Connect Marketplace Hong Kong ushers in a New Era for MICE industry in Asia

HONG KONG, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Connect Marketplace is hosting a preview event in Hong Kong, taking place from 19-21 March 2025 at AsiaWorld-Expo. Building on the success of its acclaimed edition in North America, the premier platform is expanding its APAC footprint through Hong Kong, opening new doors for collaboration and growth across the region.

Thoughtfully curated to serve MICE professionals, the event offers a dynamic space where thought leaders, innovators and decision-makers can connect, collaborate and inspire. Featuring its unique hosted buyer model, the Hong Kong event facilitates pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings between top-tier suppliers and high-quality buyers, ensuring every interaction is both meaningful and productive. Over the course of three days, a series of exclusive networking events, conferences and incentives will take place, delivering a truly enriching and impactful business experience to all.

Hong Kong: The Heartbeat of Asia's MICE Landscape

Situated at the heart of Asia, Hong Kong serves as an exceptional gateway to enter one of the world's most lucrative and rapidly growing markets. With seamless access to the Greater Bay Area, strong business ties to Mainland China and unmatched global connectivity, the city ensures that every MICE event taps into Asia's immense potential effortlessly.

Beyond its prime location, Hong Kong's open-market policies, low taxes and business-friendly regulations foster an environment of innovation and competitiveness. The city's world-class MICE infrastructure, including state-of-the-art venues and advanced transportation systems, further solidifies its status as a leading destination for global business events. Hosting Connect Marketplace in Hong Kong capitalizes on the city's unique advantages, offering an ideal platform for international professionals to connect and collaborate across borders.

Unmatched Exhibitor Line-up and Tailored One-on-One Meetings

The inaugural event will host more than 1,500 one-on-one meetings, bringing together more than 5,000 buyers from more than 30 countries and regions, including Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. All participants will enjoy a bespoke experience, with highly targeted and impactful business meetings that are designed to yield tangible, long-term relationships.

The event will feature an unrivalled exhibitor line-up, spanning airlines, hotels, resorts, tourism boards, MICE associations and technology innovators. Among the distinguished exhibitors are Club Med, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways Q.C.S.C., Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Shanghai New International Expo Centre Co., Ltd., Regal Hotels International, Info Salons Technology Services (HK) Limited, Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, and many more.

A Vibrant Hub for Connections and Thought Leadership

Connect Marketplace believes that business goes far beyond formal negotiations; it flourishes in dynamic environments where MICE professionals can forge lasting relationships. To foster meaningful connections, the event will present a series of conferences, panel discussions and networking opportunities, turning the show floor into a powerhouse of innovation, knowledge exchange and collaboration.

A key highlight of the event is the MICE conference, featuring over 30 distinguished speakers from academia, industry associations, media, business, and environmental sectors. Notable speakers include:

• Prof. Kaye Chon, Dean and Chair Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Waikin Wong, Regional Director, Asia Pacific, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
• Richard Ireland, President, SACEOS
• Poman Lo, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Regal Hotels International
• Cathy Ching, SVP, Sustainability, Lifestyle, and Creative Cluster, Invest Hong Kong
• Janene Wardrop MEM, Program Manager, Events, International College of Management, Sydney
• Andy Winchester, APAC Travel Manager, Bloomberg
• Andrew Lau, Director of ESG Advisory, Colliers

These sought-after experts will share insights on the latest trends, innovations, and future developments redefining Asia's business landscape.

In addition to these enriching sessions, professionals will enjoy exclusive networking events that blend business with leisure. A standout experience will be the thrilling horse racing night at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, where attendees can immerse themselves in Hong Kong's iconic horse racing culture while taking in the stunning night views of this vibrant city.

A First-of-Its-Kind MICE Experience in Asia

Connect Marketplace Hong Kong is proudly backed by leading industry institutions and associations, including the Hong Kong Tourism Board, AsiaWorld-Expo, and the Corporate Travel Community. Furthermore, organizations such as the Korea MICE Association, SACEOS, Meetings & Events Australia, along with over ten other organizations, recognize the significant potential of this event in shaping the future of the MICE industry across Asia. With extensive support from industry members, anticipation for this ground-breaking event is building, promising to drive significant growth, innovation and collaboration to Asia's MICE industry.

The show is open to trade professionals and media only and visitors must be aged 18 or above. For more information, please visit https://www.connectmarketplacehongkong.com/.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

For media enquiries, please contact: cheenie.so@informa.com