The 92nd UFI Global Congress, the exhibition industry’s largest annual gathering, opened on 19 November at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). Returning to Hong Kong after 25 years, the event reinforced the city’s reputation as a premier MICE hub and boosted momentum for the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area’s development.
Held under the theme “Shaping the Future,” the four-day Congress brought together more than 600 senior executives from over 50 countries and regions, including leaders from Mainland China, Europe, the US, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, South America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
The Opening Ceremony was officiated by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, with welcome remarks from Fred Lam (AAHK), Dr. Peter Lam (HKTB), and UFI President Hugh Jones. Speakers highlighted Hong Kong’s strategic connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and its role as a global “super connector.”
AWE’s leadership emphasized the venue’s increasing significance in regional development, noting its airport adjacency, access to over 200 global destinations, and future expansion through SKYTOPIA and a new arena.
The Congress also showcased Hong Kong’s cultural vibrancy. AWE integrated culinary experiences, artisanal crafts, dim sum demonstrations, mahjong activities, and red-white-blue cultural motifs, giving delegates an immersive taste of the city’s heritage.
In partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the event promoted bleisure tourism, with delegates arriving early or extending their stay to explore cultural districts, attend the Congress Dinner at M+, enjoy the iconic Tram Party, and experience Lan Kwai Fong nightlife. Post-congress tours encouraged deeper discovery of Hong Kong’s attractions and natural beauty.
A key highlight was the GBA Host Session, which spotlighted cross-border collaboration and opportunities within the Greater Bay Area, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a dual gateway-connecting international markets with the GBA and supporting regional enterprises expanding globally.
The 92nd UFI Global Congress generated strong industry synergies and strengthened Hong Kong’s standing as a world-leading destination for mega events, innovation, and global business engagement.
