AsiaWorld-Expo: Leading the way

Since its opening in 2005, AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), located right next to Hong Kong International Airport, has built an enviable track record for hosting world-class conferences, exhibitions and entertainment events alike. 

Jointly owned by Hong Kong SAR Government and Airport Authority Hong Kong, and offering more than 70,000sqm of event space spanning 10 state-of-the-art, ground-level and column-free exhibition halls, the venue caters for all types of events: from smaller, more intimate functions to larger gatherings and mega conferences. Its purpose-built Arena is the biggest indoor seated venue in Hong Kong, boasting a maximum capacity of 14,000. 

AWE has received a stellar line-up of accolades over the past decade recognising the quality of its service, its keen approach to integrating technology, and its distinct ability to meet the ever-evolving needs of today’s top event planners.

Success at every level 

AWE won the Outstanding Venue Award in October at an awards ceremony held in South Korea, organised by the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA), a leading MICE association. AFECA organised the annual AFECA Asian Awards to acknowledge and honour the outstanding achievements of event organisers, service contractors, venues and young professionals in the industry since kicking off in 2015. 

AWE’s high-profile accolade—which it brought home on its very first attempt—is judged by both industry leaders and representatives from the region’s exhibition and convention associations. 

The Outstanding Venue Award recognises venues with world-class facilities, quality service, outstanding customer support and sustainability practices, with entrants undergoing a rigorous judging process. Criteria assessed includes innovation, destination marketing, sustainable practices, event facilitation, pricing and value for money, quality of food and beverage, and overall customer and client support. 

AWE’s win is a testament to the venue’s ongoing success and its commitment to providing the best possible environment for events and exhibitions.

The AWE team receiving the Outstanding Venue Award

“We are honoured to receive this recognition,” said Enid Low, chief strategy officer of AsiaWorld-Expo. “The Outstanding Venue Award is not only a testament to the hard work of our team and business partners, it also further affirms AWE’s position as the region’s destination of choice. We are particularly glad that AFECA’s esteemed panel of judges have chosen AWE for its proven commitment to innovation and its strong contribution to the region.”

Investment in innovation

Both the venue’s approach to innovation, and its use of technology were viewed by the judging panel as particularly impressive. Since 2017, the venue has undertaken major upgrades to transform into a ‘smart’ venue by means of the digitisation and automation of event processes. This includes the development of software powered by the Internet of Things, which has seamlessly integrated customer data, service orders and electronic check lists into one system. 

With the ability to streamline tracking and communication between respective parties, events can be closely supervised in real-time, meaning that any responses or changes required can be actioned quickly and with the least possible disruption.  

Digitisation of AWE events

Instant notifications, for one, can be sent to frontline staff for follow-up via a mobile app, while supervisors are kept informed at all times with regular status updates. 

In addition, AWE’s system offers a dashboard function, giving management an overview of key insights for each and every event. With the software application covering housekeeping, security, event safety and facility management, all aspects of an event are catered for and can be accessed by relevant parties anywhere and anytime. Event planners, exhibitors and visitors alike can expect high service standards alongside more efficient internal workflows and monitoring processes. 

The added safety and comfort of such developments is worth noting as well, and the way in which the building itself is managed has been considerably enhanced by the use of smart tech. 

AWE offers smart monitoring for air-conditioning, chiller plant operation, moist and mist levels, and lighting and fire services systems, with smart sensors installed across the venue’s 70,000-square-metre area. All indicators are centralised and can be viewed live on a mobile app, offering updates and information in real time. This means that ad hoc requests or any irregularities detected can be managed and dealt with swiftly.

Sustainability in mind

Alongside its investment in technology, AWE is also leading the way when it comes to sustainability. The venue’s continued commitment to investing in digital documents and automated processes has in turn significantly reduced its reliance on paper, helping AWE to develop a ‘paperless’ way of working on events.

Embedding smart tech has also helped to improve energy efficiency levels, resulting in reduced operation costs and a better environment overall for businesses and groups that are committed to ongoing CSR. AWE is continuing to invest in this area, and event managers and exhibitors alike can look forward to implementing more such initiatives in the near future.

An enviable location

AWE’s strengths lie not just within technology and sustainability, but also in its location. Its integration with Hong Kong International Airport set it at the centre of an extensive and efficient air, land and marine transport network. Easy access is offered for all, and half of the world’s population can reach Hong Kong within just five hours’ flying time. AWE also has an in-venue metro station, making it easy to get to and from other destinations in the city.

Connectivity and convenience have been enhanced further with the opening in October of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), which now stands as the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world. AWE’s location adjacent to the bridge’s entry point means it is the natural gateway to the entire Pearl River Delta region, strengthening ties between AWE and Greater Bay cities—in particular, Macau and Zhuhai. AWE is ready to embrace an enlarged MICE catchment area and the many opportunities within the Greater Bay Area, a region that has been earmarked for dynamic growth and investment. 

Cosmopack 2018

With bus routes connecting AWE and the HZMB already in operation and proving popular, the venue is set to welcome an increasing flow of visitors. Just last month, participants and exhibitors enjoyed much greater levels of convenience in terms of transport and access, including Alisports WESG Hong Kong Esports Festival 2018 from 9-11 November, and Cosmopack Asia 2018 which ran from 13-15 November. 

AWE enjoys close proximity to a large number of leisure and entertainment options, and these will be further enhanced with the forthcoming, neighbouring SKYCITY development project in Hong Kong. Set to open in phases between 2023 and 2027, the complex will comprise retail, dining, entertainment facilities, hotels and offices.