Hong Kong celebrates string of new convention wins, expands Ambassador Programme to Mainland

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has welcomed a raft of new convention wins across the territory in 2023. I&T, medical, financial services, and education planning professionals have all chosen Hong Kong as a preferred destination for academic exchanges and industry advancement. Kenneth Wong, general manager, MICE & Cruise of HKTB, said: “The growing demand is providing a welcome stimulus for Hong Kong’s economy. Thanks to Hong Kong’s leading status across various industries and tremendous opportunities brought by the Greater Bay Area (GBA), we are delighted that Hong Kong further strengthens its status as the World’s Meeting Place and remains a top choice among convention organisers.” One of this year’s major wins is the EDGE Global AI & Web3 Investment Summit 2023 under the I&T sector. The inaugural edition of this event will be hosted in September 2023 in Hong Kong, and is expected to bring in 10,000 visitors. This win followed the city’s recent hosting of a number of Web3 events, including FOMO Asia Genesis Conference and WOW Summit 2023, which marked its entry to Asia Pacific. Ander Tsui, organiser of EDGE Global AI & Web3 Investment Summit 2023, co-chairman of Hong Kong Blockchain Association, chairman of EDGE Summit Committee and founder of VertexLabs said: “Hong Kong is simply a world-class stage for Web3 and artificial intelligence events and beyond. Not only does it draw global venture capitals, investment institutions, and enthusiasts from across the globe, but it also serves as the perfect gateway to the dynamic GBA. We look forward to seeing our high-octane event debut in Hong Kong.” Another major win – the Insurtech Insights Asia 2023 Conference, which will take place in December 2023 with an expected attendance of 3,000 – highlights the city’s strong fundamentals, international business connections, as well as government support in the insurance, insurtech and I&T sectors. Kristoffer Lundberg, CEO Insurtech Insights and Hung W. Wong, president Asia, Insurtech Insights said: “We are thrilled to be building the largest pan-Asia insurance and insurtech conference in Hong Kong to gather insurance executives, entrepreneurs, and investors by providing knowledge, inspiration and network. We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support from the Hong Kong governmental organisations.” This year, the medical sector has taken a lion’s share in the city’s calendar of conventions, including the 44^th Asia Pacific Dental Congress 2023 in June and the 16^th Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Session, in conjunction with CardioRhythm, in September 2023. Ambassador programme expands to Mainland China Leveraging the extensive network and influential power of the business leaders in Hong Kong, the HKTB introduced the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) programme back in 2020. Since then, industry leaders have led some 40 events to Hong Kong. This year the HKTB appointed 140 industry leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China, which marks the HKCA programme expansion to Mainland China for the first time. Kenneth Wong said: “The formulation of the ambassador programme gives Hong Kong an edge in securing world-class conventions. We are very grateful for the support from local leaders, as well as our mainland counterparts. With close collaboration, we can showcase Hong Kong’s unique role as a super-connector and a MICE hub of the GBA to capture boundless opportunities for business events.”