Vinexpo Asia-Pacific (23-25 May 2006) Spirits of Enterprise

Wines and spirits represent one of the Asia Pacific region's real growth markets, with Mainland China a specially important area of expansion. That's the reason French organiser Vinexpo Overseas SAS decided to bring the renowned Vinexpo Asia-Pacific trade show back to Hong Kong, the hub of the Asian wine and spirits trade, in 2006 (the show previously ran at the HKCEC in 1998). Vinexpo Asia-Pacific ran from 23 to 25 May, and on the evidence of buyers and sellers alike, it was a great success. The statistics tell the story: with 568 exhibitors from 28 nations, the Centre was like one of the world's greatest wine stores, and the 6,883 visitors helped create a bubbling atmosphere for trade. Nearly 6,000 bottles of wine and spirits were offered for tasting during the show, and a great deal of business was done over brimming glasses.

The show was dominated by European wines and spirits, from France, Italy, Spain and Germany, but there were also exhibitors from the US and rising New World star Argentina. Asia also produces wine and spirits, and there were small but impressive contributions from China, Korea, India and Japan amongst others. The visitor profile showed that attendees were as varied as exhibitors in their origins. 45% of visitors came from Hong Kong and Macau, with 54% arriving from elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region. First in visitor numbers was Mainland China, a sign both of the booming economy there and of an increasing interest in the enjoyment of good wines and spirits.

Asian Elenex 2006 /
Asian Building Technologies 2006 /
Asia Securitex 2006
(7-9 June 2006)

Three-in-one Winner

Organiser Hong Kong Exhibition Services Ltd (an Allworld Exhibitions member) hosted its popular three-in-one industrial trade show at the HKCEC from 7 to 9 June 2006. Combining Asian Elenex, Asian Building Technologies and Asian Securitex, the comprehensive show covered everything that could be needed for solutions in the electrical, building technology and security sectors. Combined, the three events covered around 12,000 square metres, with 570 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions in attendance. That was rewarded by an attendance figure of nearly 11,000, almost 20% of whom flew into Hong Kong from overseas.

The three-in-one trade show hosted a series of conferences, seminars and forums which attracted many top professionals from their respective industries. Another popular feature was the series of national pavilions, from seven major countries. But at the heart of the show's success was the range of products and services on offer, bundled together in a way ideal for developers, architects, contractors and tradespeople. Said one longstanding attendee, "I've watched this show grow from infancy to being one of the leading industry events across the region — a benchmark and role model for others."

Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong 2006 (9-11 May 2006)

Food and Drink on the House

Held at the HKCEC from 9 to 11 May, this year's Restaurant and Bar Hong Kong was widely acknowledged to be bigger and even better than its three previous editions, thanks to an ever-improving range of exhibits. The show concentrates on high-end products and services, with a special emphasis on fine food and wines, tableware and equipment.

The show continues to gain strong support from attendees, as the record visitor attendance of 7,740 makes clear. This figure was up by 23% over the previous show (held in 2004), with once again the bulk of visitors coming from Hong Kong's vibrant hospitality scene. The range of businesses attending the show was very varied, and included restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs. According to a spokesman from organiser Restaurant Events Ltd., "We are particularly proud of the profile of visitors attending the fair. Statistics show that a large proportion were major decision makers within their companies, including executive chefs, marketing directors, and managers."

As usual at a fair of this nature, many of the added attractions involved tasting, sipping and sampling. Besides the celebrated Chef's Masterclass Theatre at which renowned chefs shared their skills, the show offered a Restaurant and Bar Tasting Theatre and a Bartending Training Theatre, providing tips on the latest styles and techniques for frontline staff behind the bar.