Exhibiting Resilience

When times are tough, it is imperative that people keep talking to one another, sharing experiences, promoting their businesses, updating themselves on the latest technological information and gathering market intelligence.

HKCEC plays a vital role in bringing people together face to face, as evidenced by our very encouraging growth during the recent trading season. After a record increase in activity in the first quarter of our fiscal year (July-September), we also experienced significant growth with exhibitions during October and November 2009.

Total contracted space grew 17% compared with the same two-month period the previous year, while the total number of exhibitors and buyers increased by 13% and 6% respectively. The three largest of our 10 recurrent international shows utilised an average of 72,000sq.m of space. These star shows were the 29th HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair, which is now the largest of its kind in the world; Mega Show Part 1, the most important event in Asia for gifts, houseware, premium and toys; and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair.

Two new trade exhibitions were launched in November - HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair, and 2009 GSMA Mobile Asia. The success of these two events has prompted their respective organisers to anticipate growth and additional space in coming years.

And now we turn our eyes to the coming months. Among the new shows taking place at the Centre in 2010 is the Pet Show, which takes place from 5-7 February. Pet ownership in Hong Kong has boomed in recent years and this popular show is moving to the Centre to enable it to cater to demand.

Also making its debut is the Asia Senior Fair. Given the aging population in Hong Kong, the "silver" market has enormous potential. This new exhibition is a one-stop show, encompassing products and services, seminars and conferences, and offers exhibitors face-to-face interaction with users. It will be staged from 13-15 May.

Who can resist a tasty seafood dinner? The Asian Seafood Exposition, which takes place from 7-9 September takes advantage of the growing and very competitive seafood market locally and regionally. Exhibitors will be able to connect with seafood buyers with direct purchasing responsibility for live, fresh, frozen and packaged products.

Also on the menu for 2010 is AgriPro Asia, running from 13-15 December, which taps into the region's growing demand for top-quality agricultural products. Set to be the foremost agricultural products show in Hong Kong, this event brings together a full range of industry exhibitors with importers, exporters, traders, distributors, retailers and wholesalers, among others.

The Centre will also be welcoming a large international conference during the year. USANA Asia Pacific Convention, to be held in May, will bring in around 5,000 delegates from around the world. USANA is a multilevel marketing organisation active in health and beauty products.