Representatives from Informa, AsiaWorld-Expo and Airport Authority Hong Kong attend the opening ceremony of The Festival of Connoisseurs.
Hong Kong has staged the inaugural The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC), a premium lifestyle exhibition and the first event funded under a government initiative to attract large-scale international exhibitions to the city.
Organised by Informa Markets in collaboration with AsiaWorld-Expo, the show ran from 4 to 6 November in Halls 3 and 6 at AsiaWorld-Expo. According to Informa Markets, it spanned nine themed sections covering superyachts, supercars, fine jewellery and watches, private aviation, premium travel and fine art.
According to the Hong Kong SAR Government, HK$100 million (US$12.7 million) was earmarked in this year’s Budget to bring high-quality, large-scale international exhibitions to Hong Kong. The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) is implementing the initiative.
Around 50 brands from around the world took part, with about 3,000 participants expected over the three days, according to opening-day reporting by TVB.
Moving away from the single-venue indoor format, TFOC promoted a “city-as-your-showroom” concept linking the exhibition halls with waterfront experiences. An outdoor Marina Showcase was open to the public free of charge with advance registration, and the show was linked with Lantau Yacht Club’s Festa Nautica boat show from 6 to 8 November. AsiaWorld-Expo chief executive Irene Chan said the venue had invested in dedicated berthing facilities and waterfront upgrades for the event.
At the opening ceremony, Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector”, its low-tax regime and its position as a gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as advantages for international brands.
“Hong Kong does not need to compete for relevance in the global luxury conversation,” said Patrick Martell, group chief operating officer of Informa and chief executive of Informa Markets.
Informa Markets plans to expand the exhibition’s scale and content next year, while the CEDB will continue working with organisations to identify international exhibitions on other themes for the city.