Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association’s (HKECIA) chairman Stuart Bailey has decided to step down after a decade-long stint, believing that it is the right time for a change in leadership and the introduction of fresh ideas. He reflected on key achievements and shared how the Association remains relevant to the evolving industry
What does this 10-year chairmanship mean to you?
It has been both an honour and a privilege to serve as the chairman of HKECIA for the past 10 years.
I am deeply grateful to the members who placed their faith in me and elected me to this position five times. I hope that, over the years, I have repaid their trust by working diligently to ensure that the business of supporting the exhibition and convention industry in Hong Kong has continued as smoothly as possible, weathering local and global challenges to the best of our ability.
This has been one of the professional highlights of my career. Despite the various challenges that have arisen, I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the conversation and discovering creative solutions to overcome these obstacles.
Looking back, how do you see the evolution of the exhibition industry in Hong Kong, and in what ways has HKECIA remained relevant to its members and the wider industry?
HKECIA serves as the most powerful unified voice for the convention and exhibition industry. During the pandemic, I was approached by several prominent players from related sectors representing live events, as they lacked a similar organisation with a direct line of communication to the government to address complex operational issues. This experience underscored for me the significance and strength of having an established Association that can advocate for our industry and ensure best practices are communicated to all stakeholders.
What key challenges are event organisers currently facing in Hong Kong, and how is HKECIA helping members tackle them?
One of the most interesting aspects of working for the Association is that the challenges we face are constantly evolving. During my tenure as chairman, we have encountered trade wars and tariffs, social unrest, a global pandemic, and numerous smaller disputes among industry stakeholders.
In some respects, the Association’s role is to act as a mediator in these disagreements; in others, it is to advocate to the government for increased support or legislative changes to ensure the smooth continuation of conventions and exhibitions. During the pandemic, several other executive committee members and I devoted significant time to working with the government to articulate the potentially devastating impact of closing venues, and the absence of in-person events for extended periods.
We successfully obtained unparalleled support and financial assistance as we began to reopen. We also navigated challenges such as ensuring that individuals could attend live events in a safe and manageable manner, safeguarding public health while allowing business interactions to continue.
Striking this balance was undoubtedly difficult, but through persistent dialogue, we were able to achieve the outcomes necessary for our survival. In particular, the venue subsidy schemes over the years have been instrumental in helping the industry re-establish itself.
Sustainability and digital transformation are major trends in the events sector. How is HKECIA addressing these issues to keep members competitive?
Sustainability and digital transformation are undeniably significant trends, and the HKECIA has taken a proactive approach to ensure we remain at the forefront of these developments.
A few years ago, we established a sustainability subcommittee as part of our executive committee. Over the past five years, I have witnessed substantial improvements in exhibition construction, leading to a much more sustainable industry. Waste has been reduced significantly, with both organisers and venues moving away from unsustainable practices.
We are currently in a phase where most organisers and venues have a solid understanding of how to enhance their sustainability. The focus is now shifting towards exhibitors, whom we need to guide on a journey to modify their habits rather than simply building booths the way they always have. This will take time, but we are progressing in the right direction.
Last year, we also launched a new subcommittee for technology and innovation. We are living through an incredibly fast-changing era marked by the rise of artificial intelligence. It is essential for our members to understand what best practice entails in this context. With this new subcommittee in place, we expect to see a significant increase in technology-driven content at our HKECIA annual conferences and seminars.
What lessons have you learned about guiding an industry association through both growth and crisis?
It is a challenging question, as I have learned a great deal while navigating the complex issues I mentioned.
One key theme all our members should remember is the importance of partnerships. Organisers, venues, contractors, and technology partners all rely on one another; none of us can thrive in isolation. Understanding this interdependence and finding ways to collaborate more effectively to solve problems is vital.
This gives me great encouragement, particularly during challenging times. All stakeholders in our industry strive to support one another, and in my experience, very few industries collaborate as effectively as the exhibition industry.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for Hong Kong’s exhibition and convention industry in the next decade?
Hong Kong has repeatedly demonstrated its status as one of the most significant meeting places in the world.
The fundamental factors underpinning our success remain intact, with dedicated individuals in both the government and private sectors working to ensure this continues. I believe the outlook for the next decade and beyond is promising. While challenges will always arise, Hong Kong’s resilience and its ability to bring people together will ultimately ensure it continues to deliver excellence.
What’s next for you?
This is an election year for HKECIA, and I have already informed the ExCo that I will not be standing for re-election as chairman. I hope to work closely with my successors to ensure a smooth handover.
Having served more than three terms, and in the opinion of the ExCo having made extraordinary contributions to the Association’s mission, it has been confirmed that I will be appointed as honorary life president of HKECIA. From this position, I look forward to supporting the new chairman and the Association’s ongoing work.
