From April to June, Hong Kong’s exhibition scene has been picking up more momentum with the return of close to 20 physical exhibitions at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). From technology and lifestyle, to arts and jewelry, the fairs attracted over 1 million visits during the pandemic, which is a promising sign for the exhibition industry.
The positive response, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) says, clearly indicates that the value of in-person shows is high and Hong Kong has demonstrated how to safely and seamlessly resume large-scale business events, paving the way for further recovery, including international conventions and trade fairs.
Inaugural Physical Show Drives Future of Business
“GOVirtual Business Expo is newly launched to provide a one-stop trade platform to support enterprises to unlock and capture the boundless potential of virtual business in the post-pandemic economy, and to encourage active interactions between tech industry and business sectors which will inspire frequent cooperation,” says Culsin Li, Managing Director of Baobab Tree Event, organizer of GOVirtual Business Expo, with which the GS1 HK Summit is co-located. “We are thankful to host this new show safely and help our visitors to explore virtual business opportunities, and technology and business trends in the Greater Bay Area.”
Positive Feedback
Priscilla Lo, director of Hongkong-Asia Exhibition (Holdings) Ltd., organizer of the 18th Hong Kong Mega Showcase, the 19th Hong Kong Food Festival, the 21st Hong Kong Homex 2021 and the e-Expo & Auto HK, was happy with the impressive attendance during the pandemic.
In addition, Monica Lee-Müller, managing director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Management Limited (HML), commended the "stringent preventive measures at the HKCEC," along with working closely with the organizers for the safe and successful exhibitions and conferences.
First In-Person Show Taps Into Pent-up Demand
The five-day inaugural Lifestyle ShoppingFest of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) delivered a one-stop shopping experience for over 55,000 consumers keen to explore a broad selection of products, from global delicacies to fine jewelry and more, presented by 430 exhibitors. Benjamin Chau, deputy executive director of the HKTDC, said that the positive response to the new event reflected the fact that physical shows are irreplaceable. “We are pleased that our inaugural Lifestyle ShoppingFest was held successfully, with 75 percent of exhibitors believing physical shows can help boost their business, while 82 percent of visitors were satisfied with the health and safety measures at the show.” Next, the HKTDC will host three concurrent trade fairs in July, its first B2B events since the onset of the pandemic.
The city’s recent success in hosting physical events in a safe and seamless manner and the enthusiastic response from the public, together with the strong free venue rental support from the Hong Kong government, all are solid encouragement for the city’s upcoming B2B trade shows.
Lee-Müller of HML added that “the government’s Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme can certainly strengthen our competitiveness in attracting exhibitors and buyers and reinforce the city’s position as the region’s leading exhibition hub.” The subsidy scheme will be extended for six months to June 30, 2022 to benefit more convention and exhibition activities and enhance the confidence of event organizers in staging activities in Hong Kong.
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