The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA)’s latest annual exhibition survey revealed that Hong Kong hosted 121 large-scale exhibitions (those exceeding 2,000m2 of floor space) in 2024.
Notably, exhibitions categorised as “Trade” or “Trade and Consumer” saw a 9.6 per cent increase in number compared to 2023, signalling a continued rebound in the industry.
Of the 121 large-scale exhibitions, 80 were “Trade” and “Trade and Consumer” exhibitions and represented the focus of the survey. That number is up from 73 in 2023, reflecting the continuous progress of recovery of Hong Kong’s exhibition industry after the pandemic.
Attendee numbers at these exhibitions increased year-on-year, with the number of exhibiting companies rising by 13.9 per cent, from over 45,000 to nearly 52,000, while the number of visitors increased by 4.5 per cent to over 1.4 million. However, the exhibitor space rented by exhibitors decreased by 6.8 per cent to nearly 830,000m2.
Commenting on the survey results, HKECIA chairman Stuart Bailey noted that 2024 presented both achievements and challenges for the industry. He stated that the increase in exhibiting companies and visitors demonstrated the resilience of Hong Kong’s exhibition sector and the success of proactive recruitment efforts despite a difficult economic climate. However, a decline in rented exhibitor space indicated that companies reduced spending due to global economic uncertainty.
When the 2024 survey figures are placed against the pre-Covid figures for 2019, the total number of exhibitions has recovered to pre-Covid level, while exhibiting company and visitor participation lags behind 2019 figures by 25.1 per cent and 21.3 per cent, respectively.
Among all categories, the number of visitors from the Mainland attending “Trade’ and Trade and Consumer” exhibitions in Hong Kong in 2024 shows the encouraging recovery pace, growing by 21 per cent from 2023 and surpassing 2019 level by 9.2 per cent.
Bailey highlighted the significance of strong government support, particularly the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE), which has helped mitigate financial pressures for organisers. He emphasised that the survey results underscore the need for continued government assistance to maintain Hong Kong’s status as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia during this volatile period. The upcoming ISRE 2.0, launching in July, will extend funding to additional venues like the Central Harbourfront Event Space and West Kowloon Cultural District, reflecting the government’s commitment.
Given the impact of global trade tensions and a projected fall in merchandise trade volume in 2025, the industry strongly advocates for an extension of the scheme beyond 2026, and collaborative development of new initiatives to address ongoing challenges, he added.
