HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair Breaks All-time Attendance Records
August 5, 2013
The 24th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair drew more than 980,000 visitors, setting an all-time attendance record for the week-long event, according to the organizer, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
“The Hong Kong Book Fair is a significant cultural event in the Asia-Pacific region,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau.
He added, “The nearly 10 percent increase in visitor attendance this year can be attributed to the Art Gallery and the sumptuous line-up of fascinating cultural events, which added traffic, and drew tourists to Hong Kong.”
The Book Fair was held July 17-23 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
With the theme, “Reading the World – Reading for a Better World”, the fair attracted 560 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, which also set a record.
Among many other highlights, the fair’s Open Public Forum spotlighted American writer Erica Jong and British writers Jung Chang and William Shawcross.
Jong is the author of more than 20 books, including “Fear of Flying”, which has sold 27 million copies.
Chang is best known for “Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China”; her books have been translated into more than 40 languages. The books of Shawcross include the “Queen Mother”, the official biography of Queen Elizabeth.
The Book Fair again reached beyond the HKCEC, with events organized throughout Hong Kong. “More than 400 cultural events were organized, including seminars and sharing sessions held during the Book Fair, which attracted nearly 250,000 readers to participate, an increase of more than 50 per cent as compared to last year,” Chau said. “It was a delight for us and our co-organizers, and we hope it would help propagate the reading trend.”
Besides the normal attendees, many of whom were placing good buys, the St. James’ Settlement and SHKP Read To Dream program sponsored nearly 1,200 children from 33 schools to visit the Book Fair and participate in cultural events.
Each child received HK$250 for purchasing books. “I am very happy to take part in this event. The book fair is fascinating and huge. I can choose from a great selection of books,” said a primary-six student.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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