HKCEC Retains Top Title

It's six in a row for the HKCEC! Industry heavyweights in the region have voted the HKCEC "Best Convention and Exhibition Centre in Asia Pacific" for the sixth consecutive year in the recently released 2008 Industry Survey, conducted by CEI Asia Pacific magazine, a regional leading convention, exhibition and incentive industry publication.

More than 60% of the 360-plus respondents, who are key decision-makers and influencers, ranked the HKCEC as their preferred venue in the region, according to the survey. The award affirms the global reputation for excellence of HKCEC's facilities and services amid the increasing competition from new and expanding venues in the region.

Big Conferences Coming to Town

It may be an unlucky number for some, but 13 is definitely a mark of success for HKCEC. A total of 13 regional and international conferences, all of which expect at least 1,000 delegates each, have been confirmed for 2008. Among those comindg up shortly are the World Ophthalmology Congress 2008 (WOC) and Evolution - Asia Yoga Conference.

WOC 2008, to be held at the Centre from 28 June to 2 July, is expecting more than 10,000 delegates. Research and technological advancements are constantly bringing new developments to the field of ophthalmology. WOC offers a superb channel for the dissemination of information on the latest advancements. The organisers of the five-day event have put together a quality scientific programme featuring an array of world-renowned experts. The meetings offer great opportunities for the exchange of ideas and the sharing of knowledge, as well as the chance to network and forge future collaboration. The organisers' goal is to help facilitate improved treatments and in turn benefit millions of individuals suffering from eye diseases. In addition, 150 companies from 16 countries and regions are showcasing their latest products, including equipment, instruments, implants, lasers, drugs and publications.

Yoga's origins are in India, and while the practice has been popular in the West for many years, it is now becoming hugely popular in East Asia. Evolution - Asia Yoga Conference takes place at HKCEC from 3 to 6 July, and is expecting 3,500 participants, building on the success of the debut conference held in 2007, attended by more than 2,000 delegates. The event aims at promoting a better understanding of yoga, and is designed to appeal to everyone from novices up to advanced practitioners. At least 160 classes will be held, taught by acclaimed international yoga masters, catering to all levels and styles of yoga. As well as appealing to practitioners of yoga, the Conference also targets those involved in running yoga studios and other fitness facilities, as well as anyone interested in general wellness and holistic activities.

Staff Grow with Exhibition Business

Patricia Wong, Marketing and Sales Deputy Manager

The HKCEC marketing and sales team certainly have much to celebrate — thanks to the success in bringing eight new exhibitions to the Centre and being voted again as the Best Convention and Exhibition Centre in the Asia Pacific. But they also have another reason for good cheer, as one of the team has been promoted. Miss Patricia Wong, who joined the HKCEC as sales manager in 2001, plays a key role in the exhibition team, and in March was named Marketing and Sales Deputy Manager. Her new role sees her working with colleagues to manage the Centre's large portfolio of exhibitions. Besides this, she will be responsible for the forward planning and scheduling of major events, and for developing new business through contacts and promotional activities, especially with organisers from Europe, the US, and Mainland China.

Hong Kong Steps Up Efforts to Draw International Events

There's been a lot of buzz in the exhibition, convention and tourism industries following the recent budget speech of the Hong Kong Government. Delivered by Mr John Tsang, Financial Secretary, the speech contained several key points that represent good news for Hong Kong's exhibition and convention industries as well as the HKCEC.

The government is seeking to host more mega international conventions and exhibitions and will be stepping up efforts in overseas promotions intended to bring more high value-added business travellers to Hong Kong. It has proposed to allocate an additional HK$150 million (US$19.2 million) for the coming five years to achieve this.

The hotel accommodation tax is set to be waived in order to enhance the competitiveness of the hotel industry, which will have a knock-on effect for the convention and exhibition business. In addition, 10 sites in the HKSAR have been earmarked for the construction of different types of hotels to meet demand. Duty on wine and beer has also been abolished — as well as providing a boost for the leisure sector of the economy in general; this will also give Hong Kong an edge as a wine trading centre, leading to more wine-related activities such as auctions and exhibitions.

Industries players including the HKCEC are geared up to join hand with the government to attract more high-quality conventions and exhibitions. Mr Cliff Wallace, HKCEC Managing Director, welcomes the initiatives proposed by the government. He says, "I am confident that with concerted efforts from the industries and government departments, the city will be able to strengthen Hong Kong's brand globally and to attract more international trade exhibitions and major conventions. We have the edge here. With centralised resources and support from all parties, further enhancement of infrastructure and service quality, Hong Kong will meet challenges and remain the first choice of international event organisers."

For full version of the Budget Speech, please visit http://www.budget.gov.hk/2008/eng/speech.html

Top of the Free

For the 14th straight year, Hong Kong has been named the world's freest economy in a study released by Washington-based think tank, the Heritage Foundation. The Index of Economic Freedom assesses 157 economies according to 10 economic freedom factors. Hong Kong scored top marks on trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom and property rights, and also scored highly on government size, monetary freedom and labour freedom. The city's simple business regulations and highly flexible labour market were also well regarded, and the report noted that investment in Hong Kong is strongly encouraged with virtually no restrictions on foreign capital.

Source: http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/topten.cfm

Trimming Waste - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Amid concerns expressed by the exhibition industry in Hong Kong regarding environmental issues, the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) has established an environment sub-committee. Its members will address these concerns and discuss how event organisers, contractors and venues can work together to reduce waste generated from exhibitions and events.

One of the tasks of the sub-committee is to compile statistics on the waste generated by mega exhibitions, so we can better understand what we are up against. Members have already visited a carpet supplier to assess how a more environmentally friendly floor covering for exhibitions can be developed, while non-carpet alternatives will also be investigated. Other initiatives include looking for alternatives and/or possible ways for recycling of PVC banners; and the drafting of guidelines for organisers and contractors to take a lead in reducing the amount of waste generated at shows.

The sub-committee has devised a number of guidelines for everyone involved in the exhibition business, based around "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle". The guidelines are now available on HKECIA website http://www.exhibitions.org.hk/info/Environmental_Committee_green.pdf