Young entrepreneurs brought fresh, new ideas to the fair as a testing ground for starting a business

Hong Kong entrepreneurs got into the festive spirit with a Christmas Festival held at the Conrad Hotel ballroom attracting over 2,000 shoppers.

It is Hong Kong's only fair at a five-star hotel and draws a growing following each year, according to the organiser Lilian Lee, director of Prestige Events Ltd.

The first fair was held 10 years ago by a group of expatriate women who decided to market the unusual gifts and handicrafts they brought back from overseas holidays, which had been much admired by friends.

A decade of evolution followed as more stallholders joined, increasing the range and diversity of products that are not easily found in retail outlets in Hong Kong.

This year there was a capacity participation of over 110 vendors, demonstrating that Hong Kong's famed entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, according to Ms Lee.

	Shoppers chose from a wide range of goods in the luxurious surroundings of the Conrad Hotel

"We're seeing a lot of young entrepreneurs this year, up to one third of the stallholders at least. The fair seems to have captured the imagination of young people as a testing ground as they try and build a business. This is lovely as it makes the fair so interesting with all these fresh, new ideas."

The fair has an international following, Ms Lee said. While it originally marketed towards expatriates, more and more professional Chinese people with their sophisticated tastes are numbering among its clientele. Ms Lee also believes in nurturing the fair's supporters by giving away gift bags and discount coupons.

The fair is staged on three days during the Christmas season - November 7, November 19 and December 5.

Related links:
Conrad Hotel: www.1.conrad.com.hk/eng/