HKCEC hosts 786 events in FY2024/25

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Hong Kong, 16th September: The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) reported the venue hosted a total of 786 events during the fiscal year 2024-2025 (from July 2024 to June 2025), welcoming over 7.8 million of attendance.

Of the 786 events, 120 were exhibitions, 90 were international and local conferences, the remaining were corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events. A total of 11 new exhibitions and 20 new conferences were held at the HKCEC for the first time.

Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), the professional and private management company of the HKCEC, commented, “I’m proud that our targeted business development strategy, and the efficiency and professionalism of our operation workforce, have enabled us to secure several new exhibitions as well as retaining many long-established ones. We are encouraged to see these results which reflect that Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a super connector for hosting international events remain and reaffirm the HKCEC’s position as an ideal choice for exhibition and event organisers looking for a world-class venue, professional services and comprehensive solutions.”

According to the HKCEC, several new exhibitions and conferences will be held at the venue in the coming fiscal year.

Pico Thailand posts decrease in revenues and profits

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Bangkok, 12th September: Last week, Pico Thailand, the Thai-listed subsidiary of Pico Far East Holdings, released its financial results for the quarter ended 31st July 2025. Revenues in the quarter were US$9.1 million, which dropped 33% year-on-year. In the same period, the company posted a net profit of US$404,000, decreased by 12% from the same quarter in 2024.

The company attributed the decrease in revenues to rescheduling some projects from the third quarter last year to the fourth quarter this year, and also the completion of the implementation of most projects last year.

Pico Thailand also announced its results for the nine months ended 31st July. Revenues in the nine-month period were US$25 million, down 16% year-on-year. The company posted a net loss of US$258,000 in the first nine months of the financial year 2024-2025, compared with a profit of US$526,000 in the same period of last year.

2025 Policy Address supports continued growth

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Hong Kong, 17th September: Earlier this week, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive, John Lee, delivered the 2025 Policy Address, outlining initiatives, including deepening international exchange and cooperation and supporting mainland enterprises in overseas expansion, which injects strong momentum into Hong Kong’s continued growth.

According to the 2025 Policy Address, the government will establish the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global to setting up the Economic and Trade Express, from injecting HK$1.42 billion (US$183 million) into the BUD Fund to supporting the HKTDC’s E-Commerce Express and Hong Kong Shopping Festival. The GoGlobal Task Force will also be launched to be steered by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, the Economic and Trade Express jointly formed by Economic and Trade Offices as well as overseas offices of InvestHK and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, was quoted, “Amid significant changes in international trade and supply chains, the HKTDC will leverage its network of 51 offices in mainland and overseas as well as years of experience in business matching through conferences and exhibitions. We will actively support the initiatives proposed in the Policy Address and work closely with relevant departments to capitalise on Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a connector linking Mainland China and the world.”

New Zealand government new investment for events and tourism

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New Zealand, 15th September: The New Zealand government released a new investment package for the events and tourism sectors, costing NZ$70 million (US$42 million).

According to Louise Upston, tourism and hospitality minister, the funding is designed to drive economic activity to help New Zealand compete for large-scale international events.

The new package includes NZ$40 million to attract major international events from 2026 onwards; NZ$10 million to support existing events and draw in new international opportunities; NZ$10 million for a regional tourism campaign aimed at international visitors; and NZ$10 million for upgrades to tourism infrastructure.

The New Zealand Events Association’s (NZEA) general manager Elaine Linnell, said, “We are delighted the government has recognised the vital role events play in driving both economic growth and international tourism.”

Quick takes

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Terrapinn acquires EV Charging Summit & Expo

International exhibition organiser, Terrapinn, announced the acquisition of EV Charging Summit & Expo (EVCS), a leading charging infrastructure event in North America. EVCA is an annual conference and trade show held in Las Vegas, featuring over 250 exhibitors and over 5,000 delegates, bringing together the community of charge point operators across North America. No financial details of the acquisition were released.

CEIR: continue challenges for exhibition industry

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released its latest Q2 2025 Index Report, showing the Total Index was 8.4% below Q2 2019, and declined 7.7% year-on-year. In terms of the four components of the Total Index, Attendees was down 3.7% from Q2 2019, Net Square Feet was 4.9% below, Exhibitors declined 8.8%, while Real Revenues dropped 15.6%.

Zia Daniell Wigder rejoins Hyve

Hyve, international exhibition organiser, announced Zia Daniell Wigder rejoined the company as Global President, Connect Commerce, a new division uniting Shoptalk, Groceryshop, POSSIBLE, and Manifest into one portfolio. Connected Commerce will focus on the following under Zia’s leadership: Building deeper partnerships with the world’s leading companies; Delivering more integrated and consistent customer experiences; and Continuing to shape the value of connections that only B2B events can deliver.

Koelnmesse expands international business

International exhibition organiser, Koelnmesse, announced expansion of its international business in the year. ORGATEC WORKSPACE Saudi Arabia will launch on 16th September 2025 in Riyadh, brining the expertise of the ORGATEC Cologne to the Middle East. FSB Sports Show Riyadh and International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia concluded in June 2025, attracting 13,110 trade visitors. The company will launch six international trade fairs by the end of the year, including in India and Indonesia.