The 11th Hong Kong International Toys and Gifts Show and the 10th Asian Gifts, Premium & Household Products Show, organised by Kenfair International (Holdings) Limited and held at the HKCEC from 18 to 21 October 2002, simply showcased the sheer variety and creativity of the modern toys and gifts industry. With over 3,000 exhibitors manning 4,559 stands showcasing both traditional favourites and the latest ideas for entertaining a new generation, this toy fair was the largest in Asia ever, breaking even 2001's records for participants and attendance as Hong Kong continues its trend of attracting businesses and buyers from across the border and around the globe.

In surroundings that would have been many a child's (and adult's) dream, industry members and buyers--all 58,405 of them, from across the globe--sampled the latest goods and noted the most recent trends in a market which keeps going from strength to strength. With numbers up all round, this perennially popular event will stage again at the HKCEC from 21 to 24 October 2003.

Paradoxically, almost the only constant when it comes to electronic goods is innovation. The HKCEC provided a showcase for the very latest in technological ingenuity and style by hosting the Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2002 (11-14 October 2002), placing on display an incredible variety of powerful electronics systems and devices.

Electronic goods are increasingly central in every aspect of life and leisure, as was evident from any stroll through the Fair's 44,000 square metres of hall space, where some 1,743 exhibitors from around the globe displayed the latest breakthroughs in the world of electronics. Nearly 50,000 buyers took advantage of this exciting spotlight on the future, boosting attendance of the fair by over 10% compared with 2001. In particular, Mainland visitor numbers soared by over 31%, as Mainland companies increasingly recognised the importance of this Fair for international business and networking.

The Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2002 was held concurrently with the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair 2002 and electronicAsia 2002. Under new arrangements for 2003, the organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, will pair the Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2003 and electronicAsia 2003 at the HKCEC from 13 to 16 October 2003. The Hong Kong International Lighting Fair 2003 will locate with Hong Kong International Hardware & Home Improvement Fair 2003 from 27 to 30 October 2003.

As one of the world's most important trade gateways, and with the world's busiest international airport in terms of cargo throughput, Hong Kong was a particularly appropriate place to host 2002's international Air Cargo Forum and Exposition (18-20 September 2002).

Organised by The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and co-hosted by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, this biennial forum took place in a difficult year for the airfreight industry. Nevertheless, participation was at record highs, with over 4,500 in attendance from 69 countries, attracted by the premier status of this Forum and Hong Kong's reputation as a major regional cargo centre. Said Secretary General of the TIACA Daniel Fernandez, "There is no question that holding the event in an important logistics hub like Hong Kong played a crucial role in our success this year."

Exhibitors occupied 400 stands in 9,000 square metres at the HKCEC, making the Forum the largest in TIACA history. And with a record number of visitors from the Mainland China, and a joint promotion of the Pearl River Delta airports at Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau, Zhuhai and Hong Kong, the potential of the China market for air cargo was under the spotlight as never before.

Modern telecommunications has revolutionised today's world, due to advanced technology, global co-operation and enlightened development policies. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) returned to Hong Kong from 2 to 7 December 2002 with its biennial ITU Telecom Asia 2002, hosted by the PRC Government. Apart from a major forum for assessment and policymaking and a showcase for the latest telecommunication equipment and systems, the event was also a valuable networking opportunity for the many high-level delegates from the telecom industry and from governments worldwide.

With national pavilions set alongside independent stands run by major technology companies, ITU Telecom Asia 2002 explored and illustrated the theme of the forum, 'Asia Leading Change', demonstrating how government and business can work together to improve the lives of entire populations. Seminars by over 200 authorities ranged over issues from policy and regulation to technology and applications, while with an eye on future generations, for the first time of its Asia version this event hosted a special Youth Forum bringing talented young people into the heart of the global telecommunications environment.

Bringing together industry celebrities and top suppliers, the inaugural Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong 2002 (29-31 October 2002), organised by Restaurant Events Ltd, provided high-end food and beverage establishments with a comprehensive one-stop resource, showcasing creativity and style and underpinned by the fundamentals of quality.

Its mix of imaginative scheduled events and well-presented displays attracted over 5,000 hospitality professionals to the HKCEC, with the exhibition hours having to be extended on the final day to cope with still-lengthy queues. The wide range of new ideas and products on display was a major draw, as was the superior mix of high end suppliers gathered at the fair. The exhibition also featured popular entertainment and educational slots, including cocktail demonstrations, a wine tasting theatre, chef masterclasses, and the Hong Kong Barista of the Year awards.

The quest for health and beauty is a timeless one which has led to the development of many revolutionary products, techniques and treatments, the latest of which were on show for the 35,071 visitors to the recent 7th Cosmoprof Asia event. The largest international beauty trade event in the region, Cosmoprof Asia 2002 (13-15 November 2002) brought together 750 exhibitors at the HKCEC to unveil, describe and demonstrate their unique products. Increased numbers of visitors from around the globe descended on the fair.

In line with its commitment to being at the forefront of new developments in beauty products and therapies, the event unveiled the results of important research by the European 'Future Concept Lab' institute on new and emerging lifestyle trends. Cosmoprof Asia 2002 also presented 'The Spa Experience', an exhibit with a special focus on the benefits of spas and which included product displays, demonstrations and lessons and introduced a spa bar and spa library to devotees! Meanwhile, debuting at the HKCEC and offering fascinating health and beauty alternatives, the Natural Health Fair was held alongside Cosmoprof Asia 2002. The success of this pairing will see the two events combining again at the HKCEC, from November 12 to 14 2003.