One thing that sets first-class exhibition and conference centres from their competitors is the extent to which it can add value to their customers' events. At the HKCEC, we've been doing this by investing in staff, technology, renovation,and redesign for seventeen years, keeping the Centre at the leading edge when it comes to providing what clients want.

For some time now, our biggest clients have told us they need more space, with some major peak season fairs running up long exhibitor waiting lists. Now, we're ready to get it. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Centre's owners, have announced approval to expand the HKCEC's exhibition space by around 40%, in an ambitious building project starting next year that should reach completion by early 2009. By expanding, we're doing all we can to help our clients' business grow, too.

HKCEC Managing Director Mr Cliff Wallace is enthusiastic about the project, both for its contribution to Hong Kong's exhibition industry and as an example of thoughtful urban planning. "There's no doubt that size matters in this industry," he notes, "and the proliferation of new exhibition facilities in the region is giving organisers more and more options. Our expansion means we will continue to hold the advantage of providing high-quality, strategically located exhibition facilities that can cater to the very largest international events."

"No reclamation is involved in this project, and no new roads will be built either," says Mr Wallace on the project's public impact. "And although we are adding nearly 20,000 square meters of exhibition space to the Centre (equivalent to around 1,000 extra exhibition stands), the visual impact of the extension will be minimal." Similar low-key strategies will help minimise the effect of construction on exhibitions over the next few years. Analysts suggest short-term disruption will be offset by substantial long-term gains, however, with the new extension estimated to bring over HK$40 billion in extra economic benefits to Hong Kong by 2024 and generate around 92,000 extra jobs.