Please visit our website at www.hkcec.com for Event Calender and Fair Preview

HOFEX 2005 10-13 May 2005 A Feast at HOFEX

Sixteen years. 30,000 square metres. 2,000 exhibitors, and 30,000 trade visitors. It's one of the largest and most prestigious fairs of its kind in the world, and one of this year's exhibition highlights in Hong Kong. It's HOFEX 2005, the 11th Asian International Exhibition of Food & Drink, Hotel, Restaurant & Foodservice Equipment, Supplies & Services. Held this year from 10 - 13 May, HOFEX as usual has come up with a number of innovations that are expanding its appeal even further. 45 national groups will be supporting the show and setting up themed national pavilions. There will be a new 'Tea and Coffee Village' acting as a forum for suppliers and buyers of these quintessential beverages, not to mention a 'Wine and Spirits Square' that will work along similar lines. A number of other themed forums will take place, supported by some fantastic competitions. Also new this year is a collaboration with the Hostec-Asia exhibition and conference, co-organised with Accuvia. Hostec-Asia@ HOFEX will bring together suppliers, buyers, distributors and consultants to discuss the latest trends in the hospitality technology sector. Its presence at HOFEX will take the event to a new level, opening up some exciting possibilities for development in the industry. Organiser Hong Kong Exhibition Services says excitement about May's show is palpable, with visitors impatient to arrive and not only do business, but have perennial inspiration.

For more information, please visit www.hofex.com

Christie's Spring Auctions 2005 29 May - 1 Jun 2005 Jewel in the Crown

Fundamentally, auctions are about selling objects. But at their highest level they can be unique manifestations of culture, taste and historical preservation. At this level they are also superb social events. From May this year, top international auction house Christie's Hong Kong auctions will take place at the HKCEC. This is the very first time the HKCEC has been selected as Christie's auction venue. The first prestigious event to come is the Christie's 2005 Spring Asian Art, Jewellery, and Watches Auctions. From 27 May to 1 June, the Centre will be transformed into the centre of the Asian art world, with Spring auction highlights including The Imperial Sale of superb Chinese Imperial ceramics and works of art, and the Magnificent Jewellery and Jadeite Jewellery Sale of gemstone, diamond and jadeite pieces. Last year, Christie's broke all records with its Hong Kong auctions, pulling in a phenomenal HK$1.39 billion from its Spring and Autumn editions. Operating on a much larger scale in 2005, they have put together collections that look like they could challenge this figure, and which will attract attention worldwide. Record numbers of bidders are expected. Highlights of the sale will be on display at the HKCEC on the 27 and 28 May.

For detailed schedule, please visit www.christies.com

'Nude', by celebrated artist Lin Fengmain (1900-1991), is one of the many glorious pieces up for auction at Christie's Hong Kong sale of 'Fine Modern and Contemporary Chinese Paintings' on 29 May. Estimate: HK$300,000-HK$400,000 (US$38,700 - US$51,600)	A magnificent pair of Imperial famille rose fahua-style jars and covers, Qianlong impressed six-character seal marks and of the period (1736-1795) 8 1/8 in. (20.7 cm.) high. This is one of the items at Christie's Hong Kong sale of The Imperial Sale on 30 May 2005. Estimate on request.

Aircraft Interiors Expo - Asia 14-16 Sept 2005 Interiors above the Clouds

In a world criss-crossed with airline flight paths, the number of aeroplanes and flights operating in Asia has boomed in recent years. That rapid development is behind the decision of UKIP Media & Events to supplement their popular annual Aircraft Interiors Expo held in Hamburg with a new Asia version, coming to Hong Kong from 14 to 16 September. The organiser says the growth of air travel around Asia and particularly in China is leading to big demand for aircraft interior fit-outs in the region. Since many of the existing exhibitors at the Hamburg event already have their primary markets in Asia, the launch of a new expo in Asia seemed the natural move and the choice of Hong Kong and HKCEC an obvious strategic decision. "Demand has been fantastic," said a UKIP spokesman. "We've attracted huge support from the industry for this Asia show, and we're expecting it to be a great success." The Aircraft Interiors Expo-Asia will feature all the latest advances in aircraft interiors design and technology, covering everything from seating, in-flight entertainment systems, lighting, galley equipment and flooring through to fabrics, laminates and latest generation food service and cabin comfort products.

For event information, please visit www.aircraftinteriors-expo.com/asia

IAAPA Asian Expo 2005 13-15 Jul 2005 For Your Amusement...

Did you know that five out of the ten most visited amusement parks in the world are in Asia? Or that the Asian amusement industry is predicted to attract revenues of US$7.6 billion dollars by 2008? These are facts and figures that are of special interest to the participants in the IAAPA Asian Expo 2005, an exhibition that is coming back to Hong Kong and the HKCEC in July after having been held last year in Singapore. Organised by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the event is the amusement industry's largest gathering in Asia, and Hong Kong's financial strength and role as a regional hub was an important factor in this year's relocation. The Expo is designed to provide the perfect opportunity for industry professionals to showcase their expertise and their excellence in setting up and running all kinds of amusement operations. Besides the popular trade show section of the Expo, this year's event includes value-added extras such as educational sessions and tours to amusement facilities. Who says industry exhibitions can't be fun?

For event details, please visit www.iaapaexpo.com

Hospitality Design Asia 23-24 Jun 2005 Design Dreams

What makes the difference between a hospitality venue where you feel ordinary and one that takes your breath away? Often it all has to do with how the place has been designed. The combination of materials, textures, lighting and colours can transform the most ordinary venue into a magnet for customers. That's the rationale behind Hospitality Design Asia (HD Asia), a brand new trade fair coming to the HKCEC and aimed specifically at the products, services and ideas behind hospitality design. Catering for venues as diverse as hotels, restaurants, café, casinos, spas and cruise ships, the fair will showcase the latest and best in design within the industry. The HD Asia exhibition and conference is organised by VNU Exhibitions Asia, who are expecting a high turnout. "We've got an immense range of products and services lined up," said a spokesman, "You'll be able to find everything from lighting to textiles, from carpets to furniture. Art, accessories, bath fixtures, wall coverings, and architectural products: they're all part of the show." Backed by Hong Kong's strategic location at the heart of Asia and the prestige of the HD brand within the hospitality design world, the organiser is confident this show will meet a real need in Asia.

For more information, please visit www.hdasiaexpo.com

Logistics Hong Kong 14-16 Sept 2005 The Logical Place for Logistics

Given its world role as an exporter and key intermediary between China and the rest of the world, Hong Kong perhaps relies on the logistics industry more than any other comparable trading location. In recognition of the size and sophistication of the Hong Kong and regional logistics market, Logistics Hong Kong was launched in 2004 to bring together players from every level of the industry. It was a good move: the inaugural event attracted well over 2,000 delegates and around 60 exhibiting and sponsoring companies from 29 countries and regions. Following on from this successful start, the second Logistics Hong Kong 2005 exhibition and high-level logistics conference will be held at the HKCEC from 14 to 16 September 2005. The event will bring together logistics providers from Asia and further afield and will include representatives from ports, shipping lines, airports and airlines, freight forwarders and road hauliers. An invaluable opportunity for businesses to penetrate the Mainland market, Logistics Hong Kong is seen as the premier event for businesses involved in logistics in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Organiser Informa Maritime and Transport says that last year's event generated a lot of interest worldwide, and they expect this year's version to be bigger and better still.

For more information, please visit www.logistics-hk.com