Convention centres across Asia-Pacific are embracing innovation to create more efficient, engaging, and environmentally responsible events
Convention centres are constantly evolving to meet the dynamic demands of the events industry.
From integrating cutting-edge technology and prioritising accessibility to embracing sustainable practices and creation of loyalty programmes, these venues throughout Asia-Pacific constantly invest in infrastructure upgrades and programmes to deliver exceptional experiences.
Cairns Convention Centre, Australia
The Cairns Convention Centre reopened in 2023 after a A$176 million (US$116 million) expansion, equipped with the latest technology and amenities.
Janet Hamilton, general manager of the venue, said: “The state-of-the-art Meyer Audio System in the Auditorium and Trinity Room provides high-end room coverage, ensuring every word and note is heard with crystal clarity, no matter where you are seated. These upgrades, part of the Centre’s expansion, were essential to provide clients with superior audio quality, ultimately enhancing the overall event experience.”
She added: “Our audiovisual team has been utilising a new software programme, Vectorworks Spotlight, which creates 3D views of clients’ floor plans. This tool helps visualise event setups by generating detailed and accurate designs of stages, lighting, and more, enabling our team to present realistic visualisations of the clients designs. This aids in effectively communicating ideas and streamlining the approval and sign-off process.”
Cairns Convention Centre also prioritises accessibility and inclusion. sAll seating areas and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible, and dedicated wheelchair spaces are available. A Changing Place facility is located on the Mezzanine Level, and Braille signage is present throughout the venue. The venue also supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, enabling patrons to discreetly indicate their need for assistance.
Noticing the growing emphasis on sustainability and legacy integration, the venue has partnered with Reforest to offer clients a carbon removal and nature repair programme. This platform calculates an event’s carbon footprint, helps offset it, and shares the story of the locally planted trees in the Cairns region. This initiative supports wildlife protection efforts – including the tree kangaroo in the Mabi Rainforest – allowing clients to host eco-friendly conferences effortlessly.
The Cairns Convention Centre is gearing up for “an exciting year in 2025”, with a full calendar of events including the Congress of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association (April 9-12); and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Annual Scientific Meeting (May 2-6). – Rachel AJ Lee
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Thailand
The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) offers a thoroughly modern experience, thanks to its extensive 2022 revitalisation.
“(Since then), QSNCC has continued to build up its credentials on its capacity to accommodate events of all kinds and all scales,” shared Surapol Utintu, CEO of N.C.C. Management and Development, QSNCC’s operator.
In 2024, QSNCC launched an innovative loyalty programme for event organisers, a first for the industry. The Loyalty Program – which has already been engaged at several events such as the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo Asia 2024 – enables members to track their spending in real time and instantly redeem points earned, without limits, for benefits such as rooms at partnering hotels, digital media, and gift vouchers for services and restaurants at the convention centre.
“The implementation of the Loyalty Program helps us create a more rewarding customer experience. This sets us apart and will lead to enhanced customer satisfaction, enriching our relationship with all our existing customers and attracting new ones,” added Surapol.
The centre’s achievements include winning the bid to host the inaugural Money 20/20 Asia show for three consecutive years from 2024 to 2026, and hosting Devcon 7: Southeast Asia 2024, which spanned three floors of the convention centre and drew over 12,500 participants.
Beyond business events, QSNCC is diversifying as an entertainment hub, exemplified by the Billkin & PP Krit Double Trouble Concert, which welcomed more than 40,000 fans over two nights and showcased the venue’s state-of-the-art lighting system, sound capabilities, and new stage design.
“As the largest concert in the venue’s history, this event truly demonstrated our versatility as more than just a convention centre for MICE events,” said Surapol.
QSNCC has also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability with initiatives such as partnering with petroleum and energy conglomerate Bangchak Corporation in its Fry to Fly and No Refry campaigns to convert used cooking oil into sustainable aviation fuel. – Anne Somanas
Tokyo Big Sight, Japan
The largest international exhibition centre in Japan, this facility on the Tokyo Bay waterfront has a total exhibition area of 115,420m2, comprising 16 halls and 24 conference rooms that together hold approximately 300 events every year.
In 2025, Tokyo Big Sight is continuing hardware upgrades to increase sustainability and safety and to better meet the needs of meetings and users.
“In terms of venue management, we are updating ageing core facilities and improving their functions through the large-scale renovation of facilities that began in December 2023,” said Nobuhiro Maeda, president and CEO of Tokyo Big Sight.
“In the International Conference Hall and Reception Hall, which reopened last year, we have reinforced the earthquake resistance of ceilings and completely refurbished carpets, and are also renovating restroom interiors and switching to LED lighting.”
To carry out the work, Tokyo Big Sight plans to partially close the West Exhibition Hall from January to June, and East Exhibition Halls 1-3 from July.
Maeda is expecting growth in events at the facility this year, noting that “2025 will see a re-evaluation of the significance and value of face-to-face gatherings”, with greater demand for in-person meetings and the exhibition of physical products – although he expects there will still be hybrid events due to their popularity in recent years.
This year, Tokyo Big Sight will host the 15th Education Expo Japan (April 23-25); the 23rd Health Food Exposition & Conference (May 21-23); and the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025 (June 18-20). – Kathryn Wortley
AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong
A recent US$128 million investment has transformed AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) into a cutting-edge venue, incorporating advanced digital innovations and smart venue standards.
Among the key improvements is a new 24/7 online service ordering system, empowering organisers, exhibitors, and contractors to conveniently place and manage service orders from their mobile devices, anytime and anywhere. This digital upgrade streamlines communication, boosts operational efficiency, and reinforces AWE’s commitment to sustainability.
Additionally, smart rubbish bins equipped with sensors for weight, odour, and fill level significantly elevate its waste management capabilities, whereas the new Smart Vehicular Management system streamlines vehicle access, enhances security, and simplifies communication, ensuring smooth logistics at events.
Recognising the needs of visitors from South-east Asia, and the Middle East, AWE now offers dedicated prayer rooms and an expanded selection of certified Halal food and beverage options.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, AWE anticipates a surge in both exhibitors and visitors, particularly in the aviation and technology sectors.
Four concurrent Tech Expos are making their foray into Hong Kong: Build4Asia 2025 (Building, Electrical Engineering and Security Industries) from March 15-17; along with The Battery Show Asia, Mobility Tech Asia, and the brand-new Data Center Asia. The latter three are all holding their first Asian edition in Hong Kong from July 15-17.
Other notable events include the Asian debut of Connect Marketplace (March 19-21) and the return of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s (UFI) 92nd Global Congress to the Asia-Pacific region since 2019, taking place at AWE from November 19-22.
Looking ahead, AWE is poised to benefit from the expansion of Airport City (now Skytopia), particularly through the upcoming Phase 2 development.
Slated to open in 2028, this phase will feature a 20,000-seat arena, the city’s largest indoor multipurpose performance space, and expand AWE’s convention and exhibition space from 70,000m2 to 100,000m2. – Prudence Lui
