Hong Kong Electronics Fair, Spring Edition, 2008

By Chris Hall

     Hong Kong has a thriving electronics industry. In 2006, it accounted for nearly 50% of Hong Kong’s exports, in a year that saw the sector grow by 14%. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council notes that the electronics industry is the territory’s largest merchandise export earner. Hong Kong’s electronics exports continued to rise in 2007, seeing growth of 12% in the period January to September.
     A major showcase for the territory’s vibrant electronics industry is the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, which has two editions, one in the Spring and one in the Autumn, both hosted by the HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade and Development Council).
     This year’s Spring edition takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, in a spectacular setting on the Hong Kong island waterfront, from 14-17 April. This is when over 50,000 volume buyers are expected to converge on the event to source the latest, hottest products and learn of the latest electronics industry trends and the cutting-edge technologies that are enabling Hong Kong to compete so successfully in the global electronics marketplace.
     International buyers looking for the latest trends in consumer electronics can be sure they will be treated to an amazing array of new designs and ideas at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2008 (Spring Edition).

The show schedule
     The fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from April 14 to 17 (Monday to Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, between the hours of 9:30-6:30 pm, Monday to Wednesday, and 9:30-5:00 pm on Thursday, 17 April, the final day of he show.
     Buyer registration starts on Sunday, April 13, from 2:00 to 7:00 pm, and continues between 9:00 and 6:00 pm on Monday to Wednesday of the show. On Thursday, 17 April, buyers can register between 9:00 and 4:30 pm.

Global coverage
     And it isn’t just Hong Kong’s electronics industry that will be on show at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. At the 2007 Spring Edition of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, there were over 2,400 exhibitors from 22 different countries and regions, occupying over 3,200 booths, for a total exhibition area of 56,565 square meters. Not surprisingly, volume buyers descend in droves on the event. In 2007, the Spring Edition of HKEF attracted a total of 51,469 buyers, from 153 countries & regions. Clearly, in just five years, the Hong Kong Electronics Fair has become an event of international significance within the global electronics industry.
     Buyers can come to the show confident that will be seeing an international collection of exhibits, a diverse range of innovation and design implementation that moves the show into the category of must-be-there events. In addition, a host of value-added features will include items such as special zones and informational events.

Resounding success
     Anne Chick, Senior Exhibitions Manager of HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council), commented that, “Since its launch in 2004, the event has proved to be a highly effective platform for international buyers to source new products and a catalyst to closer business ties and exchanges between industry players around the world.” Chick added that, “With the growing number of exhibitors and buyers year by year, we are committed to presenting more and more value-added elements to take the fair forward.”






Home electronics
     The special zones have become a popular feature of the show, reflecting as they do the latest trends and influences within the electronics and associated industries.
     The Home Tech zone offers a wide range of intelligent home appliances, home security products and healthcare products.
     The Vision & Sound zone, introduced at the 2007 Spring Edition, caters to all the latest offerings for what has become known in the industry as the digital home, including products such as home-theater systems and entertainment systems that reflect the latest advances in audio-visual technology, whether games, DVD or the highest quality music and audio reproduction. Now that large flat-panel displays are available to showcase video and photo collections, consumer electronics has begun to move into a new high-tech era, and this year’s Fair will again reflect this new exciting trend.

Hall of Fame
     The emphasis on the home is also highlighted, literally, with the Hall of Fame, the prestigious home of globally recognized design-driven brand-name collections. At the 2007 Spring Edition, over 160 companies displayed the finest product quality and most creative designs, wihin this special area of the show.
     The Lighting Section has the newest lighting designs for the fast-changing home decor industry, and buyers can expect to see the latest in innovative lighting technology casting a special glow over the proceedings.
     Other special sections include Digital Imaging. The digital camera revolution is continuing to take consumers by storm, boosting the growth of all sections of the international camera and printer markets, including video and web cams in addition to digital still cameras, plus peripheral products and equipment, such as batteries, lenses, displays, smart toys, accessories and related software development.
     The special sections will also include a focus on Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), along with a Hong Kong Electronics Parts Procurement Square (supported by the Japan External Trade Organization). As well, this year’s Spring Edition will again see the presence of the Metal Parts & Components Pavilion.

ICT evolution
     The world of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is evolving and expanding rapidly in many exciting directions, thereby creating a multitude of business possibilities. The PC is becoming a tool for managing and accessing a world of digital information, imagery and video, a vital communications and entertainment device for both individuals and corporate entities.
     The same technology and product convergence can be seen in operation in the world of mobile devices, which are simultaneously becoming computing, entertainment and database devices in their own right. A wonderful opportunity to access vital ICT technology and products can be found at the show’s concurrent event - the International ICT Expo. With a large number of cutting-edge suppliers all under one roof, the International ICT Expo will open the door to unlimited market developments.
     In 2007, the ICT Expo hosted 576 exhibitors, who occupied 8,917 square meters of exhibition space, and attracted 22,746 buyers.
     Featuring more than 500 Information-Technology product suppliers and software applications developers, the Expo is categorized into eight zones for the convenience and easy sourcing of visiting buyers. The areas of focus include Network & Mobility, Enterprise Solutions, E-Logistics & Retail Technologies, Home-grown Innovations, Digital Living & Multimedia, IT Outsourcing, and Trade Related Services. Clearly the world of ICT is mushrooming far beyond its first experimental steps in the 1980s to an all-encompassing digital revolution in pervasive computing and connectivity that has transformed the world, whether in the home or in the enterprise.

Seminar series
     A series of seminars will also be held during the twin event period. Industry experts will share their insights on product trends, technologies, market potential, regulations and business practices. Among the highlights this year are seminars on “Strategies on Tapping into the China Market ---- Building Up a Successful Sales Channel,” “From Terrestrial to Mobile Digital Television,” and “Protection of Intellectual Property Rights for Electronic Products in Hong Kong.”
     Clearly, this year’s Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) promises to be a feast of opportunities for buyers, exhibitors, observers and analysts alike. This is one event you can’t afford to miss, and of course the venue, in the heart of Hong Kong, one of the world’s most fascinating and vibrant cities, will also help to make your visit a special occasion.