Hong Kong Exhibitions Outpace Pre-Pandemic Peak

The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) has released its latest annual exhibition survey, which acts as an important barometer of the performance of the industry. Covering the 2025 calendar year, the survey highlights strong momentum across the sector despite a volatile global economic backdrop.

Notably, for the first time since the pandemic, Hong Kong hosted 152 large-scale exhibitions (i.e. those occupying over 2,000 sqm of floor space), surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This milestone underscores the city’s resilience and reaffirms its position as Asia’s premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).

Visitor attendance at “Trade” and “Trade and Consumer” exhibitions reached 1.62 million, representing a strong recovery to 87% of the of the 1.86 million recorded in 2019. Among these large-scale events, 95 were classified as “Trade” or “Trade and Consumer” exhibitions, marking an 18.8% increase compared to 2024, while 57 were “Consumer” exhibitions. Total exhibition space rented also recorded solid growth, rising 11.5% to exceed 924,000 sq. metres.

Commenting on the survey findings, Chairman of the HKECIA Ms Wendy Lai said, “This upward trajectory reflects sustained market demand for Hong Kong as a leading global exhibition hub. The Government’s Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE 2.0) has been instrumental in enabling organisers to launch new themed fairs and expand existing events, further enhancing Hong Kong’s attractiveness to international organisers.”

Despite the increase in event volume, a concerning trend has emerged regarding exhibitor and international visitor’s number. Exhibitor participation in the “Trade” and “Trade and Consumer” segments declined by 8%, falling from nearly 52,000 to approximately 47,000 companies. International visitors also recorded a significant drop of 17.5% to 115,000.

“While the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and capability, it faces significant headwinds ahead. An uncertain global economic outlook, policy volatility, and the conclusion of government support measures such as ISRE 2.0 are expected to place considerable financial pressure on organisers, making it more challenging to launch new themed exhibitions and sustain recurring events,” Ms Lai added.

HKECIA also announces that Mr Stuart Bailey has stepped down from Executive Committee, having served as Chairman since 2016. “As I step down from the role of Chairman, I am deeply honoured to accept the appointment as Honorary Life President. I remain committed to supporting the Association in its mission to advance and promote our industry,” said Mr Bailey. “To safeguard Hong Kong’s long-established position as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia and a leading global trade hub, we strongly urge the Government to work closely with the Association to develop new, sustainable support initiatives. Such collaboration will be critical to navigating economic uncertainty and securing the long-term future of the industry.”

The HKECIA elected a total of 18 members to fill the seats on the Executive Committee. The list of Executive Committee members for the 2026-2028 term is as follows:

List of Executive Committee Members (2026-2028)