Shows defined as either trade or trade and consumer were up 9.6 per cent in the 2024 calendar year compared to 2023, according to the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA).
The HKECIA’s latest exhibition survey counted 121 large scale exhibitions – occupying more than 2,000m2 – of which 80 were either fully trade or trade and consumer shows.
Exhibiting companies at shows in Hong Kong with a trade element rose 13.9 per cent, from over 45,000 in 2023 to almost 52,000 in 2024, however, total space rented by exhibitors was down by 6.8 per cent to just under 830,000m2.
Exhibition visitor numbers at shows with a trade element were up 4.5 per cent to more than 1.46 million.
“The past year has seen both achievements and challenges for our industry,” said HKECIA chair, Stuart Bailey.
“The growth in exhibiting companies and visitors in 2024 reflects the resilience of Hong Kong’s exhibition industry and the effectiveness of proactive and aggressive exhibitor and visitor recruitment in the face of a difficult economic outlook.
“Despite the progress made, challenges remain. The decline in exhibitor space rented was a sign that companies scaled back spending due to global economic uncertainty.”
While the total number of shows of all kinds held in Hong Kong has returned to pre-COVID levels, exhibitors remain down by 25.1 per cent compared to pre-pandemic, while visitor numbers are down by 21.3 per cent.
One category of exhibition visitors that has more than recovered pre-COVID figures is visitors from Mainland China, which are up 9.2 per cent compared to 2019 and rose 21 per cent in 2024, compared to 2023.
“We are fortunate to have strong government support, such as the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE), which has been instrumental in mitigating financial pressures for organisers,” said Bailey.
“The survey results show that Hong Kong’s exhibition industry needs support from the government during this challenging and volatile time to maintain its hard-earned status as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia.
“The upcoming ISRE 2.0, launching in July, will extend funding to additional venues, i.e. the Central Harbourfront Event Space and West Kowloon Cultural District.
“These measures reflect the government’s commitment to our industry.”
Bailey sees challenges ahead too.
“Trade activities and exhibitions are undoubtedly affected by the tariff war.
“The volume of merchandise trade globally is likely to fall in 2025.
“Our industry strongly urges an extension of the scheme beyond 2026 and further collaboration to develop new initiatives that address the unique challenges we face.”
