AFTER A DECADE of service, I will step down from the role of Chairman of the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) at the next AGM with immense pride and a profound sense of gratitude.
It has been both an honour and a privilege to lead this organisation, and I am deeply thankful to the members who placed their faith in me five times over.
I hope that, through diligent work and steadfast commitment, I have repaid that trust – ensuring that the business of supporting Hong Kong’s exhibition and convention industry has continued as smoothly as possible, weathering local and global challenges to the best of our ability. This has been one of the professional highlights of my career, and despite the many obstacles encountered, I have thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the conversation and discovering creative solutions to overcome them.
Unified Voice Through Turbulent Times
The past decade has demonstrated, perhaps more clearly than ever, the value of a strong, unified industry association. During the pandemic, I was approached by several prominent players from related live-event sectors who lacked a similar organisation with a direct line to government. They had no established channel to address complex operational issues.
That experience underscored the critical role HKECIA plays – not only as a voice for the convention and exhibition industry, but as a bridge between stakeholders and policymakers, ensuring best practices are communicated and upheld.
The challenges we have faced have been constantly evolving. Trade wars and tariffs, social unrest, the implementation of the National Security Law, a global pandemic, and numerous smaller disputes among stakeholders have all tested our resilience.
In some cases, HKECIA acted as a mediator; in others, we advocated to government for increased support or legislative changes to ensure the smooth continuation of conventions and exhibitions.
During the pandemic, executive committee members and I devoted significant time to working with the government, articulating the potentially devastating impact of prolonged venue closures and the absence of in-person events.
We successfully obtained unparalleled financial support and assistance – over HK$3 billion in subsidies – as we began to reopen. We also navigated the complex process of gradually reopening while ensuring that individuals could attend live events safely and manageably, safeguarding public health while allowing business interactions to continue.
Striking that balance was challenging, but through persistent dialogue and careful explanation, we achieved the outcomes necessary for our survival. The venue subsidy schemes over the years have been instrumental in helping the industry return and re-establish itself.
Driving Sustainability and Digital Transformation
Sustainability and digital transformation are not merely trends; they are fundamental shifts that HKECIA has proactively embraced to keep our members relevant and competitive. Several years ago, we established a sustainability subcommittee within our executive committee.
Over the past five years, I have witnessed substantial improvements in exhibition construction, leading to a much more sustainable industry. Waste generated from exhibitions has been significantly reduced, with both organisers and venues moving away from unsustainable practices.
Today, almost all organisers and venues in Hong Kong have a good understanding of how to enhance their sustainable practices. The focus is now shifting towards exhibitors, whom we must guide on a journey to modify long-standing habits. This will take time, but we are progressing in the right direction.
Last year, we launched a new subcommittee for technology and innovation. We are living through an era of incredibly fast-changing technology, marked by the rise of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. It is essential for our members to understand what best practice looks like in this context. With this new subcommittee in place, we can expect a significant increase in technology-driven content at our annual conference and seminars, supporting all members in understanding and implementing best practices.
One key lesson stands out from my time guiding HKECIA through both growth and crisis: the importance of partnerships. Organisers, venues, contractors, and technology partners all rely on one another.
None of us can thrive without the support of the others. Understanding this interdependence and finding ways to collaborate more effectively – to solve problems and create the best exhibitions and conferences possible – is of vital importance.
More… Industry resilient but hurdles ahead
This gives me great encouragement, particularly during challenging times. All stakeholders in our industry strive to support one another, and in my experience, very few sectors collaborate as effectively as the exhibition industry. It has been a great privilege to be part of this and to build upon partnerships for mutual success.
Hong Kong has repeatedly demonstrated its status as one of the world’s most significant meeting places. The fundamental factors underpinning its success remain intact, with dedicated individuals in both government and private sectors working diligently to ensure that this success continues into the future.
While challenges will always arise, Hong Kong’s resilience and its unique ability to bring people together will ultimately ensure that it continues to deliver excellence. The outlook for the next decade and beyond is promising.
After ten years, I believe it is the right time for a change in leadership and the introduction of fresh ideas. This is an election year for HKECIA, and I have informed the Executive Committee that I will not be standing for re-election as Chairman. I hope to work closely with my successors to ensure a smooth handover.
Having served for more than three terms, and in the opinion of the ExCo having made extraordinary contributions to the Association’s mission, I have been confirmed as Honorary Life President of HKECIA. From this position, I will continue to support the new Chairman and the Association’s ongoing great work. It has been the honour of my career to serve, and I am sure that more great things are in store for Hong Kong’s exhibition industry.
In addition to his decade-long
chairmanship of HKECIA,
Stuart Bailey is founder and CEO
of Bailey Communications.
He has also been made
Honorary Life President of HKECIA
