28 June 2023
From I&T to medical and financial services, Hong Kong’s leading position across multiple sectors solidifies its status as a global leader in conventions and reinforces its appeal as a top choice for organizers and attendees alike.
In a remarkable achievement for Hong Kong’s convention industry, the city has secured a series of new wins in 2023, garnering praise from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Professionals in the fields of Information Technology (I&T), medicine, financial services, and education planning have all chosen Hong Kong as their preferred destination, cementing the city’s status as a premier hub for academic exchanges and industry advancement. The growing demand has provided a welcome boost to Hong Kong’s economy, according to Mr. Kenneth Wong, General Manager of MICE & Cruise at HKTB.
Hong Kong’s leading position in various industries, coupled with the tremendous opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area (GBA), has further strengthened the city’s reputation as the “World’s Meeting Place” and a top choice for convention organizers. The recent wins serve as a testament to Hong Kong’s appeal and its ability to attract prominent events from around the globe.
Notably, one of the major victories this year is the EDGE Global AI & Web3 Investment Summit 2023, which falls under the I&T sector. Scheduled to take place in September 2023, this inaugural event is expected to draw 10,000 visitors to Hong Kong. The city’s success in securing this summit follows its recent hosting of several Web3 events, including the FOMO Asia Genesis Conference and WOW Summit 2023, marking its entry into the Asia Pacific region.
Mr. Ander Tsui, organizer of the EDGE Global AI & Web3 Investment Summit 2023, Co-Chairman of the Hong Kong Blockchain Association, Chairman of the EDGE Summit Committee, and Founder of VertexLabs, expressed his enthusiasm for Hong Kong’s suitability as a world-class stage for Web3 and artificial intelligence events. He emphasized that Hong Kong not only attracts global venture capitalists, investment institutions, and enthusiasts but also serves as the ideal gateway to the dynamic Greater Bay Area. The organizers are eagerly anticipating the debut of their high-octane event in Hong Kong.
Another significant triumph is the upcoming Insurtech Insights Asia 2023 Conference, slated for December 2023. With an expected attendance of 3,000, this conference highlights Hong Kong’s robust fundamentals, international business connections, and government support in the insurance, insurtech, and I&T sectors. Mr. Kristoffer Lundberg, CEO of Insurtech Insights, and Mr. Hung W. Wong, President Asia of Insurtech Insights, expressed their excitement about building the largest pan-Asia insurance and insurtech conference in Hong Kong. They expressed gratitude for the tremendous support received from Hong Kong’s governmental organizations.
Hong Kong’s convention calendar for 2023 already boasts a diverse range of events, with the medical sector taking center stage. June witnessed the successful 44th Asia Pacific Dental Congress 2023, and September will host the 16th Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Session, in conjunction with CardioRhythm.
Dr. Nelson Wong, Hong Kong Convention Ambassador, President of the Asia Pacific Dental Federation, and President of the Hong Kong Dental Association, hailed the success of the 44th Asia Pacific Dental Congress 2023, attributing it to the dedicated support from the HKTB. He expressed pride in contributing to Hong Kong’s journey towards excellence and establishing the city as a premier destination for international dental congresses.
Expanding its influence and reach, the HKTB launched the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) program in 2020, leveraging the extensive network and influential power of business leaders in Hong Kong. Since its inception, the program has seen 40 events brought to Hong Kong. This year, the HKTB appointed 140 industry leaders from both Hong Kong and Mainland China, marking the expansion of the HKCA program to Mainland China for the first time.
Mr. Kenneth Wong acknowledged that the ambassador program has given Hong Kong a competitive edge in securing world-class conventions. He expressed gratitude for the support received from local leaders and counterparts in Mainland China. Through close collaboration, Hong Kong can showcase its unique role as a super-connector and a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) hub within the Greater Bay Area, capturing limitless opportunities for business events.
With the HKTB’s ongoing strategic bidding efforts and the well-established and expanding alliance of HKCA, Hong Kong is poised to attract even more world-class conventions, solidifying its position as the ultimate choice as the place to meet.
