Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 276 MICE events were held in the first quarter of 2014, bringing 304,000 participants and attendees, up significantly by 20% and 50% year-on-year. Total floor area used reached 223,000 m2 and average duration of the event stood at 2.1 days.

There were 40,000 participants going to 263 meetings and conferences held in the first quarter of 2014, with 81% being participants of conferences and corporate meetings Number of attendees to the 13 exhibitions surged by 51% year-on-year to 264,000; the average duration was 2.8 days, and the floor area used totalled 47,000 m2.

Information from 10 exhibition organizers indicated that 7 exhibitions had been held in the same quarter of 2013, engaging 247 full-time staff. Revenue of the exhibition organizers reached MOP16.22 million, up substantially by 88% year-on-year, coming from rental of exhibition booths (52%) and financial support from government or other organizations (47%). Expenditure of the exhibition organizers increased by 9% to MOP37.48 million, including publicity & public relation (26%); production, construction & decoration services (22%) and accommodation, food & beverages (16%).

There were 953 exhibitors in the first quarter of 2014, with 34% coming from Hong Kong, 31% from Macao and 20% from Mainland China. Professional visitors totalled 5,028, coming mainly from Macao (42%) and Mainland China (27%). Information from 145 interviewed exhibitors indicated that sales of products took up 79% of the revenue, while rental paid for exhibition booth shared 72% of the expenditure. Regarding exhibitors’ comments about the MICE venue and services, 69% were satisfied with the efficiency & attitude of the venue staff, 68% were satisfied with their language skill; however, 19% considered that event promotion and venue facilities needed improvement.