92nd UFI Global Congress at AsiaWorld-Expo

30.11.2025

The 92nd UFI Global Congress, the exhibition industry’s largest global meeting of the year, officially closed on 22 November at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE).

Returning to Hong Kong after 25 years, the Congress underscored the city’s internationally recognised position as a premier MICE hub and injected fresh momentum into the MICE development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Under the theme “Shaping the Future”, this four-day event (19–22 November) brought together over 600 top-level executives from more than 50 countries and regions. In addition to representatives from Chinese Mainland, Europe, the US, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific, this year’s edition also attracted leaders from South America, Africa and Eastern Europe, who gathered to explore new opportunities and drive collaboration for a shared future.

The Opening Ceremony on 20th November was officiated by Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR, with addresses delivered by Fred Lam, chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK); Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB); and Hugh Jones, UFI’s president. In the opening remarks, Mr Chan noted: “At its core, exhibitions are about forging business connections and promoting trade in products and services. Your choice of the AsiaWorld-Expo as the congress venue speaks volumes about your focus on connectivity. The Hong Kong International Airport is the gateway to the Chinese Mainland, the broader Asian region and beyond, with over 1,100 flights to over 200 destinations every day. Indeed, Hong Kong’s role has always been a “super connector”. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, we enjoy convenient and sometimes priority access to the Chinese Mainland market, while maintaining the characteristics that define our success as an international trade, business and financial hub.”

The region’s exhibition and conference hub

AWE continues to strengthen Hong Kong's leading position as the “Asia's Events Capital“ through facility upgrades and diversification of event offerings. As Fred Lam remarked in his speech: “Connectivity is one of AWE’s strengths, as it is located right next to Hong Kong International Airport, which connects to over 200 destinations worldwide. AWE also benefits from its strategic location at the bridgehead of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and therefore provides an effective platform for establishing a foothold in this important market (GBA). Looking ahead, AWE is developing a new state-of-the-art arena, we believe it will complement and enhance the attractiveness of the many exhibitions and conferences being hosted here. The expanded AWE is also an integral part of the Airport City project, called Skytopia. We are confident that with the completion of Skytopia, Hong Kong’s position as the region’s exhibition and conference hub will be further enhanced.”

This year's UFI Global Congress has not only allowed industry professionals to experience Hong Kong's strategic geographical advantages firsthand, but has also provided global exhibition leaders with an opportunity to rediscover the city. HKTB chairman Peter Lam remarked during the opening: “We are thrilled that the UFI Global Congress has returned to Hong Kong after 25 years to celebrate UFI’s centenary. This year’s Congress holds special significance; it is both an honour and a testament to our city’s enduring position as the “World’s Meeting Place”. Combined with business-friendly policies, world-class infrastructure, professional services and unique GBA opportunity, Hong Kong continues to attract international business events across the region. Moreover, Hong Kong goes beyond being just a business hub – the city boasts a year-round calendar of world-class mega events, enlivening it with delightful activities, exclusive festive attractions and irresistible experiences. I invite global industry leaders to explore beyond the conference halls and immerse themselves in Hong Kong.”