Hong Kong to Host Major Exhibition Industry Summit in 2025, Marking Post-Covid Return

In a significant development, Hong Kong has been chosen as the host city for a major summit in the exhibition industry in 2025. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the city as it welcomes back large-scale events after the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The prestigious UFI Global Congress, organized by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will take place at AsiaWorld-Expo. As the world’s largest gathering for the exhibition sector, this event boasts a staggering 820 member organizations and a global workforce of 50,000 employees.

This return to Hong Kong holds immense significance, as the UFI Global Congress was previously hosted by the city in 2000. Over the years, this prestigious event has traversed various host cities including Rotterdam, Bangkok, and St. Petersburg. In 2020, the event went virtual due to the pandemic, but it is now ready to make a grand physical comeback.

The choice of Hong Kong as the host city reflects its status as a vibrant and influential hub in Greater China. The region’s dynamic market potential is showcased through AsiaWorld-Expo, strategically located at the heart of the fast-growing Greater Bay Area. This initiative by the Chinese government aims to create a seamless integration between Hong Kong, Macau, and nine neighboring mainland cities, forming an economic and business powerhouse.

This announcement comes on the heels of another exciting decision to bring back the RISE tech conference to Hong Kong in 2025, after multiple postponements. Hong Kong has been the host city for this annual tech summit since its inception in 2015, and its return is eagerly anticipated after a hiatus since 2020.

To attract prominent events like these, the Hong Kong government introduced the “Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions” in October 2022. This HK$1.4 billion initiative offers lucrative incentives of up to 100% of venue rentals for recurrent exhibitions held between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2026. This enticing program aims to reestablish Hong Kong as a premier destination for recurring exhibitions and stimulate its event industry.

The anticipation is building as Hong Kong gears up to host the UFI Global Congress in 2025, a testament to the city’s resilience and its commitment to reclaiming its position as a global hub for exhibitions and conferences. The return of these major events is a positive sign of recovery and growth for the industry, as well as an opportunity for Hong Kong to showcase its world-class infrastructure, connectivity, and hospitality.