In fiscal year 2014-2015 (July 2014 to June 2015), a total of 1,113 events were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, including 111 exhibitions and 38 conferences, along with hundreds of corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events. 

The total attendees at the 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 also 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 organizers 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 is the professional private management company responsible for the management and daily operation of the HKCEC.  HML Managing Director  Monica Lee-Müller said, “We take pride in attracting organisers from around the world to Hong Kong, and providing quality services for event attendees.” 

She added, “At HML, we are targeting more upmarket events and niche topics, like auction events, art exhibitions and luxury product shows. 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 organizers clearly recognize our commitment to enhancing HKCEC’s competitiveness through our continuous investment in new technologies, new equipment and new talent.”