Organised by the Reed Exhibition Companies, the 17th International Building Exposition ─ IBEX 2001 was held from 6 to 9 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Utilising 2,600 sq m exhibition area, the 4-day exposition showcased today’s advanced building technologies and state-of-the-art building materials.

Being the prominent building event in Hong Kong, the expo presented over 100 exhibiting companies from 13 countries including Asia, Middle East, Oceania, Europe and Africa. With more than 50 brand new products launched, 8,756 visitors from 30 countries were attracted to witness the new era of the building industry. [The figures are provided by the organiser and are audited by HSCI China Ltd.]

The need to develop environmentally friendly construction and intelligent buildings construction was chosen to be the main theme this year. Visitors were able to experience the convenience and comfort of the “Smart Home” and benefited from various conferences covering issues on environmental friendly building.

Over 1,000 industry players attended the conference session of the exhibition and were impressed by its success. A series of critical building issues, latest building technologies and new challenges to the Hong Kong building industry were discussed by building professionals and industry experts.

As a result of the supportive and positive responses from visitors and exhibitors, this ex-biennial event is scheduled to return to HKCEC from 26 to 29 June 2002. Ms Bernardy Lau, Managing Director, Greater China Region of Reed Exhibition Companies noted, “IBEX is proved as the ideal platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, widen business networks and form business partnerships.

I am delighted to announce that by popular demand, IBEX will return to Hong Kong on an annual basis.”

Being the premier convention and exhibition venue in the city of Asia and the hub of the world, HKCEC serves as an all-rounded platform for all types of exhibitions or trade shows, ranging from information technology, high fashion, jewellery and watches, travel, food and many more.

In year 2000, the financial and operating results are beyond expectation with a total of 2,498 events contracted at the HKCEC. As a part of business, there were 1,389 events utilising major venues i.e. exhibition halls, convention halls, theatres, and large meeting rooms.

These events included 100 major exhibitions, of which 62 were recurrent whereas 19 were new; 62 major conferences; 151 entertainment events including 69 film shows; 314 banquets; and 762 corporate events, incentive functions, meetings, press conferences, seminars, and others.

The HKCEC is managed and operated by the HKCEC (Management) Ltd which is a member of New World Services Limited (“New World Services”).

As a subsidiary of New World Development Company Limited, New World Services embraces a diversified range of services and its businesses can be broadly grouped under 5 main divisions, namely facilities (Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd., Urban Property Management, and General Security), contracting (Hip Hing Construction, Young’s Engineering and Tridant Engineering), transport (First Bus and First Ferry), financial (Tai Fook Securities Group), and environmental (Hong Kong Island Landscape).

New World Services builds on the collective strength of its companies to enhance quality of life and create a better environment for Hong Kong and Greater China.