The HKCEC has introduced a number of initiatives to enhance its food and beverage services throughout the Centre. The improvements range from wider price ranges and value-added services to new varieties of food designed to meet the most exacting requirements of the tens of thousands of customers who use the facilities each year.

Whether it be a power breakfast, intimate business lunch, full-scale banquet or rushed on-the-job snack, the HKCEC aims to ensure its customers can find all their F&B needs under the one distinctive roof - and don't have to waste time venturing out of the Centre.

Director of Food and Beverage David Ieong has carried out extensive research among fair organisers, exhibitors, buyers and visitors to determine what will keep them gastronomically happy. As might be expected, views expressed are worthy of the best smorgasbord, but the consensus boils down to quality, variety and value and an extensive price range - coupled with convenience, speed and flexibility in service.

That's always going to be a tall order given the scale of most events but, as Mr Ieong contends, the only hard and fast rule to have in such operations is not to have any. "No two fairs are ever the same, which means we must have the flexibility to look at our operations from the customer point of view. That is why we retain total control over all F&B outlets, so we can tailor arrangements to specific needs," he said.

Particular emphasis has been directed at providing more variety, convenience and value for those with limited time for meals. Cafeterias set up inside the halls have proved the most popular, offering sit-down or take-away items ranging in price from HK$10 - 35. As Nitin Chadda of New Delhi-based Binnie Sales Corp noted at the Hong Kong Fashion Week, "I find it very convenient to buy the lunch box sets (HK$42 per set) at the cafeteria [because] it is so close to my booth." Another service allowed exhibitors to pre-order lunch boxes for delivery to their booths. Also attending the Fashion Week was Simon Wong of Town East Garment Factory in Macau. He opted for the snack trolleys and hot sandwich counters set up along the concourses. "I love all the different types of sandwiches. They are fresh and tasty, even better than the famous hotels."

Some convenience outlets also offer incentives like afternoon "Buy One Get One Free" happy hours at cafeterias, TCBY and juice counters and snack bars. More bargains are to be found along the concourses, where "Sidewalk Cafes" serve congee and noodle buffets. These have become popular with visitors as well as locals, along with the concessions for fast food and beverages. As Loria Shea of HTF in Taiwan noted, "There are food counters everywhere, so we overseas exhibitors need not worry about where to fill our stomachs."

Event organisers have welcomed the introduction of more fast food outlets. Dominique Bourne of International Telecommunications Union, which organised the ITU Telecom Asia Fair, said exhibitors and organisers were often too busy to go to restaurants. "Increasing the number of sidewalk cafes and hot sandwich places is an excellent idea. One cannot get bored with eating on the premises every day; there is always something new to taste," she said. Ms Bourne also praised the service staff. "Their style and their constant attention to details are a tremendous asset to the food and beverage service in HKCEC."

For Daniel Cheung of Hong Kong Exhibition Services, who organises the Hofex F&B show, food quality is important. "The standard has improved a lot in recent years, particularly at the big functions." He said members of his trade association had been "very impressed" when they held their annual dinner at the Centre.

Duncan Cheung, the Director of Kenfair International, which organises the Hong Kong International Toys and Gifts Fair, said the introduction of the sidewalk cafes was "very useful" in providing more variety at reasonable prices for people in a hurry.

At the other end of the food scale, F&B Director David Ieong and his professional team send much of their time organising every function imaginable - from small cocktail parties in private meeting rooms to full-scale banquets for up to 3,000 guests in the Grand Hall. They provide advice on menus, themes, decor and anything else that organisers might want. "We also cater for special requests like kosher food by sourcing recognised outside contractors," he said.

Aside from these special facilities directly serving particular events, the HKCEC boasts seven harbour-view restaurants that offer a wide selection of cuisines and ambiences to meet every occasion. Each is geared to switch to "event mode" whereby facilities, menus and opening hours can be adapted to particular needs.

Some of the finest Cantonese food in Hong Kong can be enjoyed at the Golden Bauhinia restaurant, which recently won three prizes in the Best of the Best Culinary Awards, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Competing against 200 local Chinese restaurants and hotels, the renowned eatery took the Gold with Distinction Award in the Dim Sum and Poultry categories and the Gold Award in the Seafood (Crab) category. Located at the apex of the Centre, the Golden Bauhinia commands stunning views over Victoria Harbour through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The adjoining Pacific Rim restaurant matches the outside view with a 48-metre-long open show kitchen where chefs prepare varied Asian cuisine for a spectacular Dinner Buffet where seafood dominates. The venue can also be hired for private functions. If you want to taste some local ambience, join the regular crowd for a casual buffet at the Congress Restaurant, located at the Harbour Road block (use lift and press 6). There's a wide range of fresh seafood, barbecues and Chinese cuisine. "I always recommend the Congress because it offers big variety and the prices are reasonable," commented Jose Climent of the Barval Company in Spain, who has been exhibiting at the Hong Kong Toys and Gifts Fair for the past five years.

The adjacent Gallery Cafe also offers a relaxed atmosphere for snack buffets, light meals and chats over coffee and tea. For a more intimate setting, head down to the ground floor Harbour Lounge where lunchtime pasta and afternoon High Teas are firm favourites. Across the Atrium is Traders, a great spot for social gatherings and casual lunchtime dining on American-style fare. TV screens keep you entertained with international sport and music. This is another popular venue for private functions. Further along the concourse is Port Cafe, which has spectacular views down the western harbour to the Central business district and across to Kowloon. Being close to the biggest exhibition halls, exhibitors often use it for theme parties and after-hours events.

For the future, F&B Director David Ieong will be looking at further ways to raise services at all levels. "There will always be room for improvements and we welcome views and suggestions from all our customers. We shall also be stepping up promotions of the various outlets to ensure everyone appreciates what we have on offer," he added.