By the end of its fiscal year on 30 June, the HKCEC achieved the second best results in its history in terms of revenue and attendance -- despite beginning the year under the recent shadow of SARS. The HKCEC hosted 125 trade and public exhibitions, 95 of which utilised 2,000 square metres or above of gross exhibition space, including 27 over 10,000 square metres. Besides welcoming back some 80% of major exhibitions previously held at the HKCEC, it managed to attract a further seven first-time international trade exhibitions. It also went on to improve its overall weighted occupancy to 55%, a sign that if exhibition organisers and visitors have the chance to come to Hong Kong and the HKCEC, they will!

One key to the HKCEC's success has been ensuring clients have access to the very best deals. The Centre kept rental rates and event service fees unchanged from 2002, reduced rental rates on many equipment items for hire, and continued to offer generous discounts for most events held in low-season months. It also implemented a new policy allowing flexible progressive take-up of exhibition hall space, a popular move for organisers because it gives them greater flexibility to plan and sell space for events.

The physical fabric of the Centre is another big draw for exhibitors and visitors, and many ongoing improvements were made to keep the building performing at optimum levels. Amongst them, a more prominent, user-friendly event directory was mounted at the Harbour Road Entrance, a 3,200 seat retractable telescopic seating system was installed in Hall 3, and 'Skyway', an open-air cocktail and leisure space, was created on the roof. The Centre also continued its extensive programme of upgrading catering and restaurant services and event equipment.

"The HKCEC is not a place to rest on its laurels," says Managing Director Cliff Wallace. "I'm pleased we've achieved so much in a year that started with uncertainties, but we won't be sitting back. We're fortunate to have had such loyal clients, even during the toughest times. We know what they expect of us and are working hard to make the coming year better still!"