Interview with HKTDC officials concerning the 2024 shows
Q1. What can visitors expect from the 2024 Hong Kong shows, what’s new and what might be of interest to visitors?
The HKTDC twin jewellery shows will continue to adopt the O2O hybrid exhibition mode, EXHIBITION+, to help SMEs enhance their promotional effectiveness, extend beyond geographical limits and expand their exposure before and after the fairs. The 2024 HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 29 to March 4, while the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show will return to AsiaWorld-Expo from February 27 to March 2.
At the same time, the AI-enabled online matching platform, Click2Match, will be open one week before and after the show, i.e. from February 20 to March 11. On top of on-site sourcing opportunities, buyers can connect with local and overseas exhibitors through the online Click2Match platform, and search for more relevant products through the hktdc.com Sourcing platform. Furthermore, buyers can utilise the new "Scan2Match" function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan the QR codes of exhibitors’ booths and product showcases at the fairground to bookmark their favourite exhibitors, browse product information, send enquiries, and to continue to communicate with exhibitors online even after the exhibition concludes.
What’s more, there is a new breakthrough in terms of fair pre-registration this year. We have launched a new feature at HKTDC Marketplace App which allows buyers to not only register, but also do the identity verification before fairs start. Then, with a downloaded eBadge, buyers no long need to wait in line for identity verification at the registration counter onsite and can enter straight into the fairground. This new arrangement will tremendously save the waiting time for our buyers. We highly recommend all visitors to download the HKTDC Marketplace App and do the registration now to enjoy speedy entry into the fairground.
Website for Marketplace App:
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/en/online-registration-and-verification
The twin jewellery shows will see the return of pavilion participation from countries such as Mexico and Malaysia. The shows will also feature an impressive line-up of international brands, including Giorgio Visconti from Italy, Chete from Hong Kong, Carrera Y Carrera from Spain, and Lao Feng Xiang from Mainland China, among others. The presence of these brands adds a global perspective to the shows, providing buyers with a broader selection of products and designs to choose from.
Moreover, visitors can anticipate a showcase of exquisite jewellery masterpieces from esteemed brands. The twin jewellery shows will feature collections from renowned companies such as Dehres, Butani, Autore Pearls, Astrella Collections, Lili Jewellery, Joseph Gad, Novel Collection, On Tung, Saboo Fine Jewellery, Sze. Youssoufian, and Fai Dee. These companies are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive designs, and use of high-quality materials, making them a must-visit for buyers seeking exceptional pieces.
Q2. The Covid-19 pandemic had a massive impact on trade shows – is HKTDC hoping this event will be back to pre-Covid footfall levels?
Shortly after Hong Kong lifted all the travel restrictions in March 2023, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show in 2023, both organized by the HKTDC, witnessed remarkable success. The events brought together over 2,500 exhibitors and attracted more than 60,000 international buyers from 130 countries and regions. This not only demonstrated the pent-up demand and purchasing power of the global jewellery market accumulated over three years but also underscored the significance and reputation of these two fairs within the industry. They served as vital platforms for generating global business opportunities and fostering networking among industry professionals.
HKTDC has put in significant efforts to resume international trade shows since then. From February to mid-November 2023, the HKTDC has organized 24 international trade exhibitions in Hong Kong, attracting over 400,000 buyers and exhibitors from 202 countries and regions.
The scale of most of the exhibitions has recovered approximately 60% to 70% of their pre-pandemic level, while several trade shows have reached about 80% of their previous scale, depending on various industries’ situation. The number of visiting buyers has also rebounded to around 80% to 90% of pre-pandemic levels for the majority of exhibitions. Some exhibitions have even surpassed the levels before the pandemic. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the international participation in the upcoming editions of jewellery shows, especially as flight capacity progressively recovers and travel costs stabilise. These factors will encourage overseas companies to participate in exhibitions or visits to Hong Kong, further boosting the success and global reach of the shows.
Q3. What will HKTDC be doing to celebrate the 40th anniversary?
The HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, which will reach their 40th and 10th milestones respectively in 2024, have received overwhelming support from the local industry, international exhibitors and buyers over the years. The theme of this year's event is "Be Part of the Splendid Legacy". Apart from thanking all parties for their support, we hope to encourage more industry players to participate in this annual event and work together to build another 40 years.
To commemorate these two significant milestones, HKTDC will be hosting a thematic gala dinner, which serve as a networking platform, bringing together both longstanding and emerging exhibitors and buyers, with the aim to facilitate interactions that go beyond the exhibition floor, allowing industry professionals to forge deeper connections and explore new business opportunities.
In line with the theme, the HKTDC together with The Jewellers' and Goldsmiths' Association of Hong Kong Limited, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, the Hong Kong Jewellery Manufacturers' Association and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China, will organize the 25th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition. Themed "Contemporary Heritage", the competition, welcomes participation from students and industry professionals alike. Its objective is to explore and nurture design talents within the jewellery industry to perpetuate the exquisite craftsmanship, encourage fresh and innovative ideas, and inject new vitality and perspectives into the local jewellery industry. Around 100 applications were received and the results will be announced at the Press Conference in late February.
Q1. What can visitors expect from the 2024 Hong Kong shows, what’s new and what might be of interest to visitors?
The HKTDC twin jewellery shows will continue to adopt the O2O hybrid exhibition mode, EXHIBITION+, to help SMEs enhance their promotional effectiveness, extend beyond geographical limits and expand their exposure before and after the fairs. The 2024 HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 29 to March 4, while the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show will return to AsiaWorld-Expo from February 27 to March 2.
At the same time, the AI-enabled online matching platform, Click2Match, will be open one week before and after the show, i.e. from February 20 to March 11. On top of on-site sourcing opportunities, buyers can connect with local and overseas exhibitors through the online Click2Match platform, and search for more relevant products through the hktdc.com Sourcing platform. Furthermore, buyers can utilise the new "Scan2Match" function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan the QR codes of exhibitors’ booths and product showcases at the fairground to bookmark their favourite exhibitors, browse product information, send enquiries, and to continue to communicate with exhibitors online even after the exhibition concludes.
What’s more, there is a new breakthrough in terms of fair pre-registration this year. We have launched a new feature at HKTDC Marketplace App which allows buyers to not only register, but also do the identity verification before fairs start. Then, with a downloaded eBadge, buyers no long need to wait in line for identity verification at the registration counter onsite and can enter straight into the fairground. This new arrangement will tremendously save the waiting time for our buyers. We highly recommend all visitors to download the HKTDC Marketplace App and do the registration now to enjoy speedy entry into the fairground.
Website for Marketplace App:
https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/en/online-registration-and-verification
The twin jewellery shows will see the return of pavilion participation from countries such as Mexico and Malaysia. The shows will also feature an impressive line-up of international brands, including Giorgio Visconti from Italy, Chete from Hong Kong, Carrera Y Carrera from Spain, and Lao Feng Xiang from Mainland China, among others. The presence of these brands adds a global perspective to the shows, providing buyers with a broader selection of products and designs to choose from.
Moreover, visitors can anticipate a showcase of exquisite jewellery masterpieces from esteemed brands. The twin jewellery shows will feature collections from renowned companies such as Dehres, Butani, Autore Pearls, Astrella Collections, Lili Jewellery, Joseph Gad, Novel Collection, On Tung, Saboo Fine Jewellery, Sze. Youssoufian, and Fai Dee. These companies are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive designs, and use of high-quality materials, making them a must-visit for buyers seeking exceptional pieces.
Q2. The Covid-19 pandemic had a massive impact on trade shows – is HKTDC hoping this event will be back to pre-Covid footfall levels?
Shortly after Hong Kong lifted all the travel restrictions in March 2023, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show in 2023, both organized by the HKTDC, witnessed remarkable success. The events brought together over 2,500 exhibitors and attracted more than 60,000 international buyers from 130 countries and regions. This not only demonstrated the pent-up demand and purchasing power of the global jewellery market accumulated over three years but also underscored the significance and reputation of these two fairs within the industry. They served as vital platforms for generating global business opportunities and fostering networking among industry professionals.
HKTDC has put in significant efforts to resume international trade shows since then. From February to mid-November 2023, the HKTDC has organized 24 international trade exhibitions in Hong Kong, attracting over 400,000 buyers and exhibitors from 202 countries and regions.
The scale of most of the exhibitions has recovered approximately 60% to 70% of their pre-pandemic level, while several trade shows have reached about 80% of their previous scale, depending on various industries’ situation. The number of visiting buyers has also rebounded to around 80% to 90% of pre-pandemic levels for the majority of exhibitions. Some exhibitions have even surpassed the levels before the pandemic. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the international participation in the upcoming editions of jewellery shows, especially as flight capacity progressively recovers and travel costs stabilise. These factors will encourage overseas companies to participate in exhibitions or visits to Hong Kong, further boosting the success and global reach of the shows.
Q3. What will HKTDC be doing to celebrate the 40th anniversary?
The HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, which will reach their 40th and 10th milestones respectively in 2024, have received overwhelming support from the local industry, international exhibitors and buyers over the years. The theme of this year's event is "Be Part of the Splendid Legacy". Apart from thanking all parties for their support, we hope to encourage more industry players to participate in this annual event and work together to build another 40 years.
To commemorate these two significant milestones, HKTDC will be hosting a thematic gala dinner, which serve as a networking platform, bringing together both longstanding and emerging exhibitors and buyers, with the aim to facilitate interactions that go beyond the exhibition floor, allowing industry professionals to forge deeper connections and explore new business opportunities.
In line with the theme, the HKTDC together with The Jewellers' and Goldsmiths' Association of Hong Kong Limited, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, the Hong Kong Jewellery Manufacturers' Association and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China, will organize the 25th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition. Themed "Contemporary Heritage", the competition, welcomes participation from students and industry professionals alike. Its objective is to explore and nurture design talents within the jewellery industry to perpetuate the exquisite craftsmanship, encourage fresh and innovative ideas, and inject new vitality and perspectives into the local jewellery industry. Around 100 applications were received and the results will be announced at the Press Conference in late February.