City shows exhibition strengths

Visitor numbers to the city are increasing and the conference and exhibition market is
strong, despite competition from Macau, Beijing and Shanghai.
The opening of AsiaWorld-Expo in 2006 has had a big impact on Hong Kong’s trade-fair industry. The venue added 70,000 sqm of exhibition space to the city and, with strong business results, plans are underway to add another 30,000 sqm of rentable space. The phase-two development will add column-free exhibition halls, additional meetings and conference rooms, and support facilities. Despite concerns before it opened, the addition of a larger convention and exhibition facility has not encroached on Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention
Centre’s (HKCEC) territory. Instead, the pie has grown and AsiaWorld-Expo has attracted
new business, including the ITU Telecom World 2006. It was the first time in the event’s 33-year history that the expo had been held outside Geneva. The show welcomed
62,000 participants. In 2007, AsiaWorld-Expo is booked solid with events. In October the venue will host Messe Frankfurt’s second Eco Expo Asia, an international trade fair on environmental
protection. It expects to receive 8,000 visitors from 79 countries.
The first Sports Source Asia also comes to AsiaWorld-Expo in October.

INTERNATIONAL WINS
Similarly, HKCEC has added to its international event portfolio with four new trade-show organisers confirming launches this year. These are Hong Kong Mode Lingerie, Rail Solutions Asia, GTI Asia Expo and Senior Lifestyle Asia.
To cope with the demand for more space, the construction of HKCEC’s second expansion started last July. The development will bring the total rentable function space
to 90,000 sqm. What the city now needs is more non-traditional venues. An Olympic-size-ice-skating rink in East Kowloon recently came online and has added an option for events that need a public audience and lively atmosphere.
Ben Taylor, managing director Asia, Jack Morton Worldwide, says: “The lack of similar
venues that can accommodate larger numbers is a major challenge facing Hong Kong.
“There are some limited outdoor spaces that can accommodate a marquee but the
approval process and viability are often a challenge.
“Perhaps Hong Kong could adopt the approach embraced by its near neighbour, Singapore. The city has designated a dedicated floating platform which can accommodate up to 9,000 guests.”