The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) has elected Wendy Lai as its new chairman, making history as the first woman to lead the association in its 36-year history. Her appointment was confirmed during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), where she officially succeeded Stuart Bailey, who stepped down after serving as chairman for ten years.
In recognition of his significant contributions to both the association and the wider exhibition industry, Bailey was named Honorary Life President. His decade-long leadership coincided with a period of major industry transformation, including the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery phase.
Lai brings more than two decades of exhibition industry experience to the role. She has been an active member of the HKECIA executive committee for several years and most recently served as executive vice-chair. Professionally, she is Vice-President of Global Sources Exhibitions, where she leads the organiser’s international sourcing exhibitions in Hong Kong.
Following her appointment, Lai reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with association members, industry stakeholders, and government authorities to further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading global exhibition destination.
Highlighting the sector’s recovery, Lai noted that Hong Kong’s exhibition industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in recent years. She pointed out that large-scale exhibitions have experienced a strong resurgence, with event numbers not only recovering but, in many cases, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to Lai, this reflects Hong Kong’s enduring appeal as an international business and trading platform.
She also acknowledged the role played by government incentive initiatives in supporting the post-Covid recovery of the industry. These measures enabled organisers to launch innovative themed exhibitions while expanding established flagship events, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as the MICE hub of the Greater Bay Area and reinforcing its long-standing reputation as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia.
Looking ahead, Lai recognized that the global economic outlook remains uncertain and that intensifying regional competition presents significant challenges. Despite these factors, she emphasized that the association’s mission remains focused on ensuring Hong Kong continues to serve as a leading international gateway connecting East and West.
She further stated that maintaining the strength of established trade fairs while expanding international reach and enhancing value for exhibitors and visitors will be critical priorities. Lai also expressed confidence that, through close collaboration with the government and the development of sustainable support measures, the industry will continue to unlock new growth opportunities and further elevate Hong Kong’s standing as a world-leading exhibition and trade hub.
