Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association

Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association
Name	Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association
Native name	香港展覽及會議業協會
Founded	19XX
Headquarters	Hong Kong
Region served	Hong Kong, Greater Bay Area
Membership	Exhibition organisers, convention centres, PCOs, exhibitors

Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association

The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association is a trade association representing exhibition organisers, convention bureaux, venue operators and supporting service providers in Hong Kong. It serves as an industry forum connecting stakeholders from Asia Expo-scale organisers, regional bodies such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation-related networks, and global organisations including the Union des Associations Internationales and the International Congress and Convention Association. The association liaises with entities like the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Macao Government Tourism Office, Guangdong Provincial Government agencies and private firms such as Messe Frankfurt, Reed Exhibitions, and Informa Markets.

History

The association was established amid a period of expansion for exhibition infrastructure in Hong Kong paralleling projects like the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre redevelopment and the opening of the AsiaWorld–Expo. Its founding members included operators linked to venues such as Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, exhibition organisers connected to Reed Exhibitions and UBM, and representatives from trade bodies like the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Over time it engaged with initiatives driven by the Hong Kong SAR Government, cross-border coordination with the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area plan, and cooperation with international bodies including the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services and the Global Association Hubs. The association’s timeline intersects with major events such as the staging of Art Basel Hong Kong, Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, and regional summits hosted at AsiaWorld–Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organization and Membership

Governance follows a board structure with representatives drawn from prominent organisations such as Hong Kong Trade Development Council, venue operators like AsiaWorld–Expo, event organisers including Informa Markets, service suppliers linked to GL Events, and public agencies similar to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Membership categories encompass corporate members (exhibition organisers, venue owners), associate members (professional congress organisers, freight forwarders, stand contractors), and affiliate members (trade associations, academic institutions such as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University). Committees mirror sub-sectors, for example committees on standards with input from bodies like ISO, committees on talent with partners such as The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and City University of Hong Kong, and committees on sustainability referencing frameworks from United Nations Environment Programme initiatives.

Functions and Activities

The association provides standards and best-practice guidance aligned with norms from the International Congress and Convention Association and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. It publishes guidance used by venue operators including Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre management, freight logistics partners like DHL Express affiliates, and exhibitor services linked to Giant Exhibits. It operates training programmes in collaboration with vocational bodies such as the Vocational Training Council and research units at City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University. The association convenes industry consultations with policy-makers, engages in crisis-response coordination involving emergency services like the Hong Kong Fire Services Department and health authorities modelled on protocols from the World Health Organization.

Industry Impact and Advocacy

Advocacy efforts have targeted public policy instruments affecting trade shows, drawing on comparative models from the Singapore Tourism Board, Dubai World Trade Centre, and Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The association has influenced infrastructure planning for venues akin to AsiaWorld–Expo expansion and logistics proposals referencing ports like Port of Hong Kong. It lobbies for regulatory clarity touching customs facilitation similar to arrangements between Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and Mainland customs authorities, labour policies referencing standards promoted by the International Labour Organization, and sustainability commitments aligned with frameworks such as the United Nations Global Compact and the Glasgow Climate Pact.

Events and Programs

The association organises signature industry forums, market intelligence briefings and professional development workshops, often featuring speakers from institutions like Informa Markets, Messe Frankfurt, Reed Exhibitions, and academic partners such as The University of Hong Kong. Regular events include trade-focused seminars timed with fairs such as Hong Kong Book Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair, Asia Fruit Logistica, and Art Basel delegations. Programs address topics ranging from digitalisation with vendors like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft partners, to sustainability initiatives referencing the Global Reporting Initiative and circular-economy pilots modelled on projects from Zero Waste Scotland.

Partnerships and International Relations

The association maintains memoranda of understanding and working relationships with international organisations including the International Congress and Convention Association, Union des Associations Internationales, and regional counterparts such as the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau. It collaborates on cross-border event promotion with the Macao Government Tourism Office, logistics coordination with shipping firms serving the Port of Shenzhen and Port of Hong Kong, and academic research with universities like The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and City University of Hong Kong. Multilateral engagement extends to participation in trade missions with bodies such as the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and event partnerships involving organisers like Clarion Events and Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo-linked forums.

Category:Trade associations in Hong Kong