Issue 24 / May 2013 facebook linked in Subscribe Now
The city has switched to summer mode with the arrival of the warmer weather. For art lovers, the first-ever Art Basel show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in late May has placed the city firmly on the map for international art connoisseurs. This tremendous event attracted artists from all over the world and more than 60,000 art lovers visited the exhibition.

For travellers, that means the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular is ready to open. This celebration of the city’s sizzling shopping, music and outdoor lifestyle runs from 21 June to the end of August. A key part of the event is June’s Dragon Boat Carnival. Sports clubs and corporate teams are on the water, training for one of the city’s most important cultural traditions. This festival of sporting endeavour has a very modern twist. The Dragon Boat Carnival means good food and drink, plus great music for spectators from around the world.
Art Basel’s debut in Hong Kong woos the world
The inaugural edition of Art Basel in Hong Kong, 23-26 May, drew rave reviews, heavy sales and more than 60,000 people visited at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Since its first show in 1970, Art Basel has become one of the world’s most important promotional platforms for the art world.

The finest collection of high-quality works from the East and the West were displayed, with 245 galleries from 35 countries and territories taking part. The fair had four exhibition sectors – galleries, insights, discoveries and encounters – with paintings, sculptures, installations, photography and video art from more than 3,000 artists. For many exhibitors it was their first time showing in Hong Kong. Additionally, Art Basel discussion programme, Conversations and Salon, offered valuable opportunities for artists, gallery owners and collectors to meet and do business.
Bumper crowds drawn to CARTES Asia, E-Commerce Asia
About 2,770 visitors took part in the CARTES Asia and E-Commerce Asia MICE events on 27 and 28 March at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong. They heard more than 75 speakers share their research and knowledge, and witnessed more than 100 exhibits.

The event covered smart card and contactless technologies, digital security, identity protection and security for online transactions. Some 56 countries and territories were represented, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Indonesia.
Global Spine Congress a complete success
The Global Spine Congress from 4-6 April saw more than 1,000 surgeons, researchers and medical professionals share their know-how with an international audience, debate current trends and explore innovations in spinal surgery.

Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the congress was a unique academic platform for spinal surgeons and associated medical professionals. A programme of 10 symposia which involved delegates and experts from India, Japan, China and South Korea presenting research findings and treatments; and more than 50 sessions such as the pre-course event, Fundamentals in Spinal Deformity Care; and the immensely popular three-minute poster presentations revealed the latest emerging technologies and evidence-based spine care treatments.
MEHK hits the road with Oxfam Trailwalker
International MICE clients and travel agents will have an exclusive opportunity to join this year’s Oxfam Trailwalker, Hong Kong’s biggest sport event for charity. Since 1986, about 73,000 participants have raised more than HK$365 million in support of Oxfam’s poverty alleviation and emergency relief projects in Africa and Asia. MEHK has reserved places for 20 teams for the event from 15-17 November, each includes advice on preparing for the event and invites to a networking party.

Trailwalker with teams of four that have raised at least HK$6,800 in sponsorships can apply for the walk 100km on Hong Kong’s MacLehose Trail within 48 hours. Download more information on one of the world’s popular and successful fundraising events from here.
Disney offers evening celebrations for winning teams
Hong Kong Disneyland promises to reward the efforts and dedication of work teams with its new “Play and Dine” package for groups of 80 to 650 people.

With admission tickets to the park after 5:30pm, the night-time fireworks display and an exclusive dinner buffet at the Park Restaurant included, the package gives teams the chance to enjoy all of the park’s attractions and entertainment at the end of the working day.

The cost of the package begins at HK$650/ person for the buffet (a 10-percent service charge is additional), plus a restaurant rental fee of HK$15,000. Additional touches include a Disney character appearing during the meal and the use of an audio system for speeches.
Partnerships deliver a sparkling team presence at IT&CM China
The 14 trade partners showcased on the HKTB’s stand to 3,000 trade visitors in this year’s Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings China (IT &CM China) trade expo from 17-19 April. This premier MICE industry event offered global exposure to about 330 mainland Chinese industry players. International representatives from more than 40 territories also took part.

HKTB also held a hosted buyer luncheon on 18 April and promoted Hong Kong MICE industry and illustrated new offerings, including the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to 370 guests who also were thrilled by a traditional Chinese drum performance. Hong Kong trade partners gained this chance to meet more potential partners from China.
Global leaders introduced to Asia’s Trade Fair Capital
To the leaders of the global MICE trade at the Society of Independent Show Organisers CEO Summit 2013, Hong Kong is the now seen as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia. The Society is open to corporate and associations that own, produce or provide full-service management of face-to-face trade shows and conferences.

MEHK partnered with AsiaWorld-Expo, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council at this premier United States event on 8-11 April.

Hong Kong Tourism Board MICE representative James LaValle told the summit of the city’s commitment to industry service and spelled out opportunities to members. This Summit offers global organisers and chief executives of venues an opportunity to understand of industry developments, tap into forecasts and share their experiences.
MICE Top Agent Award winners on tour with MEHK
Taiwanese and mainland Chinese winners of the MICE Top Agent Award have enjoyed their reward for promoting Hong Kong as a leading MICE destination. Some of the finest in Asia’s travel trade enjoyed two familiarisation tours of the city in March.

On a four-day programme, 13 MICE agents from Taiwan – including six award winners – toured the city, visiting attractions on Lantau Island and participating in themed-team building activities such as “Cook Like a Local” and “Dialogue in the Dark”. The second trip saw 27 winners mainland enjoy a five-day tour of the city that included visits to incentive spots and new hotels, such as the Auberge Discovery Bay and Crowne Plaza Kowloon East. Each participant enjoyed the spoils of their hard work and had the opportunity to find out more about Hong Kong’s latest MICE offerings.
City ready for a summer-long celebration
The song says it all, hot town, summer in the city. The hottest place to be last summer was Hong Kong, thanks to the events in the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular. Visitors enjoyed a dizzying tour of Hong Kong's unrivalled cultural, shopping, dining and nightlife scenes.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators converged on spectacular Victoria Harbour to cheer on thousands of the world’s best dragon boat athletes and to enjoy the party atmosphere of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival. Shoppers were treated to the Visa go Shopping Indulgence promotions and music fans got to enjoy a great live gig with Summer Pop – Live in Hong Kong and a colourful weekender at the Lan Kwai Fong Beer & Music Festival.

This year, the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular will be every bit as action packed. Sport, parties, shopping, beer and live music – you've heard of summer in the city; come enjoy summer in Asia's world city.
Retail Asia Expo, 4-6 June
The 5th edition of the Retail Asia Expo takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 4-6 June. This award-winning exhibition spans topics across the retail sector, including technology solutions and design. New to this year’s expo is the gala dinner and multi-channel retailing conference. Old favourites, such as seminars and cocktail receptions, return.
The International Digestive Diseases Forum 2013, 8-9 June
Clinicians and researchers will be pleased to hear The International Digestive Diseases 2013 Forum (IDD 2013) returns this year on 8-9 June. Organised by The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Institute of Digestive Disease, IDD 2013 will be the leading gastroenterology and hepatology conference in the Asia-Pacific region this year. The 1,200 specialists expected to attend will share ideas and research, including cutting-edge advancements in disease diagnosis and management. The forum aims to foster research that revolutionises medical practice.
HIMSS AsiaPac13 Greater China eHealth Forum, 31 July-2 Aug
The HIMSS AsiaPac13 Greater China eHealth Forum is emerging as a platform for discussions on regional development and information technology in health. At this year’s event, beginning 31 July, delegates will hear how new technology is improving patient care.

Topics of global importance from an international audience are on the agenda, such as mobile health, standards and care in the community.

Sessions will be held at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The director of the Centre for Health Statistics and Information at the mainland’s National Health and Family Planning Commission, Dr Meng Qun will be the keynote speakers in the event.
Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong meeting packages
Set against Victoria Harbour, the Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong offers great views and easy access to the central business district. The meeting room is ideal for smaller groups that need to get down to work. Meeting packages begin at HK$240 for a half day and to HK$400 for a fully day per person. Complimentary wireless Internet access and value-added services are included in the price, and group rates are available for each of the property’s 245 guestrooms.

Offer valid until 31 December 2013

Enquiry: jamie.so@courtyard.com
Special MICE package from Harbour Plaza Resort City
Harbour Plaza Resort City, 30 minutes from Kowloon by rail or road, is a great choice for groups looking to escape the city. Full-day conference packages with accommodation and meeting service cost HK$870 a person on Saturdays and public holidays, and HK$770 a person at other times.

Included in the price is free wireless Internet in the meeting room, the use of a projector, plus coffee and tea refills.

Offer valid until 31 December 2013

Enquiry: elainec2@harbour-plaza.com
Meetings with your choice of complimentary benefits at InterContinental Hong Kong
Customise your stay at InterContinental Hong Kong when booking your meeting in the hotel’s new-look Harbourview Function Rooms. For bookings of at least 10 guestrooms, benefits include free coffee and tea, double Priority Club Meeting Points and a 20-percent discount at the hotel’s I-Spa. Among the choice of benefits for bookings of 25 or more guestrooms are room upgrades, an additional complimentary staff room, internet access, lunch at NOBU and an upgraded themed coffee break.

Offer valid until 10 October 2013

Enquiry: christy.wong@ihg.com
The Kimberley Hotel - summer meeting package
The Kimberley Hotel is in the heart of the Tsim Sha Tsui shopping and entertainment district. The 546-room hotel was refurbished in September 2012 and is five minutes’ walk from a station on the city’s MTR network. For HK$440 a person for a full-day meeting package or HK$360 a person for a half-day package (plus 10 percent service charge), the hotel will include lunch, refreshment coffee breaks, use of a projector and laser pointer.

Offer valid until 30 September 2013

Enquiry: banquet@kimberley.com.hk
Marco Polo meetings and more MICE packages
A booking of 10 or more guestrooms at any Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong attracts special benefits, including one upgrade for every 20 rooms, coffee breaks for 50 or more participants and double MPR Points.

Offer valid until 31 December 2013

Enquiry: Ms Irene Jim on +852 2113 3203
The Park Lane Hong Kong, irresistible meeting packages
Modern meeting facilities and views over Victoria Harbour and Victoria Park make The Park Lane Hotel an ideal venue for corporate meetings, events and cocktails. A HK$450 per person (plus 10 percent service fee) for half-day meetings includes a tea/coffee/cookies service on arrival, a coffee break with two choices of refreshments, free-flow water and candies. Please quote MEHK2013-05NL at booking.

Offer valid until 30 September 2013

Enquiry: meeting@parklane.com.hk
Instant discount for meetings at Regal Hotels
Business meetings held at Regal Hotels attract instant discounts until 30 September. Organisers that book at least 15 guestrooms with one full day meeting or one catering event are offered a 20-percent off on the catering bill.

Offer valid until 30 September 2013

Enquiry: meet@RegalHotel.com
 

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