HKCEC welcomes record breaking 6.4 million visitors 1,113 events underscore professional services

The iFX Expo, a truly business to business exhibition on foreign exchange service for the professionals in the region, was held at the HKCEC in January 2015 and attracted around 3,000 visitors.

(Hong Kong, 10 August, 2015) The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (“HKCEC”) continues to be the preferred venue for international organisers staging world-class exhibitions and conferences in Hong Kong. During the fiscal year 2014-2015 (July 2014 to June 2015), a total of 1,113 events were held at the HKCEC, including 111 exhibitions and 38 conferences along with hundreds of corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events. The total attendees at these 1,113 events combined with diners at the HKCEC’s seven restaurants was almost 6.4 million people, including visitors from around the world, and broke the HKCEC’s attendance record.

Seven of the year’s 111 exhibitions were new at the HKCEC. They included industries as diverse as foreign exchange service, natural and organic products, photo imaging and camera, vegetarian food and rail. The other 104 exhibitions were recurrent events, which continued as the backbone of the HKCEC’s exhibition portfolio. In the reporting year, 15 of the recurrent exhibitions recorded double-digit growth in terms of gross exhibition space compared with their previous editions.

Conference business remained strong. Among the 38 conferences held at the HKCEC, 31 were international and 12 were new to the venue, covering different subjects including medical science, yoga, banking, and electrical and electronics engineering.

The strong attendance is especially positive in light of the “Occupy Central” movement that took place in Hong Kong during the peak trade fair season in October and November 2014. Despite the HKCEC being nearby the affected area, its management and staff worked closely with exhibition organisers to enable all trade exhibitions at the HKCEC to proceed uninterrupted. This achievement, in face of difficult external circumstances, clearly demonstrates the solid foundation of Hong Kong’s exhibition industry. Underlining Hong Kong’s successes as the leading city of international exhibitions in Asia are many factors, one of which is the responsiveness and flexibility of the team behind the HKCEC to cope with challenges as they emerge.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (“HML”) is the professional private management company responsible for the management and daily operation of the HKCEC. HML Managing Director Ms Monica Lee-Müller remarked, “We take pride in attracting organisers from around the world to Hong Kong, and providing quality services for event attendees.”

“At HML, we are targeting more upmarket events and niche topics, like auction events, art exhibitions and luxury product shows,” she comments. “Our advanced facilities, talents and experience allow us to tap the up and emerging markets. Event attendees of these markets look for a total experience and quality, such as food and beverage, technology and customer service etc.”

“We strive for providing innovative solutions for people to meet. I am delighted that event organisers clearly recognise our commitment to enhancing HKCEC’s competitiveness through our continuous investment in new technologies, new equipment, and new talent.”

During FY2014-15 the HKCEC attracted almost 6.4 million visitors and a total of 1,113 events, which included:

From its opening in 1988 through to 30 June 2015, the HKCEC has hosted 44,209 events and welcomed over 92 million visitors.

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About the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
This award-winning 306,000 sqm building, first opened in 1988, offers 91,500 sqm of rentable space. An iconic Hong Kong landmark, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (‘HKCEC’) is located on a prime waterfront site in the central business district of Hong Kong. It is owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

About Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (‘HML’) is a professional private management and operating company responsible for providing day to day management for the HKCEC, where it oversees administration, marketing, booking, scheduling, event co-ordination, maintenance and security. It also manages food and beverage operations at the HKCEC, including restaurants and catering services. HML provides world-class services for users, visitors and guests of the HKCEC, a venue which has been consistently awarded the title of ‘Best Convention and Exhibition Centre in Asia’ by leading industry professionals. About 1,200 events are held at the HKCEC every year, including exhibitions, conferences, corporate meetings, entertainment events, seminars and banquets. These events contribute significant economic benefits to the city, and help raise the international image of Hong Kong.

HML is a member of NWS Holdings Limited. NWS Holdings Limited (‘NWS Holdings’, Hong Kong stock code: 659), the infrastructure and service flagship of New World Development Company Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 17), operates businesses in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Macau. Its Infrastructure portfolio includes Roads, Energy, Water and Ports & Logistics projects. Its Services portfolio comprises Facilities Management (the management of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Free Duty), Construction & Transport (construction, bus and ferry services) and Strategic Investments.

Issued by Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited

For further information, please contact:
Miss Gloria Fong, Communications Manager
Tel: +852 2582 7918
E-mail: gloriafong@hkcec.com
Website: www.hkcec.com