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Agents unlock inspiration touring hot attractions

Sixty of Asia’s leading agents have enjoyed touring Hong Kong on a familiarisation trip to reward their contributions to the MICE industry.

The five-day tour focused on unlocking creativity and innovation, to allow the agents to give them inspiration for planning extraordinary events..

Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong hosted the Mainland China and Southeast Asian agents as part of the Top Agent Award Programme.

The group experienced some of the city’s newest offerings, including the premier seaside oasis - Auberge Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, the complete silence workshop - Dialogue in Silence, the world-class Michelin-starred restaurants, and the most prestigious MICE venue - Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

A cocktail gala and awards presentation on 6 March proved to be a highlight for participants, with recognition of the programme’s three most important honours: top new agents, the highest number of passengers, and highest number of groups.

The tour educated and entertained, leaving agents with an intimate understanding of Hong Kong.

Green vehicles driving business with China

Green energy vehicles, technology, and the exchange of ideas made the first China International New Energy Vehicle Show a winner.

The inaugural edition, held at AsiaWorld-Expo on 2-4 April, brought together high-level industry players from Europe and Asia under a unique setting. Apart from the exhibition, participants discussed and exchanged ideas at the forum and business meetings. They were even able to test drive the latest inventions made by leading Chinese and European carmakers.

As indicated in its 12th Development Plan 2011-2020, the NEV industry is one of China’s main industries and is of top priority. Hong Kong, due to its proximity to Mainland China, was the obvious choice as a hosting city.

Riding on its success of the first edition, the New Energy Vehicle Show is set to come back in November 2015.

Flags a-flutter at USANA Asia-Pacific Convention 2014

The USANA Asia-Pacific Convention returned to Hong Kong for a second successful year.

The opening at AsiaWorld-Expo featured a parade of nations, a fitting start for an event that attracted 10,000 participants from 14 countries. A new flag in the parade was Colombia’s – the newest market in the organisation’s network.

Between 13-15 March, participants were treated to high calibre speakers including Jason Shih Tai Ming, arguably the best-known Chinese-language trainer and author in the global network marketing industry.

Organisers chose the world-class AsiaWorld-Expo for its direct, five-minute connections to the Hong Kong International Airport, and proximity to accommodation.

The expo has impressive links to the remainder of the city – just 25 minutes away by high-speed train – which creates opportunities for delegates to enjoy leading shopping and cultural experiences.

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal promises more than just cruises

Not just an integral part of Hong Kong’s emergence as an Asian cruise hub, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is one of the city’s most prestigious MICE venues.

Designed by Sir Norman Foster, this “Rolls-Royce” of an edifice features four indoor spaces, each at least 3,000 square metres, with soaring ceilings and spectacular city panoramas – that offer the ideal signature for luxury product launches, glittering pageants, exhibitions and influential award ceremonies.

Planners can indulge their creativity, taking advantage of a seamless transition from indoors to out, with two of the halls enjoying direct access to a 850m x 30m apron on the waterfront.

Upstairs, a rooftop garden is framed by breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island, and it will prove to be a superior location for cocktail parties and pre-event gatherings.

View more information on this vibrant new MICE location here.

MaxiMICE 2014 serves up food for thought in India

Excellence in stakeholder engagement and experiential programmes were the big themes at MaxiMICE 2014.

MEHK was a key partner in the annual leadership congress for India’s MICE industry that took place on 12 March in Mumbai, and 13 March in Delhi.Some 40 Indian businesses and MICE leaders were offered a presentation highlighting Hong Kong’s expertise in creating top programmes.

This integrated annual meeting included a keynote address, followed by a knowledge-sharing session, and culminating in a special publication “Leading the path to success through excellence in stakeholder engagement”, MaxiMICE Top 50, as well as a 20-minute documentary on “Hong Kong – The World’s Meeting Place” on Bloomberg TV and the EVENTFAQS’ portal.

Each of the attendees reported high levels of satisfaction and left with a broader understanding of the city’s MICE offering.

HelmsBriscoe mission offered a taste of Hong Kong

In a striking achievement, a high-level executive team from HelmsBriscoe and their foremost clients toured the city on 16-21 February.

The influential group inspected AsiaWorld-Expo, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and top-tier MICE hotels.

The tour saw an exchange of ideas between top decision-makers, dignitaries and the United States Consulate-General. The delegation took the opportunity to try tai chi at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, visit The Peak, Stanley Market and Lan Kwai Fong; and took in the vitality of the city’s night markets.

“This visit has provided the insight necessary to give Hong Kong additional consideration for future meetings from HelmsBriscoe,” said the firm’s Senior Vice-President David Chapman.

The partnership with HelmsBriscoe will go a long way to showcase Hong Kong’s strength in meetings and exhibitions, and identify new business leads.

Jewellery and Watch Machinery & Technology Exhibition
METS 2014, 25-28 June

With an eye on Asia’s growing demand for cutting-edge machinery and advanced technology for jewellery and watch making, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA) will be launching its brand new show, METS 2014 – Machinery, Equipment, Technology and Supplies for Jewellery & Watch Industry, from 25 to 28 June 2014, at the AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong.

As one of the most comprehensive, one-stop sourcing platforms covering exhibits of every aspect of jewellery and watch manufacturing to be hosted in Hong Kong, METS 2014 has currently confirmed a strong presence of buyer delegations from Mainland China, India, South Africa, the Middle East and Myanmar. Exhibitors expect METS 2014 to be a ‘gateway’ to the East.

With support from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and JA New York, METS 2014 promises to be a remarkable marketplace as well as an exceptional platform for experience exchange.

Discover why Hong Kong is Asia’s premier MICE destination

It takes a true, business city to deliver a business-class event. Hong Kong is that city.

At the Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong website, there are a series of resources, special itineraries, creative ideas, and discount deals tailor-made for the MICE industry and event planners.

Find out Why Hong Kong is the perfect place for meetings, incentive trips, conventions and exhibitions.

A business city unlike any other has a culture to match

There are insightful online resources that can help planners, organisers and corporations arrange after-hours activities or sensational incentives while in Hong Kong.

Click here to discover the latest information on the city’s cultural, dining and historical attractions.

Pre-plan for incentives and excursions, or investigate sample itineraries that explore the food, shopping and ecology of the city’s neighbourhoods.

You’ll also discover that Hong Kong’s world-class meetings and events infrastructure is matched only by its thriving culture.