TTGassociations Publications January 2019 | Page 20

tion and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) have
the space” for plenary sessions her com-
pany has to organise for associations.
“But hotel meeting packages are pricey
and HKCEC is difficult to book for asso-
ciation meetings that are not recurring,”
said Lam.
Meanwhile savings can be sought
from dinner and social events being
hosted at local restaurants and unique
venues.
Jao Tsung-I Academy, Club One at
Repulse Bay and the Hong Kong Jockey
Club make good options, in addition
to lecture halls located on university
grounds.
Homerlein also suggested hosting
social functions during the quieter days
of the week – Sunday to Wednesday –
when there are many “empty tables” at
restaurants.
Associations could also approach
larger restaurant chains, such as Dining
Concepts, with a budget and leave them
to develop a suitable menu and dining
ideas.
Homerlein acknowledged that these
options are better suited for smaller-sized
association events.
“For bigger gala events, organisers are
still hamstrung by the minimum ex-
penditure imposed by the larger venues.
Fortunately, there are other venue op-
tions now, such as the new Cruise Ship
Terminal (which offers event spaces for
rent). More venue options means more
competitive rates,” he remarked.
{ Need to know }
1 Slip into Old Town Central
The new Ultimate MICE Guide to Old Town
Central (OTC) by Meetings and Exhibi-
tions Hong Kong helps planners design
programmes around the best locations in
the OTC cluster. It covers five key compo-
nents, ranging from multi-purpose venues
and teambuilding sites, to trendy dining
options. It is available in printed copies as
well as online.
2 Bridge of wonder
The super-infrastructures of the High
Speed Rail Link and the Hong Kong-
Zhuhai-Macau Bridge were unveiled in
September and October 2018 respectively.
Besides being architectural masterpiec-
es, they also enhance connectivity between
Hong Kong and her neighbours. Easier
travel between Hong Kong and mainland
China will mean greater Chinese attend-
ance at meetings hosted in Hong Kong.
3 Asia-Pacific push
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is
stepping up efforts to attract more profes-
sional associations from Asia-Pacific to
meet in Hong Kong even as it continues to
invest in destination promotions in Europe
and the US.
Apart from forming strategic partner-
ships with professional associations and
professional conference organisers, HKTB
is also strengthening connections with pro-
fessional associations in China, especially
medical and high-tech industry associa-
tions, and organise familiarisation tours for
their representatives.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
{ Pre/Post }
Sail into the sunset Snack this way, please
The Peninsula Hong Kong has launched a
Harbour Sunset Cruise on its new 19-metre
cruiser for up to 15 passengers. This two-
hour evening cruise features the Symphony
of Lights on Victoria Harbour. The package
includes canapés and unlimited consumption
of house Champagne, wine and other bever-
ages, available from 6:30 to 8:30 pm nightly.
A personalised chartered tour will be available
for guests to book for private functions and
cocktail receptions, Hong Kong Foodie Tours’ new Temple
Street Night Foodie Tour takes visitors into
the enclave to savour street snacks loved by
generations of locals. There are opportu-
nities to sample herbal drinks and learn
about the secret of the beloved sweet and
sour sauce. Complete the experience with
a seafood dinner. The three-hour walk takes
place on Monday and Thursday, covering
six tasting locations. The tour takes in no
more than 12 participants each time, but
special arrangements can be made for
private groups. The tour takes a summer
break in August.
Learn to bake like a pro Fancy a delicious candle?
Hong Kong’s bakery chain, Kee Wah,
offers traditional Chinese bakery classes
at its flagship shop in a historic building
in Wanchai. Each lesson lasts two to
three hours, and is led by experienced
instructors. Participants can choose to
enrol in Chinese or Hong Kong-style
bakery classes as well as seasonal
classes. No more 16 people are ac-
cepted per class. The predictable candle-making class gets a
quirky upgrade by local candle artisan BeCandle.
Appreciate iconic shrimp dumplings in a new
light by replicating them via wax and candle-mak-
ing. Perfect as an ice-breaker activity, participants
can take their dim sum candles – packed in
traditional bamboo baskets – home as souvenir.
Each class takes no more than 40 pax but larger
groups can be accommodated off-site.