The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has reaffirmed its standing as a premier global venue, hosting 786 events during the 2025–2026 financial year, including 128 exhibitions, 81 international and local conferences, and hundreds of corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events. This robust performance, announced via Media OutReach Newswire, underscores Hong Kong's pivotal role as a two-way gateway between mainland China and the world.
The year was marked by 25 new exhibitions and conferences, several making their Hong Kong or Asian debuts, which collectively drew over 7.7 million attendees. These inaugural events have already confirmed their return, signaling sustained confidence in the city's event infrastructure and its appeal as a launchpad for major international intellectual properties.
Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), attributed the success to Hong Kong's unique advantages. "Leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantage as a gateway between Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world, HML has exemplified Hong Kong's role as a 'Super Connector' and 'Super Value-Adder' by strategically aligning our business development focus on four key sectors—Medical, Innovation and Technology, Finance, and Education, and secured some landmark debuts," she said. "We are thrilled that these inaugural events were met with resounding success and have already confirmed their return to the HKCEC next year."
The debut of Hong Kong Comic Con 2026 exemplified the city's capacity to host large-scale international IP events, generating substantial economic value and business opportunities. Its success has led organizers to confirm a return in 2027. In the medical sector, the HKCEC hosted the 9th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery, attracting over 3,000 global participants, and the 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress, marking the first time the national medical association convention was held in Hong Kong. These events highlight Hong Kong's emerging status as an international health and medical innovation hub.
Asia's flagship events have also reaffirmed their commitment to Hong Kong. Art Basel Hong Kong, held annually at the HKCEC since 2013, has reached an agreement with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to designate Hong Kong as its sole Asian venue for the next four years. Similarly, Vinexpo Asia, a premier wine and spirits trade event, will end its rotation with Singapore and make Hong Kong its home starting in 2027.
Looking ahead, HML continues to attract high-profile global events. Recent additions include the inaugural LEAP East in July, the inaugural Global Unicorn Summit in August, and the World Cancer Congress 2026 in September. Later this year, the Amazing Toy Show Hong Kong 2026 will debut in December. These efforts enrich Hong Kong's vibrant events landscape and further cement its status as a leading convention and exhibition hub. For more information about the venue, visit http://www.hkcec.com.
The implications of this announcement are significant: Hong Kong's ability to secure and retain such a diverse array of world-class events demonstrates its resilience and attractiveness as a global meeting point. By facilitating these gatherings, the HKCEC not only drives economic benefits through tourism and business spending but also reinforces Hong Kong's soft power and its strategic role in connecting China with international markets.
