Hong Kong’s calling card to the world is its skyline. The natural beauty of Victoria Harbour and Victoria Peak contrasted against pencil-thin skyscrapers has never failed to impress.
Yet for a city that possesses one of the best harbours in the world, the general consensus is that there are not enough event venues with access to it. When it comes to venues that accommodate corporate functions, the list dwindles even further. But there are different opinions on how to solve the issue.
Antony Spanbrook, managing director with experiential marketing company Luminous, feels strongly that Hong Kong needs more social spaces along its waterfront. He believes the harbour is not used to its fullest potential due to the sheer number of buildings on the water and he routinely finds it difficult to secure public spaces for large corporate events. “Every other city in the world allows it, but the Hong Kong government rarely approves a ‘by invitation only’ event,” he says.
Space options
Michael Chiay, general manager with MCI Hong Kong, thinks that while venues right on the harbour may be lacking, his clients are often satisfied with the choice of spaces that offer panoramic harbour views. “We use Pier 7 in Central,” he says. “The drawback is that it is a public venue and we run the risk of people walking into our events. On the Kowloon side, we apply to the Hong Kong Tourism Board on a case-by-case basis to use its venues. For example, we arranged a morning tai chi lesson for a group at Avenue of the Stars. But the client must understand the limitations of public venues.”
Spanbrook points out that with harbourside venues at a premium, large or popular venues are booked far in advance. This makes getting quality spaces with short lead times a challenge. “During annual events such as the Jewellery Fair, it is impossible to get space,” he says. “We launch vehicles for Audi. It is difficult to find spaces that can fit a car. Clients have to rethink or it will cost them a lot more than they hope.”
Expensive choice
Temporary venues are even more challenging. Spanbrook explains that though Ocean Terminal’s car park is sometimes available for corporate functions, it is prohibitively expensive since the landlord charges the same amount per hour as for its car park. “The class of a brand may sometimes help in securing temporary spaces,” he says. “We have worked with Louis Vuitton on events held on helipads.”
Planning help
Anthony Lau, executive director of HKTB, explains that its Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK) office was set-up to help event planners think outside the box. Since its launch in 2008, MEHK has offered a number of professional support and customised services for the MICE sector, including business building, advisory services and marketing support.
“MICE planners can easily find an abundant supply of venues with magnificent harbour views, even with a short lead time,” says Lau. “Our band of highly qualified and experienced professionals, with their can-do attitude, goes the extra mile to meet organisers’ ad hoc and urgent requests.”
Lau points out that the Hong Kong Museum of Art allows events to be held on its first-floor lobby and outdoor sculpture court at an exclusive rate for MICE groups. In addition, Lau says: “The DHL Balloon and sky100 Observation Deck in Kowloon, and Sevva and Quarterdeck on Hong Kong Island, offer unlimited inspiration to meet every need of MICE organisers.”
Master plan
Chiay thinks that to meet demand, there needs to be a five- to 10-year master plan in new waterfront developments to allow for event spaces. Spanbrook feels that the government should focus on open, flexible spaces that can be used for business events. “There should be designated spaces for the public,” he says, “but also spaces that can be booked for events.”