A SERIES of first-time events, coupled with the return of major international exhibitions, has prompted Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to deepen its focus on four strategic sectors as the city bolsters its role as a business “super connector” between mainland China and the rest of the world.
During the financial year from July 2025 to June 2026, HKCEC hosted 786 events, comprising 128 exhibitions, 81 international and local conferences, as well as hundreds of corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events, said a spokesperson for the venue.
Attendance exceeded 7.7 million, boosted by 25 new conferences and exhibitions, including several making their Hong Kong or Asia debut.
The venue’s strategy has centred on attracting business in four sectors identified as drivers of future growth: medical, innovation and technology, finance and education. According to HKCEC management, these industries align closely with Hong Kong’s role as a conduit for investment, expertise and business opportunities between the Chinese mainland and overseas markets.
Monica Lee-Müller, managing director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), said: “Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantage as a gateway between Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world, HML has exemplified Hong Kong’s role as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Adder’ by strategically aligning our business development focus on four key sectors: Medical, Innovation and Technology, Finance, and Education, and secured some landmark debuts.
“We are thrilled that these inaugural events were met with resounding success and have already confirmed their return to the HKCEC next year.
Looking forward, we will continue to provide a world-class platform that empowers Mainland enterprises to go global while attracting international investment, creating a powerful engine for Hong Kong’s long-term economic growth.”
Among the most notable first-time events was Hong Kong Comic Con 2026, which organisers said demonstrated the commercial potential of launching major international intellectual properties in Hong Kong. Following a successful debut, the event has already confirmed its return to HKCEC in 2027.
The medical sector, one of the venue’s four priority areas, was particularly prominent. HKCEC hosted the 9th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery for the first time in Hong Kong, attracting more than 3,000 specialists and delegates from around the world.
The venue also welcomed the 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress, the first time the national medical association convention has been staged in Hong Kong. According to HKCEC, such events provide a platform for the exchange of expertise while helping mainland healthcare organisations and enterprises expand their international reach.
Innovation and technology has also emerged as a major growth area. New arrivals this year included LEAP East, the Asian edition of a major Middle Eastern technology exhibition, and the inaugural Global Unicorn Summit, both of which added to Hong Kong’s ambitions to become a regional hub for innovation-led events.
In the healthcare field, the venue further strengthened its credentials with the World Cancer Congress 2026, while later this year it will host the first Amazing Toy Show Hong Kong 2026.
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Looking ahead, several major events have already committed to future editions at the venue. Alongside the return of Hong Kong Comic Con in 2027, Art Basel Hong Kong will continue its long-standing presence at HKCEC after the organiser reached an agreement with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to keep the city as its sole Asian host destination over the next four years.
The city also secured a further boost with Vinexpo Asia, which will end its rotation with Singapore and establish Hong Kong as its home from next year.
