Hong Kong is strategically anchoring major international conventions and exhibitions to its vibrant calendar of mega lifestyle events
Hong Kong kicked off 2026 with strong momentum, hosting three record-breaking events in the medical, fintech, and education sectors in the first quarter alone, which drew over 20,000 professionals to the city.
Building on this strong foundation, the destination has secured another 57 major international business events set to bring around 130,000 high-yield visitors to Hong Kong in the coming years.
Marilyn Tham, Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) general manager, mega events, MICE & cruise, said: “As we look ahead, we are mindful that 2026 will continue to be shaped by global economic volatility and uncertainty. We will adopt a focused and collaborative approach, working closely with our trade partners to attract and support events of all scales.”
Tham noted that the city’s 2026 strategy centres on three goals: reinforcing its identity as “the world’s meeting place”, securing more incentive wins, and accelerating convention and exhibition acquisitions.
To achieve this, HKTB is targeting emerging regions like the Middle East, Russia, and India to capture new demand, while remaining agile through scenario planning in response to regional conflicts.
There is also a push to capture bleisure opportunities by integrating business programmes with signature local festivities.
For 2026, this includes an expanded Wine and Dine Festival and a new November Gourmet Month. As Tham suggested, these events – alongside the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races or the Hong Kong Cyclothon – add value to corporate itineraries by offering unique settings for gala dinners and teambuilding.
The HKTB further enhances this appeal through curated hospitality experiences for high-yield delegates.
Recent examples include open-top bus tours, Aqua Luna harbor cruises, and museum access for Asian Financial Forum attendees. Similarly, events like the Consensus Cup at Happy Valley Racecourse, and Art Basel Hong Kong for medical congress delegates demonstrate how the city successfully blends world-class sports and culture with major business gatherings.
Last February, the government also earmarked HK$100 million (US$12.8 million) in its new 2026/27 Budget for attracting large-scale international exhibitions.
Overall, 2026 is set to be a landmark year for Hong Kong’s business events landscape as several high-profile events return or make their debut.
From July 3 to 7, the city will host the Lions International Convention for the third time, expected to draw a record 16,000 overseas and Mainland Chinese attendees. Close on its heels is LEAP East (July 8 to 10), a major technology event expanding from the Middle East into Asia for the first time with an anticipated 20,000 participants.
The exhibition sector also sees a strong resurgence with the return of IAAPA Expo Asia (June 9 to 12) for the first time since 2018, alongside the 16th Worldwide Chinese Life Insurance Congress and International Dragon Award Annual Conference (August 7 to 10) – the region’s largest insurance gathering, which returns to the city for the first time since 2004 with 10,000 delegates.
The momentum carries into 4Q2026, where Hong Kong will take centrestage as a host for at least three government-led global events. These include the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting in October; 2026 Interpol General Assembly; and Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly, which will unite representatives from all 206 National Olympic Committees.
With these events in the pipeline, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers’ general manager, Michael Muller, is confident about the destination’s business events outlook.
He said: “Hong Kong entered 2026 with a robust pipeline of major international conferences, exhibitions and government‑led events. Hong Kong’s positioning as ‘The World’s Meeting Place’ is clearly resonating.”
Muller emphasised that remaining competitive requires reaching a more diverse range of travellers. To that end, the hotel has achieved a “CrescentRating of 3” for its Muslim-friendly hospitality standards.
Meanwhile, Christina Cheng, general manager of The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, contended that HKTB’s initiatives – ranging from an Art Month to Hong Kong Sevens – to enhance hallmark events “enrich the city’s appeal, offering business travellers a chance to experience Hong Kong’s dynamic lifestyle”.
The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong was part of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival last year, where the vibrant vibe and ambience delighted both locals and overseas guests.
“Overall, the outlook is very positive — Hong Kong’s expanding mega‑event calendar and rising global visibility are creating strong momentum for both leisure and business travel in the year ahead,” Cheng opined.
“The city’s strong performance in hosting high‑profile global events, improving air capacity, and sustained government and industry support for MICE are all driving renewed confidence among meeting planners,” added Muller.
Similarly, Simon Manning, managing director of Nina Hospitality, pointed out that the strategy to scale up mega-events is “effectively positioning Hong Kong as a premier destination”.
Manning noted that on its part, the company will be focusing on continuous product enhancement, including a “major lobby transformation in progress” for their flagship Tsuen Wan West property.
