Trade Show Archives - Page 14 of 122

VMF Focuses on Addressing Marketers’ Top Priorities

Vibe Marketing Tech Fest will take place in Manchester on July 10, 2025, and brings industry leaders to answer the pressing questions on every marketer’s mind.

Convenience comes with price, and consumers agree. Consumers are discerning, they are willing to pay more for brands that align with their values, and share more data with brands that promise to offer more personalised experiences. Brands need to keep up or be left behind. The customer’s journey is anything but linear, and the marketer’s role to navigate these market forces is increasingly complex.

But there are more challenges–with inflationary pressures, marketing and advertising spend is under severe scrutiny. Business stakeholders are keen to know where marketing dollars are being spent, if they are being optimised, and how to fine-tune that growth engine.

The opportunity of artificial intelligence and generative AI to further alter the dynamics of the marketing leader’s role is a key concern. What does it mean for tomorrow’s leaders, and what skills does one need to drive business in the immediate future?

Vibe Marketing Tech Fest promises to address these burning questions and more. Founded in 2018, VMF is one of the world’s largest and most influential marketing tech conferences.

“The balance between privacy and personalisation is a burning issue that brands need to tackle head-on. Customers are poised to align with brands that are transparent and committed to fairness. We want to take on the tough questions that marketing leaders are faced with. VMF will explore how businesses can navigate this highly competitive landscape and set them up for long-term sustainable growth,” says Sanjay Swamy, Director at Martechvibe, the media company organising VMF.

VMF 2025 will cover themes like:

Overcoming barriers to deliver hyper-personalisation
Increasing ROI on martech investments
Maximising first part data in a privacy era
Reducing churn, and driving higher CLV

Speakers like Scott Brinker, Sir Martin Sorrell, Brian Solis, Neil Patel, Darell Alfonso, Fernando Machado, David Raab, Rob Bloom, and Steve Lok have delivered rich sessions in the previous editions of the summit.

This year’s speakers include David Raab, Owner of Raab Associates and Founder at CDP Institute, Aadil Mukhtar, Head of Marketing – Growth & Technology at United Rugby Championship, Adam Azor – EVP, Global Marketing at sportradar, Adam Mills – Head of Insight, Loyalty & Strategy at The Wine Society, Charlotte Flemming – Senior Marketing Manager at Prime Time, Ian Irving – Lead SEO & ASO Specialist at BBC, Jessica Cooke – Director of Media & Loyalty at Stonegate, Karla Zaldivar – Global Social Media Insights Manager at Booking.com, Mohamed Jhummun – Head of Personalisation at Scale at Pepsico, Jamie Allen – Head of Marketing at Mettle, Emily Latham – Head of Marketing Technology Portfolio at CarWow, Sabrina Godden-Tuma – Global Creative Director at Vodafone, Anne Lathowers – Head of Growth Marketing & Communication at E.ON One, Victoria Kerr – Head of Marketing, EMEA & APAC at Uber, Gareth Maritz – Director of Marketing – Change, MarTech, Partnerships, Measurement & Effectiveness at Flutter, and many more.

For more information, visit Vibe Marketing Tech Fest 2025 .

About VMF

Founded in 2018, Vibe Marketing Tech Fest (VMF) is one of the world’s largest and most influential marketing tech conferences. It is the premier gathering for marketing, technology, product, CRM, revenue, and CX leaders. Designed to explore the latest trends, strategies, and cutting-edge tools shaping the marketing landscape, VMF serves as the ultimate platform where marketing pioneers connect with technology innovators.

Join industry leaders as they network, exchange insights, and redefine the future of marketing through the power of technology.

Media contact:
Mrunalini Pol
mrunalini@vibeprojects.com

HKTDC Export Confidence Index 1Q25

– Export confidence remains positive despite growing trade tensions

HONG KONG, Mar 26, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – The findings of the 1Q25 HKTDC Export Confidence Index showed confidence among Hong Kong exporters has risen moderately, despite the sizable tariff hikes imposed by the US on its trading partners around the world.

In specific terms, the Current Performance Index (a measure of actual performance for the quarter in question) rose by 1.8 points to 52.1. Equally reassuringly, the Expectation Index (a measure of confidence in likely performance in the coming quarter) was up by 1.0 points to 51.0. Both readings were above the watermark level of 50, which can be taken as confirming general optimism with regard to future export prospects.

Given the likely impact of the series of higher tariffs imposed by the US in the last two months, the HKTDC has slightly adjusted its 2025 Hong Kong export growth forecast from 4% to 3%. There remains a downside risk to the forecast given the uncertainty over any future escalation in global trade tension.

Commenting on the revised forecast and the 1Q25 findings, Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, said: “It’s a testament to the resilience of Hong Kong’s export sector that growth is still indicated. While export business may be growing at a moderately slower rate than had been initially anticipated, there are still many reasons to be optimistic.”

“This is partly down to the agility and flexibility many Hong Kong exporters have demonstrated in terms of strategies for future-proofing their business activities.”

From the findings of the 1Q25 survey, it is clear a range of strategies, including diversifying sourcing, expanding into new markets and the relocation of production lines, have been very much front-of-mind for many of Hong Kong’s export-oriented businesses. These moves, it is believed, will help enterprises mitigate the adverse effects of any current or future protectionist measures.

Overall, despite a more challenging global trade backdrop, it was encouraging to note the majority of survey respondents (75.4%) remained confident their 2025 net profit margins would either rise or remain stable. This was notably higher than the 72.1% of respondents expressing the same sentiment in 4Q24, while also being the highest such figure for 12 months.

In terms of market prospects, uncertainties over its trading stance have inevitably clouded the general views of the US. Tellingly, the Current Performance figure for the country was 47.8, with its 3.1 point quarter-on-quarter decline taking it below the watermark level of 50 for the first time in 12 months.

Exporter sentiment, however, remained largely positive when looking beyond the US market, particularly with reference to Mainland China, the EU and the ASEAN bloc. In all, the Current Performance Index reading for Mainland China was up 6.7 points to 59.0 (compared to 4Q24) while the comparable finding for the EU was up 3.8 points to 50.1. The reading for the ASEAN bloc (56.4), meanwhile, remained solidly in expansionary territory.

Nicholas Fu, Senior Economist, said “A similar pattern was in evidence in the case of the Expectation Index. This saw Mainland China up 3.0 points to 55.7, followed by the ASEAN bloc (53.0) and the EU (52.7). The US was again down, falling by 4.3 points to hit a one-year low of 46.7.”

In terms of more general findings, Jewellery (at 53.1 points) was the most upbeat industry sector with regard to 1Q25 Current Performance, followed by Electronics (52.3) and Timepieces (51.2). In terms of Expectation, Jewellery (54.4), Equipment/Materials (52.6) and Timepiece (51.1) exporters were most optimistic as to their likely future performance.

Appendix

The HKTDC Export Confidence Index has been designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Hong Kong exporter sentiment. It comprises two primary / overall indices, one of which gauges the Current Performance with regard to the surveyed quarter, while the other considers Expectation for the upcoming quarter. The findings of both indices are based on a weighted average of five sub-indices – Sales and New Orders, Trade Value, Cost, Procurement, and Inventory.

Full details of the methodology / definitions relating to the HKTDC Export Confidence Index can be found in the Appendix section of the full quarterly report.

References
HKTDC Export Confidence Index 1Q25: Export Confidence Improves Despite Growing Trade Tensions
HKTDC Research website

Photo download: bit.ly/3QMQHmU

Media enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:

Fraser LiAgnes Wat

Tel: (852) 2584 4369Tel: (852) 2584 4554

Email: fraser.li@hktdc.orgEmail: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

Asia’s airports take the lead at inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 kicks off the conference, driving conversations on the future of airport operations and passenger experience

The much-anticipated inter airport Southeast Asia (IASEA) 2025 has officially opened today at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, bringing together key airport industry stakeholders, global solution providers, and leading experts to shape the future of airport operations and passenger experience.

Themed “Airport Operations for Tomorrow”, conversations surrounding these topics are especially crucial as the aviation industry is witnessing rapid transformation and projected global passenger traffic to reach 19.5 billion by 2042.

Day 1 morning highlights: Keynotes and expert insights

The opening day of IASEA 2025 set an exciting tone with thought-provoking discussions and visionary insights from industry leaders.

The fireside chat on ‘Reshaping Global Airport Operations’, led by Patrick Ky, CEO, International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI) and moderated by Glory Wee, Senior Director, Aviation Development Group, Civil Aviation Authority Singapore (CAAS), discussed the fundamental shift they anticipate airport operations will face and how airports must evolve to balance the imperatives of efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. When asked to share one game-changing technology that will redefine the industry, Patrick Ky shared that “innovation that drives data sharing will be key”, but that would require many regulatory aspects and willingness from airports to share with each other. This would take time, but it is key to building a stronger future.

“It is clear from our discussion that in order to reshape airport operations, it is not just about technological advancements but also about setting standards, data integrity, collaborations, and sharing best practices. Above all, the industry needs to work towards building trust with partners and eco-system players,” said Glory Wee, Senior Director, Aviation Development Group, Civil Aviation Authority Singapore (CAAS).

At the show, leading airports, including Narita International Airport Corporation, and Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), presented case studies highlighting their technological integrations, regional growth strategies, and efforts to meet rising demand while enhancing passenger experience.

Shinichiro Motomiya, General Manager, Narita International Airport Corporation, presented the ‘New Narita Airport’ expansion project for the 2030s, which includes extending an existing runway, constructing a new runway, improving connectivity into the city, building a new cargo area, and consolidating this into a single terminal to accommodate the expected increase of passenger capacity from 57 to 75 million and cargo capacity from 2.4 to 3.5 million tons at Narita International Airport.

Separately, Vietnam’s aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, with domestic travel projected to increase by over 20% from 2023 to 2027. To meet this soaring demand, Nguyen Dang Minh, Director of Airport Operations Department, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), shared ACV’s master plan to develop a robust and resilient airport network by 2050. By 2030, ACV will equip 30 airports across the country with a combined capacity to handle 275.9 million passengers and 4.1 million tons of cargo annually. By 2050, the network will expand to 33 airports (14 international and 19 domestic), ensuring that 97% of the population has access to an airport within 100 kilometres. The total investment for this extensive development is estimated to reach 420,000 billion VND.

At the heart of this transformation is the Long Thanh International Airport project, positioned as a key national aviation hub and one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region. The project is divided into three phases:

Phase 1 (2025): Complete Terminal 1 with two runways and a cargo terminal, which will have the capacity to handle 25 million passengers.
Phase 2 (2025-2030): Construction of Terminal 2, which will increase the airport’s capacity to 50 million passengers.
Phase 3 (2035-2040): Two additional runways (T3 and T4 Terminals), reaching a total capacity of 100 million passengers.

This year’s IASEA 2025 welcomes a delegation of leaders from major international airports in Vietnam, including Long Thanh International Airport—one of the world’s most expensive greenfield airport projects—Noi Bai Airport, Danang Airport, Cat Bi Airport, Phu Quoc Airport, and Cam Ranh International Terminal.

Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Deputy General Director, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), shared during his opening remarks, “Under the direction of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, ACV’s delegation at this expo is actively seeking high-quality, potential partners in technology, equipment, and airport operations to collaborate in accelerating the completion of Long Thanh, ensuring it meets the highest international standards. This show is not only a valuable opportunity for ACV to explore cutting-edge technologies and advanced management models but also a chance for all of us to discuss strategies for the collective growth of airport networks in Southeast Asia.”

What to look out for in IASEA 2025?

Over the course of three days, groundbreaking discussions and innovations are taking centre stage, redefining efficiency, sustainability, and automation in ground handling and airport logistics.

Today marks a significant milestone for CW Aero Services as the company announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Goldhofer AG to become a Hub for Goldhofer GSE product lines in the Asia Pacific region. As part of this strategic partnership, CW Aero Services will not only promote Goldhofer GSE products within Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines but also provide comprehensive support services. This includes the commissioning of new GSE deliveries, repair and maintenance work, and the supply of spare parts, ensuring seamless and efficient operations for customers in the region. This collaboration represents more than just a contractual agreement—it is a commitment by CW Aero Services to drive the growth and adoption of Goldhofer products and services across the Asia Pacific. By leveraging its expertise and regional presence, CW Aero Services aims to make a meaningful impact on the ground support equipment landscape in the region.

Industry leaders are unveiling next-generation solutions designed to optimise airport operations, enhance energy efficiency, and streamline airside activities. One of the most highly anticipated product debuts comes from FastCharge GSE. The company launched the Enatel eGSE Charger – a cutting-edge charging solution designed specifically for electric ground support equipment (eGSE) – earlier this month, which was one of the first few times the product was showcased to the public. With a world-leading 97.6% efficiency, the charger minimises energy waste, optimises charging times, and reduces vehicle downtime, setting a new benchmark in airport electrification.

Meanwhile, Oshkosh AeroTech has introduced two cutting-edge electric ground support vehicles to the Asia market at IASEA 2025 – the LEKTRO 88i electric aircraft tug and the B80 electric pushback tractor – that are designed to enhance airport efficiency, sustainability, safety, and reduce operational costs. The B80 pushback tractor, specifically, was built for heavy-duty operations, delivering high torque, all-wheel drive, and advanced energy management for efficient pushbacks of both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.

As the event unfolds, industry professionals can expect more exclusive product showcases, expert-led conference sessions, and networking opportunities that shape the future of airport operations across Asia.

All trade professionals attending inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 will be granted free access to the exhibition and conference floors. For the latest information on inter airport Southeast Asia, please visit the event website, LinkedIn, or Facebook pages.

About inter airport Southeast Asia

inter airport Southeast Asia influences and accelerates the transformation of the airport industry in Asia by crafting a unique, 3-day airport trade show for the region.

Every odd year, buyers and decision makers from the airports, airlines, ground handlers and the entire Airport community in Asia attend inter airport Southeast Asia to source and experience from the most diverse selection of innovations, technology and equipment for airport terminals and ramp operations.

Whatever your strategy or needs – this is the place to be for business, friendship and new trends.

25-27 March 2025
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.interairport-southeastasia.com

About RX

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

Media contacts (on behalf of RX)
Carolyn Kok (carolyn.kok@fifthring.com)
Chloe Lim (chloe.lim@fifthring.com)

Vibe Marketing Tech Fest 2025 Will Focus on Convergence & Conversions

Vibe Marketing Tech Fest – the Middle East’s largest marketing technology summit, will take place on April 23 and 24, 2025, in Dubai, UAE.

Digitalisation has revolutionised how customers engage with brands, transforming the traditional linear funnel into an intricate web of touchpoints. Today’s customer journey is dynamic, interconnected, and far from predictable.

Marketers must now navigate a landscape where customer expectations are higher, attention spans are shorter, and engagement spans across multiple platforms and moments.

The 16th global edition of Vibe Marketing Tech Fest (VMF) will delve into these challenges, offering insights, strategies, and Martech solutions that empower modern marketers to adapt, innovate, and thrive in this new reality.

The theme will focus on the convergence of marketing technologies, ad technologies, and ad journeys and explore how marketers need to adapt, be dynamic, and incorporate customer-centricity into their approach.

Marketers must leverage the power of real-time data and technology to comprehend where a customer changes trajectory and what influences their decisions in doing so.

“Customers are discerning and any disruption in convenience can hamper the path to conversions. Brands must adapt to fragmented and dynamic paths to purchase, driven by real-time data and emerging AI capabilities. Vibe Marketing Tech Fest puts the spotlight on the consumer, and how brands can navigate the changing technology landscape to deliver this convenience. With this edition, we have added themes like app marketing, ad tech integration, growth, digital marketing and retail media networks,” said Sanjay Swamy, Director at Martechvibe.

Top conversations at VMF 2025 will cover:

Engagement, Apps & Social
AI, Automation & Tech
Martech, Adtech & Data
Brand Growth & Retention

The conversations at VMF tackle real-world challenges affecting marketers today, with a look at preparing for possible scenarios in the near future. Rajesh Verma, General Manager, Middle East, Epsilon said, “We need forward-facing platforms like these to help dispel the myths that surround marketing and tech in the Middle East. Take retail media as an example; many believe retail media strategies rely solely on online behaviour and demographics, overlooking the power of transactional data, or that retail media only occurs on a retailer’s website. These gatherings provide an opportunity to educate marketers on the true potential of new media opportunities, and how to avoid the pitfalls. They foster important connections that place attendees in a much better position to navigate the complexities of the evolving landscape.”

Richard Shotton, Founder of Astroten, a behavioural science consultancy and author of The Choice Factory and The Illusion of Choice, will deliver the keynote on how human decision-making remains remarkably constant in an evolving technology landscape in his session titled The Enduring Power of Behavioural Science. “It’s increasingly common to see brands and agencies incorporate consumer psychology as part of their process, although it’s not often systematically applied. There’s still an over-reliance on intuition, or when research happens, it’s based on claimed data. For example, creative routes are tested by asking people which ads they think would make them purchase… It’s not that respondents deliberately mislead researchers, just that nobody is aware of all the elements that influence their decisions. When asked, people don’t — in fact, can’t — tell you what motivates them. So, findings from a lot of market research can never uncover the whole truth. There’s still more headroom to align research with genuine motivation through the application of behavioural science.”

This year’s speakers include Alexis Jean Baptiste – Chief Data & Analytics Officer | L’Oréal, James Dutton – Chief Product Officer | UM MENAT, Mai Cheblak – Vice President Group Media & Social | Emirates NBD, Marwen Ben Messaoud – Head of Growth Middle East, Africa, South Asia | Spotify, Matthew Horobin – Associate Director Customer Experience | Modon Holdings, Mustafa Bohra – Associate Director – Martech and Analytics | Careem, Nandakumar Vijayan – Global Director, Marketing & Communications | LuLu Group International, Oleg Nesterenko – Chief Marketing Officer | Storytel, Charlotte Davis | Acting Director of Retail Media | Majid Al Futtaim, Sohail Nawaz MBE – Head of Retail Media | Landmark Group, Sevgi Gur – Chief Marketing Officer | Property Finder, Rishi Gupta – Regional Director: Middle East & Africa | Nothing, and many more.

For more information, visit Vibe Marketing Tech Fest 2025 .

About VMF

Join industry leaders as they network, exchange insights, and redefine the future of marketing through the power of technology.

Media contact:
Mrunalini Pol
mrunalini@vibeprojects.com

The 33rd China International Bicycle Fair 2025 Set to Grandly Open

SHANGHAI, Mar 21, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – One of the most influential events in the global bicycle industry, the 33rd China International Bicycle Fair (China Cycle 2025), will be held from May 5-8, 2025, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), China. Under the theme “Empowering Innovation, Sharing the Future”, the exhibition will bring together industry leaders from around the world to explore new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

As a barometer of the global bicycle industry, China Cycle has successfully held over thirty editions, continuously expanding in scale and influence. In 2024, the exhibition covered 150,000 m2, attracting 1,460 exhibitors and nearly 200,000 visitors from 137 countries and regions. China Cycle 2025 is set to elevate the event further with an expanded platform, optimized layout, and enhanced services, showcasing the latest technologies, products, and market trends in the global bicycle and e-bike sector.

With the global bicycle industry on a recovery path, China’s bicycle sector is experiencing particularly strong growth, bringing renewed confidence to the industry. China Cycle 2025 will stay aligned with industry trends by expanding exhibition space, optimizing the event structure, and facilitating deeper integration of the global supply and value chains, providing exhibitors and visitors with more comprehensive networking and business opportunities.

To ensure a successful event, the organizing committee is making every effort to curate a dynamic exhibition, featuring professional forums, industry summits, new product launches, and interactive experiences. The exhibition will present a more open, professional, and engaging experience, creating valuable opportunities for industry professionals worldwide.

From May 5-8, 2025, China Cycle 2025 looks forward to welcoming global industry partners to Shanghai to witness the future of the bicycle industry together!

Company: Shanghai OTOBTB Cultural Development Co.,Ltd
Contact Person: Kira Pan
Email: kira.pan@otobtb.com
Website: http://www.otobtb.com
Telephone: 021-32513000-859
City: Shanghai

MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse attract more than 1600 industry professionals

– Some 80 industry elites discuss marketing trends and cultural innovations
– uncovering ASEAN opportunities and embracing AI possibilities

– The MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse conferences ran in parallel at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) today, attracting more than 1,600 industry professionals from 22 countries and regions

– About 80 expert speakers from around the world presented at some 30 sessions, InnoTalks and digital marketing and e-tailing workshops, as well as the “Meet the Leaders” dialogue series

– Mainland e-commerce giants shared insights on how to target the rapidly growing and increasingly influential Gen Z market and the female-driven “she economy”

HONG KONG, Mar 19, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) staged the parallel MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse conferences at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) today, running under the theme Inspiring Possibilities. This year’s conferences featured approximately 30 sessions, InnoTalks, digital marketing and e-tailing workshops as well as the “Meet the Leaders” dialogue series, attracting more than 1,600 industry professionals from 22 countries and regions.

In her welcoming remarks, HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong said: “Changing market conditions and consumer behaviour and rapidly emerging trends are part of what makes operating in the marketing and e-commerce ecosystems exciting, enabling them to evolve and grow for the better. It is up to us all to ride this wave of transformation with agility, coupled with a healthy dose of tenacity and grit. One of our main goals in organising MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse is to encourage industry players to understand and embrace the latest developments and trends to help them achieve their marketing and e-commerce aims.”

This year, some 80 international cross-industry leaders joined the conferences to explore the latest trends and innovative strategies in brand marketing. Key topics in five highlight areas included the application of data and artificial intelligence (AI), the integration of art, music and culture in marketing strategies, and the rising importance of inclusive marketing with a focus on neurodiversity. Another highlight of the event was an in-depth discussion on the development potential of the ASEAN and halal markets, and an analysis of the impact of the single-person household trend on consumer behaviour and marketing approaches. Speakers shared insights on market dynamics, effective strategies and successful case studies, and had the opportunity to explore unique perspectives to help them uncover cross-disciplinary opportunities.

Data and AI innovation

Accurate customer data analysis not only helps to strengthen a company’s image but is also crucial for fulfilling brand promises and maintaining a competitive edge in a crowded market. In a captivating presentation, Nikkia Reveillac, Director (Global) of Consumer Insights at Netflix (2021-2024), explored how to leverage data to drive comprehensive brand innovation from the inside out. She emphasised that the key to customer loyalty is to understand the customers by transforming data into insightful perspectives. “It’s about having a deep curiosity to understand the customer, in order to understand the deeper customer motivation and unspoken needs. Breakthrough brilliance doesn’t always require companies to create something new; small improvements can take a bigger role in making a bigger difference to the customer,” she said.

As AI technology matures both locally and globally, it is rapidly reshaping the marketing and branding landscape. Prof Darren Thayre, Head of Innovation for Global Strategic Initiatives at Google and Brian Hui, Managing Director, Head of Customer Propositions and Marketing for Wealth and Personal Banking (WPB) Hong Kong at HSBC, offered insights into innovative applications of AI, turning imagination into opportunities, and how brands can leverage AI to craft compelling brand narratives, enhance storytelling and design breakthrough campaigns.

Seizing e-commerce opportunities in the ASEAN market

The diversified economic landscape of the ASEAN region has emerged rapidly in recent years. Hong Kong businesses are demonstrating significant advantages in tapping into opportunities within this market, helped by government initiatives announced in the latest budget. HKTDC Research presented the full report of its study, “ASEAN e-Commerce opportunities: Insights on Consumer Behaviours and Positioning of Hong Kong Products“, at today’s event.

Galvin Chia, the HKTDC’s Principal Economist (Asian and Emerging Markets), led a session at eTailingPulse to offer an in-depth analysis of consumer behaviour and market trends among consumers in six key ASEAN markets. Nick Chiu, Head of Sales, SME & Growth of Airwallex, joined the session and shared his view about the ASEAN market. He remarked: “Success in ASEAN e-commerce comes from understanding local markets, optimising cross-border collections and payouts, and partnering with trusted providers to reduce friction, build trust, and scale efficiently across the region.”

Mainland China market targets Gen Z and the “she economy”

The e-commerce market in Mainland China is booming and leading the world. The conferences focused on the increasing purchasing power of Gen Z consumers and the “she economy” that is dominated by female consumption patterns. E-commerce giants Meituan and POIZON target high-priced consumer goods and have launched multiple strategies aimed specifically at Gen Z customers. Chen Yi-Fang, Head of Meituan Le Life Business Department, said: “Happiness-driven entertainment consumption is the new trend for Gen Z. They like to utilise different online platforms and use AI to discover new interests and make cost-effective purchases.” He added that Meituan engages with Gen Z through intellectual property (IP) crossovers.

Music economy, celebrities and influencers build distinct brand image

Hang Seng Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer Jordan Cheung to offer insights into how collaborations between brands and celebrities can attract potential customers and unleash the influence of the brand through the “music economy”. Cheung explained that music is a unifying force that could connect with people from all walks of life. “By integrating music into the brand’s core, we’re able to implement this into our marketing campaigns and establish emotional connection with our customers,” he said. “Music and event sponsorships, partnerships with co-organisers and curating unique experiences with celebrities has enabled us to attract and engage with customers. This has had a positive impact on our overall brand image.”

Celebrities and stars are a magnet for public attention, which is why many brands invite artists to support their promotional activities. In recent years, many artists have started to leverage their fame to transition into influencers. Grace Chan, another successful actress-turned-influencer, shared her personal experiences operating on both traditional and digital platforms and revealed her secret to becoming a successful content creator.

Several other local and overseas marketing experts shared their insights at the event, including Matthew Li, Head of Brand and Marketing at DECATHLON Hong Kong; Fabien Vallérian, International Director of Arts & Culture at LVMH’s Maison Ruinart; Joseph Chen, Director of Culture at Eaton HK; Tony Chen, Director of Public Affairs at Taobao & Tmall Group; and Vishal Salunkhe, Vice President, Head of Commercial at Carousell.

Expanding the industry’s business potential

The conferences featured an exhibition area at which more than 40 marketing services and e-commerce solutions suppliers showcased a wide range of high-quality products and services to participants from Hong Kong and abroad, offering them the chance to gain the latest market intelligence and learn best practices directly from industry leaders.

Datawords was one of the exhibitors at this year’s Pulse events. Its APAC CEO, Christophe Jourdain, said: “Our main objective for joining the events is to better understand the marketing trends in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, and to network and meet potential partners. We also want to know what questions exhibitors and attendees have in terms of market trends and their marketing approach. We’ve made business contacts at the events today. They come from Mainland China, France and Australia. We also had several business matching meetings with companies from Hong Kong and Korea whose businesses are relevant with ours.”

More than 160 business matching meetings were arranged during the conferences, helping attendees to discuss opportunities with some of Asia’s top marketers, agile agencies and leading e-commerce experts.

Industry support facilitates interaction, conferences remain online

MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse were supported by a several organisations and industry associations, including the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong, Guangdong Live Streaming Electronic Commerce Association, the Hong Kong Federation of E-Commerce, Hong Kong Federation of Live Commerce, Hong Kong Public Relations Professionals’ Association, IAB Hong Kong and PRHK.

Industry professionals will be able to access the online MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse platforms from tomorrow, 20 March, until 19 April, offering participants the opportunity to revisit both events and take advantage of many different features.

Websites

MarketingPulse: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en
eTailingPulse: https://etailingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/etp/en

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4j0j9O3

Media enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Katy Wong	Tel: (852) 2584 4524	Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Jane Cheung	Tel: (852) 2584 4137	Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

Future of airport operations to take centre stage at inter airport Southeast Asia conference

Themed “Airport Operations for Tomorrow”, inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 (IASEA) curated a lineup of conference sessions and the latest innovations to drive conversations on what a sustainable tomorrow looks like for Asia’s airport operations and ground handling industry.

From 25-27 March 2025, the 8th edition of IASEA is expected to gather over 4,000 attendees, 150 notable global brands and some 50 industry experts as speakers at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

IASEA 2025 Conference – Mastermind keynotes on shaping the future of airports

Setting the stage for this conference on day 1 (25 March) is the fireside chat titled Reshaping Global Airport Operationsby Patrick Ky, CEO, International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI), an industry leader with nearly three decades worth of aviation experience. Moderated by Glory Wee, Senior Director, Aviation Development Group, Civil Aviation Authority Singapore (CAAS), the session will discuss solutions that improve operational efficiencies and lay the foundation for resilient and future-proof airports.

“Globally, Asia Pacific takes the lead as the region with 60% of the total number of airport projects, and the region’s carriers handled 31 million international passengers, which was a 19.8% increase in November 2024 compared to November 2023. Recognising the need to address ground and airspace capacity constraints and manpower shortages, while keeping up with increasing passenger footfall in the region, the International Centre for Aviation Innovation was established in Singapore,” said Patrick Ky, CEO, International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI). “ICAI focuses on research and development projects for next-generation air navigation services, automated and smart airports, and unmanned aviation systems and sustainable aviation. At the upcoming IASEA 2025, I’m excited to share insights into new innovations that will be tested in Singapore before being deployed globally.”

This will be followed by keynote sessions led by two of the top 5 airports according to Skytrax’s World Top Airport List 2024. The first keynote, Airports of The Next Decade & Beyond with Shinichiro Motomiya, General Manager, Narita International Airport Corporation, will provide insights into the master plan of Narita International Airport – a case study of the airport of the future, and Airport in Brief: Incheon Airport with Soonil Hwang, Deputy Director of Fast Travel Team, Incheon International Airport Corporation, will cover a deep dive into the airport’s Digital Transformation Project.

Shinichiro Motomiya, General Manager, Narita International Airport Corporation, shared, “To ensure that airports can keep up with this surging demand in air traffic today, it’s become paramount for the industry to accelerate conversations on what will make airports sustainable, improve operational resilience and passenger experience. Takethe ‘New Narita Airport’ expansion project as a case in point, which we will share about during the keynote session. The airport development project for the 2030s is looking at consolidating terminals and building a new cargo area to allow for the expected increase of passenger capacity from 57 to 75 million and cargo capacity from 2.4 to 3.5 million tons atNarita International Airport.”

Soonil Hwang, Deputy Director of the Fast Travel Team, Incheon International Airport Corporation commented, “We should not shun away from the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies, especially in the aviation industry. At Incheon International Airport, we believe that technology will strike a fine balance between passenger experience and operational efficiency. Hence, we’ve analysed customer demands and drawn a Persona Journey Map to design solutions around it. As we complete Phase 4 of the transformation of Incheon International Airport, it is my pleasure to share at the upcoming IASEA how we’ve identified values such as ‘Convenient Journey’ or ‘Time’ and utilised them to elevate the customer experience.”

The morning of the opening day will also see Nguyen Dang Minh, Head of Airport Operations Department, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) spearhead the next keynote, Vietnam Airport Development Masterplan 2030. Vietnam stands as a leader in the aviation landscape, aiming to expand its airport network to 30 airports by 2030 and a long-term vision extending to 2050 that includes upgrades to increase annual passenger capacity by over 80%. As new airports are being built and existing ones upgraded, Minh will cover the solutions needed to address challenges in ground management, security, and resource allocation that will enable airport operations to evolve alongside Vietnam’s expanding aviation network.

Day 2 of the conference will open with the keynote Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursion. With safety as a top priority for the aviation industry, and runway incursions as one of the top five high-risk categories of aviation risks, the session will be led by Mitch Fox, Director, Asia Pacific Centre for Aviation Safety, Flight Safety Foundation, who will cover recommendations from the Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions (GAPRI) that go beyond simple regulatory compliance. Aside from safety, efficiency and sustainability are the next priorities to drive airports of tomorrow. Brad Moore, CEO, APAC, Swissport International AG, will lead the next keynote Redefining Ground Support Excellence in Asia Pacific to examine how transformative technology, greener practices, and strategic innovation are unlocking new opportunities for ground handling – a critical backbone of the aviation system.

Aside from these mastermind keynotes, other industry experts and thought leaders from the airport industry will join the conference, sharing their groundbreaking strategies for transforming terminal and ramp operations to address the challenges of today’s demanding and rapidly changing aviation landscape.

Some of the conference highlights include1:

Using Data Analytics to Optimise Airport Operations
Rethinking Passenger Flow: Unravelling the Knot of Terminal Congestion
Transforming Baggage Handling: Best Practices for Modern Airports
Future-Proofing Airport Security: Balancing Safety, Technology & Passenger Experience
Boosting Operational Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected

The full list of speakers can be found here.

State-of-the-art solutions at inter airport Southeast Asia exhibition

As the reference point for the future of airports, IASEA 2025 will stand as a platform to unveil the latest aviation technologies aimed at streamlining workflows, improving sustainability and elevating operational capabilities.

Automation will continue to play a pivotal role in ever-growing passenger expectations. SITA’s 2024 Baggage IT Insights reveal that 80% of airports and 66% of airlines have put touchless self-

service baggage handling in place, and more investments will continue in 2025. Aligned with this transformation, industry expert Smith Detection will introduce to the Asia market the SDX 10060 XDi, a ground-breaking X-ray scanner, offering highly accurate material discrimination and substance identification based on an object’s molecular structure. Separately, biometrics and digital identity leader NEC will showcase its facial recognition technology, ranked the world’s most accurate in a benchmark test conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2024. ADB Safegate Singapore, who recently clinched awards for Environmental Initiatives, Innovation, Safety, and Business Expansion at the Airport Technology Excellence Awards 2024, will present their award-winning airport management software.

Other notable brands to expect on the exhibition floor:

Aviaco GSE, CIAS, Colibri Energy, Cobus Industries, Datalogic, ewo, FAAC, Fastcharge, FibreFENCE by Fibre Net Spa, FLEX Industries, GRP Iluminacion, Honeywell, ITW GSE, Japan Radio Co., LEONARDO, Mallaghan, Mototok, NEC, OCEM Airfield, Oshkosh AeroTech, Poltrona Frau, Roypow Technology GmbH, SICK AG, ShinMaywa, Thales, TCR, TLD Asia, Toyota Industries Corporation, TREPEL and Weihai Guangtai.

All registered professionals for inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 will be granted free access to exhibition and conference floors. For the latest information on inter airport Southeast Asia, please visit the event website, LinkedIn, or Facebookpages.

About inter airport Southeast Asia

inter airport Southeast Asia influences and accelerates the transformation of the airport industry in Asia by crafting a unique, 3-day airport trade show for the region.

Whatever your strategy or needs – this is the place to be for business, friendship and new trends.

25-27 March 2025

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.interairport-southeastasia.com

About RX

About RELX

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Media contacts (on behalf of RX)
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Hong Kong delegation concludes IRES mission in Bangkok

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organised a delegation to Bangkok from 10 to 13 March to promote Hong Kong’s infrastructure development and real estate-related services (IRES) and help Hong Kong IRES companies explore arising business opportunities in Thailand.

Thailand’s infrastructure and real estate development landscape has undergone rapid transformation in recent years, fuelled by substantial government investments in transportation, urban development, and sustainable projects. Key initiatives, such as the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and the expansion of public transportation networks, offer significant growth opportunities in the IRES sector.

The delegation, co-led by Mr Stephen Liang, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, and Ir Dr Hon Lo Wai-kwok, GBS, MH, JP, Member (Functional Constituency – Engineering) of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, comprised 21 delegates from a wide range of IRES related sectors, including architecture, consulting, construction financing, engineering, infrastructure and property development, as well as smart cities solutions and PropTech.

Through meetings with government bodies, industry associations and major developers, such as Amata Corporation, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, BTS Group, Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company, Siamese Asset Public Company, Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association, Thai Railway Engineering Association, and The Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO), the mission provided opportunities for Hong Kong delegates to explore partnerships with Thai local firms.

“Similar to Hong Kong, infrastructure development is a key priority in Thailand’s growth plans. With its mega projects, including the Eastern Economic Corridor and other large-scale investments in road, rail, aviation and shipping, there are many opportunities for collaboration,” Mr Stephen Liang said during the visit. “Complementing its know-how in IRES, Hong Kong is also a connected international financial hub with decades of experience helping international investors and project owners raise capital and seize arising opportunities.”

He added: “Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to facilitate tripartite cooperation among project owners, service providers and investors, thanks to its role as a superconnector linking Mainland China and the rest of the world, thus amplifying vital business and people-to-people exchange.”

A highlight of the mission was the networking luncheon hosted by the HKTDC, at which attendees learned about Hong Kong IRES’s strengths and value-added services, and explored opportunities for collaboration between Thailand and Hong Kong in infrastructure development projects.

A business matching session followed, in which Hong Kong delegates held one-on-one meetings with Thai companies to explore opportunities and exchange ideas in various areas, including Thailand’s public transport networks, sustainable urban development, smart city initiatives and infrastructure financing.

Hong Kong is recognised globally as a major financial hub. With many world-class architectural, building, surveying, engineering, and consultancy services companies offering extensive expertise and a deep pool of international talent across various areas, Hong Kong is an ideal place for Thai companies to accelerate and achieve their development plans.

The delegation also conducted site visits to two new major infrastructure developments – Thailand Digital Valley and One Bangkok. As an initiative under the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), the Thailand Digital Valley is a hub for companies and start-ups developing advanced technologies and digital innovations for application in smart cities. One Bangkok is a fully integrated urban district, ideally located in central Bangkok, that blends retail, commercial, office, leisure and living facilities.

The HKTDC regularly organises business delegations across various types and industries. In recent years, it has frequently organised delegations in the IRES sector to visit different cities in Mainland China, as well as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Jakarta, Indonesia. The HKTDC will continue organising promotions to highlight Hong Kong’s IRES strengths.

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/4kOavUA

Media enquiries

HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:

Johnny Tsui

Tel: (852) 2584 4395

Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.org

About HKTDC

MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse return on 19 March

– Global experts gather for in-depth discussions on key industry issues
– unlocking ASEAN opportunities, AI and culture-driven marketing

– This year’s MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse conferences will be held on 19 March under the theme Inspiring Possibilities, bringing together global marketing and e-commerce experts to share forward-looking insights and practical experiences and offer inspiration and actionable strategies to attendees
– The conferences will explore cutting-edge trends and innovative strategies in marketing, including the application of data and AI, the integration of art, music and culture in marketing strategies, and the rising importance of inclusive marketing with a focus on neurodiversity
– Another highlight will be an in-depth discussion on the development potential of the ASEAN and halal markets, and the untapped potential of pet KOLs in shaping effective branding and merchandising and creating strong emotional connections with audiences
– An impressive roster of cross-disciplinary marketing leaders and industry pioneers will share their expertise at the conferences, including:

– Nikkia Reveillac, Director (Global), Consumer Insights at Netflix (2021-2024)
– Prof Darren Thayre, Head of Innovation, Global Strategic Initiatives at Google
– Prof Dr Thomas Girst, Global Head of Cultural Engagement, BMW Group
– Fabien Vallérian, International Director of Arts & Culture at LVMH’s Maison Ruinart
– Tony Chen, Director of Public Affairs at Taobao & Tmall Group
– Tina Zhao, Marketing Director, Global Business Solutions, Xiaohongshu
– Edward Bell, General Manager, Brand, Insights and Marketing Communications, Cathay Pacific Airways
– Yi-Fang Chen, Head of Leisure and Beauty Business Department, Meituan
– Jordan Cheung, Chief Marketing Officer, Hang Seng Bank
– Matthew Li, Head of Brand and Marketing at Decathlon Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Mar 12, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will host the 2025 MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse conferences at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 19 March. A premier event on the Asia-Pacific marketing and e-commerce landscape for many years, this year’s conferences are bringing together close to 80 global elites from diverse industry sectors, including influential marketing experts, economists, retail giants, brand strategists, advertising and PR professionals and e-commerce leaders. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore forward-thinking market dynamics, emerging trends, innovative marketing strategies and compelling success stories.

Themed Inspiring Possibilities, the conferences aim to turn visionary ideas into actionable strategies and spark cross-disciplinary collaboration. This year’s event will cover a variety of marketing hot topics including leveraging data and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovative marketing strategies; integrating art, music and culture into brand marketing to explore new frontiers; embracing neurodiversity to foster more inclusive marketing perspectives; capturing opportunities in the ASEAN and halal markets; empowering the “she economy” in Mainland China; and using innovative AI solutions to enhance competitiveness in this new market segment.

Experts explore data-driven innovation in marketing

The conferences will feature heavyweight speaker Nikkia Reveillac, Director (Global) of Consumer Insights at Netflix (2021-2024), in a session titled “From Insights to Breakthroughs: Unleashing Innovation through Customer Insights”. Ms Reveillac will draw on her experience at Netflix, Twitter and Colgate-Palmolive to share how data-driven insights can ignite innovation.

Analysing e-commerce opportunities in the ASEAN market

As one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, ASEAN offers huge economic potential. The diverse economic landscape is leading to the rapid mainstream adoption of e-commerce across the region. Galvin Chia, HKTDC Principal Economist (Asian and Emerging Markets), will present key insights from a research report that explores consumer behavior and market trends across ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. This session will also provide participants with valuable insights into ASEAN consumers’ perceptions of Hong Kong brands, as well as practical strategies to successfully navigate this dynamic market and harness the opportunities of its thriving e-commerce sector. Representatives from local consumer brands, leading e-commerce platforms and cross-border e-commerce payment services – all of which have already achieved notable success in the ASEAN market – will share their experiences and proven strategies for businesses looking to expand into ASEAN and capitalise on the region’s growing opportunities.

AI-driven digital transformation and boosting the “she economy”

As AI technology continues to advance, its applications in marketing and brand promotion are driving significant innovation and breakthroughs. Prof Darren Thayre, Head of Innovation and Global Strategic Initiatives at Google, will join Brian Hui, Managing Director and Head of Customer Propositions and Marketing for Wealth and Personal Banking (WPB) at HSBC Hong Kong, to present a session titled “Journey to the AI Era: Unleashing Digital Transformation Potentials”. The speakers will provide a strategic overview of the current state of AI, offering insights into its impact on brand and marketing strategies and exploring how to leverage AI to drive transformation, address challenges, create innovative strategies and reshape industry standards.

In addition, Tony Chen, Director of Public Affairs at Taobao & Tmall Group, will share insights into the “she economy” – the increasingly powerful impact of female shoppers and women entrepreneurs, and illustrate how AI technology is helping to offer personalised shopping experiences and elevating customer service standards in his session “Empowering the She Economy: Leveraging AI Innovations for Enhanced E-commerce Marketing on Taobao & Tmall”.

Integrating art, culture and music into brand promotion

The intersection of art, culture, music and business is unlocking new opportunities for brand marketing. Prof Dr Thomas Girst, Global Head of Cultural Engagement at the BMW Group, has led the company’s cultural initiatives since 2003, including BMW’s collaborations with various artists to create multiple BMW Art Cars, while UOB Hong Kong has run the annual UOB Art in Ink Awards since 2017 to discover local artistic talents, encourage artistic innovations and rejuvenate time-honoured Chinese artistic traditions. In a session titled “Art & Culture for Global Brand Marketing: Forget the Cliché Gallery Sponsorship”, Prof Dr Girst and Marietta Li, Head of Strategic Communications, Brand and Customer Insights, Hong Kong and Taiwan, UOB and Director of the UOB Art Academy, will join marketing and branding experts from renowned international brands Maison Ruinart and Ovolo Hotels to explore innovative ways to redefine the role of art and culture in global brand marketing, challenge traditional marketing paradigms, and share effective strategies for communicating brand values and stories through artistic development and cultural engagement.

In a session titled “The Soundtrack of Success: Decoding the ROI of ‘Music Economy for Harnessing Brand Power’”, ChillGOOD TV founder Leo Ku will join forces with Jordan Cheung, Chief Marketing Officer at Hang Seng Bank, and Kenny Sham, General Manager (Hong Kong & Macau) at Klook, to share insights on music marketing, examine the evolvement and commercialisation of Ku’s music platform, and explore how brands can leverage on music to engage with customers and optimise their marketing return on investment.

How neurodiversity marketing sparks emotional resonance

In today’s evolving marketing landscape, Joseph Chen, Director of Culture at Eaton HK, is committed to advancing social inclusion and fostering diverse development. Mr Chen will be joined by Jake Posner, Founder and Creative Director of the fashion brand No One True Anything – widely recognised for turning dyslexia into a source of creative strength – and Kevin Chesters, a neurodiversity advocate and marketing practitioner, for a discussion titled “Brains in Bloom – Cultivating Neurodiverse Marketing Landscapes. They will explore how brands can craft their narratives through innovative marketing strategies that embrace a neurodiversity perspective. Participants will discover how different approaches can foster deep emotional connections with neurodiverse audiences while championing the value of diversity in society.

Connecting with Gen Z consumers

Join representatives from Beijing Tong Ren Tang, POIZON, Taobao Papahome and Meituan to discover how traditional brands can revitalise their image through innovative concepts and appealing to youthful trendsetters in Mainland China.

Supporting start-ups and fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs is a key priority for the HKTDC. In the “Meet the Leaders’ Dialogue Series”, Matthew Li, Head of Brand and Marketing at Decathlon Hong Kong, will share valuable insights into how the brand has been successful in earning the loyalty of Hong Kong consumers. Joining him, Frankie Chow, Founder of CLS Holiday, will discuss the creation and commercial success of Asia’s first “mystery box travel tour”, while Jacopo Contiero, Founder of Jacomax & Jacopo Only Friends, will showcase his innovative cross-industry promotional strategies. This session will provide the audience with fresh perspectives on incorporating surprise and creativity into branding, offering practical inspiration for businesses aiming to stand out in a competitive market.

In addition, local celebrity Natalie Tong will share her experience as she transitions from television actress to successful entrepreneur and her journey in personal brand building, while Grace Chan will share on her journey from being a successful actress to becoming a prominent KOL.

The conferences will feature an exhibition area showcasing more than 40 exhibitors from Hong Kong and across the Asia-Pacific region, including Datawords Hong Kong and Kantar Hong Kong, offering the latest market intelligence, marketing and e-tailing solutions. Practical workshops on digital strategies will feature industry experts sharing actionable skills and insights that can help to boost market competitiveness. Participants can also engage in networking sessions and the one-to-one business matching service offered by the HKTDC. This unique service is designed to create new collaborations and unlock untapped opportunities tailored for attendees’ growth and success.

For more details, including the latest programme and speaker list, please visit:
https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en.

For interviews with speakers, please email katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org and jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org who will be in touch to follow up.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4ifzP3S

Websites

MarketingPulse

Conference website: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en
Conference programme: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en/programme
Speaker list: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en/speaker

eTailingPulse: https://etailingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/etp/en
EntertainmentPulse: https://hkfilmart.hktdc.com/conference/hkfilmart/en

Media enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Katy Wong	Tel: (852) 2584 4524	Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Jane Cheung	Tel: (852) 2584 4395	Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

About HKTDC

Entertainment Expo makes grand return

– Spectacular events lead industry innovation and opportunities

This year’s Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2025 makes a grand return and is set to be the biggest yet injecting fresh vitality into Hong Kong’s entertainment sector and heralding in a new vision. Taking place from 16 March to 27 April, this year’s Expo encompasses nine signature events, fostering cross-regional collaboration and digital transformation opportunities, further cementing Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s entertainment hub.

Entertainment Expo 2025 is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) with sponsorship from the HKSAR’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), Film Development Fund, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and is part of Arts March Hong Kong. The launch ceremony will take place on 17 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), with Leon Lai continuing in his role as Hong Kong Entertainment Ambassador and carrying forward his mission of promoting Hong Kong’s film and entertainment culture.

A new addition to this year’s line-up, the Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta joins forces with established events including the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market, EntertainmentPulse, Hong Kong International Film Festival, Hong Kong Film Awards, Asian Film Awards, Digital Entertainment Summit, Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum, and the Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music), presenting captivating entertainment content

Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART)
The 29th FILMART, Asia’s leading entertainment content marketplace organised by the HKTDC, will run from 17 to 20 March at the HKCEC and brings together more than 750 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, and features more than 30 regional pavilions. This year, Australia, Cambodia, France, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam will host new pavilions while emerging markets including Czech Republic and Kazakhstan, join for the first time, further enhancing the event’s cultural diversity.

FILMART introduces several groundbreaking initiatives this year, headlined by Producers Connect – a collaborative effort between the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, CCIDA, Hong Kong Film Development Council, and the HKTDC, funded by Film Development Fund. This focused programme features a series of events including a panel discussion, fireside chats, workshops and business matching activities, forging valuable networks for emerging and renowned producers from Hong Kong and around the world, to steer more co-productions, while supporting up-and-coming talents.

In response to the global digital transformation sweeping across the film and TV production world, the HKTDC will launch the AI Hub pilot programme in collaboration with the Association of Motion Picture Post Production Professionals and the Movie Producers and Distributors Association of Hong Kong. Comprising an exhibition zone, conference panel and forums, AI Hub promotes AI usage across the filmmaking process, with the exhibition zone spotlighting AI solutions from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) School of Film and Television, Lenovo and Sony, and more. Distinguished industry leaders and AI pioneers will also gather at the conference and forums to share their knowledge and expertise in harnessing AI’s game-changing potential.

While the physical exhibition spans four days, the FILMART Online IP Catalogue will operate from now until 27 April, helping exhibitors and buyers to continue their discussion for project collaborations before and after the fair.

EntertainmentPulse
The four-day conference, EntertainmentPulse assembles global entertainment industry leaders to discuss the outlook and development of the Asian markets. Key topics include Asian animations, ASEAN market and video streaming. While the world recognized producers will take a deep dive into risk management in cross-border co-productions on the second day, the panel of “Gearing Up for the AI Opportunities” is the highlight for day two, featuring Yu Zhixin, producer of Ne Zha 2 from Hong Li Animation Studios, who will share insights on leveraging AI to achieve international acclaim.

Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF)
From 10 to 21 April, the 49th HKIFF presents the theme “Dialogue – Conversation of Film” with acclaimed actress Angela Yuen serving as festival ambassador. Celebrated screen icon Louis Koo takes centre stage as Filmmaker in Focus, with a curated retrospective of ten seminal works highlighting his enduring impact on Hong Kong cinema.

A distinguished highlight features Catalonian virtuoso Albert Serra‘s masterclass, where the contemporary auteur will present his latest documentary Afternoons of Solitude and share insights into his signature long-take aesthetic. The highly acclaimed Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen will also be featured, presenting his latest film, Silent Trilogy, while sharing his film philosophy and artistic vision with the audience in Hong Kong. Additionally, more highlighted filmmakers from France, Switzerland, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan are set to come, offering a variety of exciting programs.

Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA)
The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony will take place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on 27 April. This year’s awards demonstrate unprecedented industry solidarity, with first-round voting participation reaching a three-year high of 64.84%. Reflecting the industry’s continuing professional development, the HKFA Association has grown from 14 to 17 member organisations, including the Hong Kong Film Assistant Directors’ Association, Hong Kong Association for Pictures and Sound Production, and Hong Kong Visual Effects Association.

This year’s nominations showcase Hong Kong cinema’s diverse creative prowess The Last Dance, Hong Kong’s highest-grossing Chinese-language film to date, leads with 18 nominations, followed closely by Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In with 14 nominations.

Asian Film Awards (AFA)
The 18th Asian Film Awards will take place at the Xiqu Centre on 16 March and feature 30 outstanding films from 25 countries and regions competing across 16 categories and legendary international action star and director Sammo Hung chairs this year’s jury. Korean film Exhuma dominates with 11 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director followed by Hong Kong’s action epic Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In follows with nine nominations. Japanese director Daihachi Yoshida’s black-and-white film Teki Cometh and Indian director Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light each received six nominations. Hong Kong films Papa and The Last Dance garnered three nominations each, with Sean Lau and Michael Hui competing for Best Actor, Maggie Li Lin Lin received her first Best Supporting Actress nomination for All Shall Be Well.

In February, Japanese all-round artist Koki, was as the recipient of this year’s special Rising Star Award and will personally accept the honour in Hong Kong.

Digital Entertainment Summit
The 14th Digital Entertainment Summit, themed “Unlock Opportunities of the Dynamic Animation Market and Productions in Asia”, organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council, co-organised by Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association and Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, will convene at the FILMART on 19 March and brings together Asia’s foremost animation visionaries and industry leaders. In an era where AI and breakthrough technologies are revolutionising creative expression, distinguished industry pioneers from across the region will explore the integration of advanced technologies to elevate production capabilities and examine Asian animation’s strategic positioning in the global marketplace.

Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF)
Since becoming an integral part of the HKIFF Industry Project Market last year, HAF has expanded significantly. This year’s edition received nearly 400 submissions from 45 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Korea, Thailand, and Turkey, with 48 projects selected. The prestigious lineup includes projects produced by Hirokazu Kore-eda, Stanley Kwan, Lee Sinje, with a cast of veteran actors and rising stars from Lee Kang-Sheng to Kadowaki Mugi, Fan Bingbing, Jennifer Yu, Jack Tan, and Qu Chuxiao and spans action, sci-fi, fantasy, suspense, horror, and disaster genres. A new independent section dedicated to animated feature films at various production stages is a new addition and is designed to foster animation development across Asia. The three-day forum will run concurrently with FILMART from 17-19 March at the HKCEC, will facilitate business matching and networking opportunities to drive Asian film industry development.

Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta
The annual Hong Kong Film Music Fiesta organised by the Hong Kong Film Composers’ Association, promoting Hong Kong’s film music to the global industry and public appreciation through the live performance. Themed “Echoes of Order and Chaos” and staged at the HKCEC on 18 March, the concert will be led by music directors Tomy Wai and Julian Chan, reinterpreting the dynamics of Hong Kong’s crime films, paying tribute to distinguished filmmakers and composers including Benny Chan, Teddy Robin, and Kawai Kenji, and showcasing the unique charm of Hong Kong film music.

Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music)
The 12th Microfilm Production Support Scheme (Music) Awards Ceremony will take place on 20 March at Theatre 2, HKCEC. The initiative empowers 22 emerging teams and 10 established production houses with grants ranging from HK$130,000 to HK$240,000. Participating filmmakers benefit from comprehensive mentorship in screenwriting, directing, and other facets of production. The scheme recognises excellence through accolades including the prestigious “Best Microfilm Production” award, with distinguished works gaining potential nominations for international festivals, further elevating Hong Kong’s creative talents on the global stage.

Entertainment Expo website: http://www.eexpohk.com

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/41QFgAO

HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.