Trade fairs a proven SME world showcase (hktdc.com)


	As visitors flocking to the 2006 Electronics Fair show, exhibitions are proving to be an essential marketing tool

Hong Kong's exhibitions industry is on a roll, surging 39 per cent to US$3.38 billion in 2006 from 2004. Activities associated with the industry made direct and indirect contributions to the economy equivalent to 1.8 per cent of the city's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to a report commissioned by the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA).

Direct personal expenditure amounted to US$1.05 billion with more than 80 per cent (or US$897 million) of receipts going to food and beverages, retailers and hotels. Business-related spending by organisers and exhibitors totalled US$641 million.

"This report shows substantial increases in the economic impact of the exhibition industry across the board. To have double-digit compound annual growth rates over the past two years in expenditure, fiscal impact and employment is doubly impressive," said Stanley Chu, HKECIA Chairman.

Economic boost

He added that new business generated at exhibitions contributed strongly to Hong Kong's economy. Many of these benefits, he said, are very real although they are less measurable by pure figures. "They include increased sales revenue for local exhibitors as well as a rise in trade through Hong Kong as a result of deals struck at exhibitions." Other intangible benefits include transfer of ideas and trends between buyers and exhibitors at the shows.

"Exhibitions are recognised as a highly effective marketing tool for networking and expanding business contacts," Mr Chu noted.

The report also found that international exhibitors stay on average 70 per cent longer than overnight tourists, and spend 110 per cent more. International exhibitors and exhibition visitors spend on an average US$1,296 and US$1,376 per visit respectively, compared to US$615 by overnight tourists. Many regional and international exhibitors and visitors become Hong Kong "regulars", often coming back to the city year after year.

The report funded by several government-related groups – AsiaWorld-Expo, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council – confirmed that the exhibitions industry is indeed a driving force.

"Exhibition activities are key to the development of import and export and are essential marketing platforms for SMEs to reach international contacts without the expense of travelling overseas," added Mr Chu.

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September 2007

Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress
Aircraft Interiors Expo Asia 2007
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2007
Asian Financial Forum 2007
Asia's Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair - September
September Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair

October 2007

Interstoff Asia Autumn International Textile Show 2007
Fashion Access - Handbags, Travelware, Footwear, Leather Garments and Fashion Accessories (an APLF Fair)
China Sourcing Fair: Electronics & Components
electronicAsia 2007
Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007 (Autumn Edition)
15th Asian Gifts, Premium & Household Products Show 2007 (Mega Show Part 1)
Hong Kong International Building Materials & Construction Equipment Fair 2007
Hong Kong International Furniture Fair 2007
Eco Expo Asia - International Trade Fair on Environmental Protection 2007
Sports Source Asia 2007
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair 2007
Hong Kong International Hardware & Home Improvement Fair 2007