HONG KONG — Figures from Hong Kong indicate a strong rebound in trade show activity: 117 exhibitions planned in 2024; 70 recurring shows planned, the same number as before the pandemic; and the number of events in the second half of 2023 reaching 84% of pre-pandemic levels.
Another piece of good news is that major trade shows are returning to Hong Kong after being relocated to Singapore. Also new this year are the Hong Kong Cat Expo, the Hong Kong China International Tattoo Exhibition and the Hong Kong Holiday and Travel Expo.
In the coming months, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC) will host APLF Leather & Materials+, Fashion Access from March 19-21, Art Basel Hong Kong from March 28-30 and Asia’s international wine and spirits exhibition, Vinexpo Asia Hong Kong, from May 28-30.
The Consensus event, which will take place from February 19 to 21, 2025, is attracting growing interest. Hong Kong has also won the opportunity to host the inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 show next spring, a sign of industry support. The event is expected to attract more than 1,500 travel, trade and MICE professionals from mainland China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, South Korea and other markets in the region, as well as long-distance attendees.
Related. Hong Kong awaits return of Cosmoprof 2023 to Asia
The growth is due to the HK$1.4 billion Recurring Exhibition Incentive Scheme, launched last year. It offers exhibition organisers rent subsidies of up to HK$20 million at the HKCEC or AsiaWorld-Expo. The government plans to subsidise 200 exhibitions over three years, 61 of which have already taken place, according to The Standard.
“As of Jan 31, we have approved 54 applications for grants for completed exhibitions, worth HK$265 million. These exhibitions have attracted some 80,000 exhibitors – 30,000 local and 50,000 foreign – as well as 1.2 million visitors,” Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah told The Standard.
“After the turbulence of the past four years, all major recurring shows held at HKCEC before COVID have returned to HKCEC in 2023 or will return in 2024,” said Monica Lee-Müller, Director General of HKCEC. “The number of recurring shows is expected to reach 70, similar to the pre-COVID years. We expect the volume of international exhibitors and visitors in 2024 to gradually increase from 2023, provided that flight capacity returns to normal.”
“Hong Kong’s unique competitive advantages as a leading city for hosting international trade shows and conventions remain unchanged,” she added. “HKCEC remains a top choice for hosting international trade shows in Asia due to its world-class service and superb infrastructure and facilities.”
Contact Monica Lee-Müller at monicaleemuller@hkcec.com