for the industry.<\/p> One of the primary responsibilities assumed by the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) is to represent the interests of its members in the convention and exhibition-related sectors. This task involves providing a cohesive and unified voice when engaging with governmental, legislative, and statutory bodies, as well as media and public organisations. Over the past year, this work has demanded an unprecedented amount of our time and effort. The Executive Committee, including myself, has been heavily involved in meetings, briefings, and lobbying initiatives.<\/p> The Association is delighted to see the thriving activity in the industry. The multitude of exhibitions and events in Hong Kong highlight our sector's resilience. However, we must acknowledge the ongoing manpower challenges that make our work more demanding.<\/p> The 2024-25 Budget emphasises the significance of mega-events in attracting tourists and enhancing our international image. The government has reported that over 200 \u201cMega-Events\u201d will take place this year including Art Basel, ComplexCon and Vinexpo. Additionally, the joint hosting of the 15th National Games in 2025 presents a remarkable opportunity for us to showcase Hong Kong as an event destination.<\/p> The Government continues to implement the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions to provide incentives for staging recurrent exhibitions in Hong Kong. The government has additionally allocated almost HK$1.1 Billion to the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). This funding will facilitate the organisation of mega-events, thematic tours, and the development of novel experiences for visitors.<\/p> The Association welcomes the Government\u2019s support to the convention and exhibition industry. We have seen a gradual rebound in international trade fairs over the past year. The exhibition industry has already achieved 70 to 80% of pre-pandemic and welcomed back important events such as the APLF Leather Fair and Vinexpo Asia, reaffirming our status as a premier exhibition hub. The scale and attendance are expected to return to the pre-pandemic level next year, although challenges remain. The incentive offered by the Government is therefore crucial to secure recurrent trade exhibitions, which are significant to sustain Hong Kong\u2019s status as the Trade Fair Capital in Asia.<\/p> The Association will continue to update the CEDB on the development and situation of the industry and make timely proposals of how to support our industry, and hence facilitate recovery of Hong Kong\u2019s economy at large. As we celebrate our industry's vibrancy, we must also acknowledge and address the manpower challenges together. By collaborating, we can overcome obstacles and continue to foster growth and prosperity.<\/p> The Chairman has also taken part in meetings of the Hotel, Catering, and Tourism Training Board, which were organised by the Vocational Training Council (VTC). We hope that by collaborating with higher education institutions that specialise in the exhibition and convention sectors, we can further promote the industry to young talent seeking career\u00a0opportunities.<\/p> The Chairman was invited to the Hong Kong Tourism Board Overview 2024 in Mach 2024 to witness the emergence of positive trends, industry insights and HKTB\u2019s business strategic directions, including staging and supporting world-class events, developing diverse and immersive experiences, stepping up promotions in visitor source markets, and enhancing service quality and supporting the trade.<\/p> The HKTB will continue to secure the staging of meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) of different scales and types in Hong Kong through bidding for different major international MICE events and implementing different funding schemes. The HKTB will step up its promotions and marketing efforts to attract more visitors, revive tourism and uphold Hong Kong as an international tourism destination. Riding on the expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme to more Mainland China cities, the HKTB will collaborate with travel agencies, travel platforms and airlines, enticing visitors to visit Hong Kong.<\/p> Since the resumption of normal travel in early 2023, Hong Kong's event industry has seen a strong rebound. The trade exhibitions in the last quarter of 2023 experienced a significant recovery, with exhibitor and attendee numbers rebounding to near pre-pandemic levels. This positive momentum has continued into the first half of 2024, with organisers reporting strong interest and bookings for upcoming events.<\/p> However, there are still several challenges that Hong Kong must address to fully surpass pre-pandemic levels and usher in a new era of success and rejuvenation for its exhibitions and conventions sector:<\/p> Talent Shortage: One of the key issues is a shortage of experienced event professionals in Hong Kong. The rapid resumption of events has created fierce competition between organisers, venues, and contractors as they all try to poach talented staff from one another to fulfil the increased market demand. This \"zero-sum game\" is not sustainable in the long run, as it leads to talent churn and an inability to build stable, experienced teams. Instead, the industry must come together to encourage more people to pursue careers in the exhibitions and conventions sector, through initiatives like training programs, apprenticeships, and better promotion of the field as a rewarding professional path.<\/p> Space Constraints: Another major challenge is the lack of sufficient event space in Hong Kong to host the growing number and scale of exhibitions the city would like to accommodate. While there are long-term plans to develop convention and exhibition facilities, such as the expansion of the Asia World Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, medium-term solutions are urgently needed to meet the surging demand in the next few years. Creative use of temporary or repurposed spaces should be considered to bridge the gap.<\/p> Vision and Identity: Lastly, I believe that Hong Kong needs to better define and articulate its vision as an international city with a unique offering for exhibitions and conventions. It must leverage its key strengths - its international workforce, global mindset, world-class event hosting capabilities, and rich cultural assets - to position itself as Asia's premier event destination, rather than be seen as just another large Chinese city. Soft-power aspects like food, language, people, and local culture as well as the fundamentals of finance, logistics, legal system, and transportation are all part of the equation, and Hong Kong must strike the right balance to fulfil its potential as the \"Asia World City\" for business events.<\/p> In closing the Chairman would like to thank the Executive Committee members who have invested significant time and effort in making the Association's voice heard by both the government and the general public. The HKECIA is proud of the solidarity shown by its members and grateful for their staunch support, participation in activities, and attendance at the Annual Dinner. The Chairman wishes everyone a healthy and prosperous year ahead and thanks them for their continued support.<\/p> Yours sincerely,<\/p> Stuart BaileyAFECA Sub-Committee<\/h3>
China Sub-Committee<\/h3>
Communications Sub-Committee <\/strong><\/h3>
Education & Training Sub-Committee<\/h3>
Membership Sub-Committee<\/h3>
Sustainability & Operations Sub-Committee<\/h3>
Venue Development Sub-Committee<\/h3>
Advocacy Work by HKECIA<\/h3>
Summary:<\/h3>
Chairman\u00a0(2023-24)<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":""},"class_list":["post-8826","chairmans-report","type-chairmans-report","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/exhibitions.org.hk\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chairmans-report\/8826","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/exhibitions.org.hk\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chairmans-report"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/exhibitions.org.hk\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chairmans-report"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/exhibitions.org.hk\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}