AT THE recent AGM of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Industry Association, I presented the 2025 report – a year when Hong Kong’s exhibition industry gained momentum despite global economic uncertainty.
The city hosted 152 large-scale exhibitions (over 2,000 sqm), exceeding pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Trade and trade‑consumer events attracted 1.62 million visitors – an 87 per cent recovery compared with 2019. Total rented space exceeded 924,000 sqm, up 11.5 per cent.
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A key driver has been the Government’s Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE 2.0), helping organisers launch new fairs and expand existing ones.
However, exhibitor numbers in the trade segment fell 8 per cent to about 47,000, with declines across all regions – international markets down 18.8 per, Mainland China down 7.8 per cent, Hong Kong down 5.5 per cent.
It’s a huge honour to have been awarded the honour of Life President of the Association in recognition of my ten years as Chairman, I will continue to support the work of the association whenever called upon to do so.”
External pressures (global volatility, Middle East conflict, energy costs, tariff uncertainty) and internal funding changes (tighter criteria for the Branding, Upgrading and Development [BUD Fund], cancellation of the SME Export Marketing Fund) have reduced SME participation.
Visitor numbers rose 10.9 per cent to 1.62 million, but international visitors dropped 17.5 per cent, offset by double‑digit growth in local and regional visitors. Mainland China remains the standout – visitor numbers are 10 per cent above 2019 levels.
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Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s Trade Fair Capital is secure, thanks to regional growth and Greater Bay Area connectivity. But the decline in international participation is a concern: our unique strength is linking East and West, and we must protect it.
We urge the Government to work with the Association to develop new, sustainable support schemes to navigate economic volatility.
I am delighted to hand over the Chair to Wendy Lai (Vice President, Global Sources Exhibitions). She brings drive, determination and fresh ideas – and becomes our first female Chair. I wish her every success.
It has been an honour to serve for the past decade. Thank you to members, the Executive Committee, and all who supported me through social unrest, trade wars, the pandemic, and recovery. I am confident HKECIA will continue to lead, innovate, and build a resilient future for Hong Kong’s MICE industry.
Main picture… Stuart Bailey and Wendy Lai (centre) are joined by Gil Schorr, of MCH Group Asia, and Monica Lee-Müller, of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
