Tourism Board secures 56 major MICE events this year with 170,000 visitors expected

Summit by Economist Impact returns with accolades

Premier MICE tourism trade shows utilize HK as a springboard into Asia

In March, Hong Kong will host a series of international sports, entertainment, and cultural events, showcasing its status as a hub for major events. Notable among these are ‘The 5th Technology for Change Asia’, organized by Economist Impact and jointly secured by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and HKSAR government, returning for a second consecutive year, and the inaugural Connect Marketplace Hong Kong, a premier exhibition and trade show for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism sector.

‘The 5th Technology for Change Asia’ is taking place on March 12-13 at the Hopewell Hotel in Wan Chai. Following last year’s success, the event has been expanded to foster more networking opportunities, with participation expected to reach 500 attendees, a 10% increase from last year, including representatives from leading multinational enterprises.

This year’s keynote speaker lineup includes renowned British physicist Brian Cox, who will share his insights on science, inspiring the next generation. A professor of particle physics at the University of Manchester, Cox is well-known for his BBC series “Wonders of the Universe” and has authored several popular science books, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.

Asif Chaudhury, Managing Director, Asia at The Economist Group, noted that expert speakers at the forefront of innovation will share detailed insights on the region's emerging investment and business opportunities and explore the unique position of the GBA in using technology for business impact. He expressed enthusiasm for returning to Hong Kong to drive the conversation on how the Asia-Pacific can lead in using technology for commercial and societal change.

Facilitating top international MICE events to expand the March event landscape

Another significant event, Connect Marketplace Hong Kong, will be held from March 19-21 at AsiaWorld-Expo. This flagship trade show for the international MICE tourism industry has long been based in North America, and its first Asian edition in Hong Kong is expected to attract 5,000 representatives from 14 countries and regions in APAC, along with over 600 buyers, for forums, exhibitions, and business meetings.

Margaret Ma Connolly, President & CEO of Informa Markets Asia, emphasized Hong Kong’s blend of Chinese and Western cultures, its status as a global business hub, world-class infrastructure, and extensive experience in hosting large-scale international MICE events, making it the ideal destination for Connect Marketplace’s expansion into Asia. The event is anticipated to play a key role in advancing the MICE tourism industry in both Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region.

Phoebe Shing, HKTB’s Director of Business Development Team Lead, MICE, pointed out that Hong Kong has reported a steady rise in overnight exhibition visitors, totaling 1.42 million last year, a 10% annual increase. These visitors spent an average of nearly HKD 7,800, significantly more than general visitors, with about half coming from international markets, highlighting the value of MICE tourism in attracting high-yield visitors.

HKTB secured 56 international MICE events in HK this year

For this year, HKTB has successfully secured 56 major international MICE events, expecting total participation to reach 260,000, including 170,000 from mainland China and overseas. They assert that MICE tourism strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a top business city and stimulates various sectors, including the travel trade, MICE services,  retail, and dining, contributing to the economy and supporting the workforce. HKTB will continue to implement diverse strategies to maintain Hong Kong’s status as the "World's Meeting Place."

Visitors praise HK for its connection to the mainland, citing top infrastructure and diverse cuisine as key business advantages

Last month, HKTB also facilitated two major international MICE events in Hong Kong for the first time: Consensus Hong Kong 2025 and Sports Law Mega Event 2025. Participants praised Hong Kong’s strong ties with mainland China, its established legal system, excellent infrastructure, and diverse cuisine. Organizers highlighted the city’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and innovative culture as unparalleled attractions for professionals worldwide.

The Sports Law Mega Event 2025, supported by HKTBand organized by the Law Society of Hong Kong, is the first large-scale event focusing on the relationship between sports, law, and business under the “One Country, Two Systems and Three Jurisdictions” framework. The event features the Sports Law Conference, the Recreational and Sports Night, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Lawyers Sports Meet, attracting over 350 legal professionals from 14 jurisdictions.

Dr. Björn Hessert, Counsel to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, noted Hong Kong’s strategic location and historical significance in international arbitration, emphasizing the benefits of the city’s common law jurisdiction and diverse talent pool. He looked forward to enjoying the local cuisine and witnessing legal peers in sports competitions.

Professor Lu Song, Deputy Director of the China Commission of Arbitration for Sport and Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, reiterated Hong Kong’s advantages in commercial and sports arbitration as a hub for international dispute resolution. He highlighted the city’s excellent business conditions, including world-class hotels, efficient transport, diverse cuisine and the signature harbour view, as key factors in attracting professionals for dispute resolution activities.

Additionally, Consensus, often dubbed the “Super Bowl of Blockchain” and the “World Cup of Web3,” successfully expanded beyond North America to Hong Kong last month, exceeding expectations with nearly 10,000 attendees from the blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3 sectors, along with over 350 side events, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a leading global FinTech hub. Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus Hong Kong, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the vibrant discussions at the conference.