Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre’s (HKCEC) distinctive bird-in-flight roof structure has become an icon for the city since the 1997 Handover ceremony. It is also leading the way for sustainability. Last February, HKCEC completed its formal registration as a “chemical waste producer” and began collecting rechargeable batteries, fluorescent lamps and high-intensity discharge lamps for recycling. There are now separate recycle bins for it in the exhibition halls and at the loading docks.
In addition, HKCEC has expanded the capacity of its free WiFi service to 3,000 users at one time, with the usage time extended to 60 minutes per user. Says Michael Duck, president of UBM Asia: “Access to fast and trouble-free WiFi service is an absolute must for any venue to provide for today’s visitors and exhibitors. I look forward to this being enhanced year on year as the technology improves. Our customers demand it.”
One of HKCEC’s most successful recent exhibitions was ArtHK, an event that drew 100,000 art lovers from May 26 to 29. “ArtHK turned HKCEC into a mega art gallery,” says Monica Lee-Mueller, deputy managing director for HKCEC. There were Veuve Clicquot champagne stations and large-scale installations surrounded by seating throughout the two-storey show. New events held at HKCEC in 2011 include Mines and Money Hong Kong 2011, Asian Attractions Expo – already slated to return in 2012, and the Apps@Smartphone Asia Expo & Discovery Forum.
AsiaWorld-ExpoThe venue recently renovated one of its halls and renamed it Runway 11. Covering 4,400 sqm, it is a pillarless space that can host 3,800 delegates and is styled after an airport runway. “Runway 11’s contemporary design makes it ideal for cocktail parties, product launches, celebratory parties and fashion galas,” says Allen Ha, CEO of AsiaWorld-Expo. “It also includes a sophisticated programmable lighting system to create a unique, tailor-made ambiance.”
Recent events held at Runway 11 include Global Sources’ China Sourcing Fair: Electronics & Components and the HSBC Insurance Forum 2011. Fiona Yip, senior manager, communications, HSBC Insurance (Asia- Pacific) Holdings, says: “The town hall took place there and we received great feedback from the participants regarding the hospitality and venue arrangement. Runway 11 is ideal for this kind of corporate function.”
AsiaWorld-Expo also launched two green menus this year to meet event organisers’ criteria for increased sustainability. Endorsed by Carbon Care Asia, which is headquartered in Hong Kong and specializes in carbon management solutions, the CarbonCare Menu aims to reduce carbon emissions through locally sourced and carefully selected food and cooking methods. Its Ocean-Friendly Menu uses sustainable seafood and has been endorsed by WWF-Hong Kong. “Nowadays, we work closely with organisers to identify their needs and wants, and a total solution package with one-stop professional and value-added services are provided to event organisers,” says Ha.