AsiaWorld-Expo, Asia’s leading exhibition and events venue, has once again proven that Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading destinations for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions). Working in partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, AsiaWorld-Expo successfully played host to the 47th Orient and Southeast Asian Lions (OSEAL) Forum from 4-7 December 2008, an event which required an opening ceremony, sightseeing tours and formal banqueting for over 6,000 delegates.
AsiaWorld-Expo rose to this challenge with an opening ceremony for over 6,000 people at AsiaWorld-Arena, which is the biggest purpose-built indoor seated entertainment arena in Hong Kong. The following night, the Forum also featured a lavish banquet at AsiaWorld-Expo, with guests enjoying the culinary creations of award-winning chefs.
“We have hosted our regional event in Hong Kong for several times and AsiaWorld-Expo has proved to be an ideal home,” said Miss Judy Sin, Past District Governor, Lions Club International, District 303 Hong Kong & Macau, China. “Over 6,000 delegates attended this important event and we required a venue that could provide us with exceptional hotel and transport arrangements, as well as something more for our guests. At AsiaWorld-Expo our delegates love the easy access to both the leisure and business side of life.”
Indeed, the proximity of AsiaWorld-Expo to many of Hong Kong’s most iconic leisure and entertainment attractions makes it the ideal venue for business events: in addition to Hong Kong Disneyland, AsiaWorld-Expo offers easy access to the Ngong Ping Cable Car to the Big Buddha, as well as SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course and world-class shopping at Terminal 2 of Hong Kong International Airport.
Immediately following this spectacular ceremony, the delegates visited Hong Kong Disneyland, which is just minutes’ away from the AsiaWorld-Expo complex. “The OSEAL Forum is a classic example of the synergy between AsiaWorld-Expo and other MICE venues including the neighbouring Hong Kong Disneyland,” remarked Mr Allen Ha, Chief Executive Officer, AsiaWorld-Expo Management Limited. “Our collaboration with Hong Kong Disneyland helped to facilitate a successful event in which Forum delegates were able to enjoy both event and leisure activities in a seamless conference programme.”
"More than 2,400 Lions Club members from the Asian region thoroughly enjoyed the festivities at Hong Kong Disneyland immediately after the 47th OSEAL Forum opening ceremony,” said Dr Tam Wing Kun, Honorary Advisor of the ceremony, who was elected at the OSEAL Forum as the International 2nd Vice President of Lions Club, the first ever from Hong Kong. "It was a memorable experience for the Lions Club International President and senior members of the Board to be part of the Grand Marshal riding down Hong Kong Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. Our delegates were thrilled to see us and to relive their childhood fantasies at the snowy Royal Christmas Ball and wonderful Disney in the Stars Fireworks. I would like to thank the entire Hong Kong Disneyland team for their efficient, hospitable and professional service which undoubtedly contributed to the success of this year's OSEAL."
Ms Aliana Ho, Vice President, Sales and Travel Trade Marketing at Hong Kong Disneyland, remarked, "Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is delighted to have created a magical experience for the OSEAL Forum participants and members of the Lions Club International. We are pleased that this event has helped strengthen Hong Kong as a quality MICE venue. With extensive outdoor and indoor meeting spaces and our unique Disney-style entertainment, the Resort is well-positioned to further capture MICE business opportunities and offer innovative and versatile events for companies from the region and beyond."
Looking ahead, AsiaWorld-Expo and other MICE facilities on Lantau including Hong Kong Disneyland will continue to play a key role in making Hong Kong the global MICE destination of choice. In the process, they will also proudly help support the local economy and maintain Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s World City.
Mr Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said that world-class events such as the OSEAL Forum not only bring in high-profile international visitors, but also strengthen Hong Kong’s image as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE).
“The success of the OSEAL Forum and the positive feedback from participants on their Lantau Island experience manifest Hong Kong’s capability and uniqueness in organising world-class MICE events,” he said. “The HKTB has worked closely with the Forum’s Organising Committee and AsiaWorld-Expo in providing support and advice on marketing, event logistics and tour programmes for this event. Through our newly established Meeting and Exhibition Hong Kong (MEHK) office, we will continue to make every effort to provide one-stop support and customised solutions to MICE organisers, ensuring every MICE event in Hong Kong a success.”