Entering into its 10th anniversary year, AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) has been named the prestigious “Best Venue Team” for Asia. This is a brand new award by the renowned CEI Asia Industry Awards 2014 that serves to distinguish the best team in terms of innovation and excellence in service standards and quality amongst Asia’s leading venue providers. Organized by prominent MICE publication CEI Asia magazine, the awards are based on votes and feedback by professionals and readers from the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry worldwide.
AWE also announced that it has recorded total metreage sold at over 25,000,000 square feet, a double-digit growth compared to the previous year. This is the fifth consecutive year of double-digit business growth for AWE. Utilisation has been growing throughout the past five years, with the estimated number of full-house event days in 2014 expected to reach a new high of 52 days. This is close to a six-fold jump when compared to utilisation in 2012, and underlines the Company’s successful business strategy in forgoing innovation and collaboration in this increasingly competitive sector both locally and globally.
“We are very pleased to have won the “Best Venue Team” in Asia in spite of very keen competition in the region. We truly believe the “Best Venue Team” award represents an industry-recognition of our team who has been consistently delivering innovation in generating new ideas, flexibility to meet customers’ and their partners’ unique and differing needs, and promoting collaboration with different parties in creating win-win situations. It is a tremendous vote of confidence and proof of our successful track record as the Company enters into its 10th year of operations, and we will embark on our 10th anniversary celebrations for the next 12 months with a series of activities to promote further collaboration with partners and stakeholders.” said Mr. Allen Ha, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaWorld-Expo Management Limited.
“I wish to thank all the stakeholders in the industry for their continuous support and trust. I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Tourism Board for their invaluable efforts in facilitating the development of the MICE industry and enhancing the co-operation between the two venues over the past year. Some exciting events to be held at AWE include THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, the Longines Hong Kong Masters 2015 and a wide variety of exhibitions, conventions, concerts and entertainment events. Going forward, AWE will continue to strive for greater team innovation and collaboration with our partners at all levels and our venue team will remain committed to achieving excellence in services for our clients and visitors,” added Mr Ha.
Commenting on AWE’s award, was Ms. Avis Chau, Vice President of Nu Skin Greater China Success Inspirations, “We held our 30th anniversary APAC three-day conference at AWE which was attended by over 30,000 delegates. The AWE team worked in close collaboration with us to ensure a smooth and seamless, all-under-one-roof event that was truly professional and enriching for our NU SKIN distributors. AWE does not only have a great venue, but an even greater team.”
Separately, long-term user, Global Sources has just announced that it has renewed its contract to host its highly successful trade shows at AWE in 2017 and 2018. Mr. Spenser Au, CEO of Global Sources, said: “Since 2006, we have hosted all of our primary shows at AWE and it has proven to be a popular venue for overseas buyers and suppliers across Asia to meet and do business. We were one of the first tenants to sign with AWE in 2004 and the new contract represents our commitment to this amazing venue. We congratulate AWE for winning the ‘Best Venue Team’ award and we thank them for their service in the past years.”
Global Produce Events Managing Director, Mr Gerald Lamusse said, “Our ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA exhibition has grown by almost one third from last year with visitor numbers increasing 24% from last year. Thanks to the AWE team with its innovative service and execution excellence for having helped us to achieve record results.”
Mr Nick Freyer, Senior Vice President of IMG, who organized Hong Kong’s first The Color Run, commented on AWE’s recent award win, “The preparation work for The Color Run held on 7 December only started in mid-October. We are really impressed with the flexibility and efficiency of AWE. The Color Run featured for the first time globally, a unique night glow indoor element at AWE, and this innovative idea was actually suggested by AWE. The team also collaborated closely with us to liaise with the related government departments and other parties, making The Color Run happen in Hong Kong. AWE is truly the “Best Venue Team”. Congratulations!”
AWE has also been awarded the first runner-up of “Best Convention and Exhibition Centre” in Asia, a position that the Company has held for two consecutive years, and the fourth time that AWE was consistently named the Top Three “Best Convention and Exhibition Centres” in Asia.