Hong Kong in Focus
Vibrant and exciting. Modern skyscrapers overlooking local markets and rich Chinese traditions. Old meets new and east combines with west; all in harmony. “A destination of superlatives” for conferences, meetings, incentives and events, irrespective of the size of the group. That’s Hong Kong!
Recently I was fortunate enough to be invited with a group of event planners to this amazing city, courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Destination Asia and Virgin Australia. It had been a few years since I last been there, so it was an ideal opportunity to brush up my knowledge of Hong Kong and experience first-hand the fantastic new alternatives available for groups and events.
Accommodation at the luxurious Cordis Hotel in the heart of bustling Mongkok and then followed by a stay at sophisticated, stylish and elegant The Murray Hotel located in Central, exceeded all expectations. Depending on preference of location and budget, both properties offer excellent options for groups both in terms of accommodation and event spaces.
Possibilities for lunches and dinners are plentiful and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to location, cuisine, price range and ultimately the experience you want your delegates to enjoy.
Ideal for a large group wanting to partake in a delicious Cantonese banquet is Symphony by Jade, located at the heart of the Tsim Sha Tsui cultural district with panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour.
Immerse your delegates in the rich heritage of Tai Kwan, a recent addition to the dining, art and culture scene. Once the old Central Police Station, now a stunning combination of restaurants, shops, exhibition and out-door areas. We enjoyed lunch in the colonial elegance of the The Chinese Library where Hong Kong’s favourite dishes are showcased from diverse culinary regions. An exceptional venue with a capacity of up to 120 people.
It’s not difficult to find some funky and stylish cocktail bars for post-dinner parties or welcome receptions. Popinjays Rooftop at The Murray Hotel offers a world-class selection of classic cocktails and bespoke creations – all to enjoy on a 420 square metre outdoor terrace with one of the best views. The venue takes its name from the resident cockatoos in the neighbourhood – hence their use of unique bird-shaped cocktail glasses! For a group of less than 20, the hotel’s The Aviary private dining room is perfect for an exclusive dinner.
To experience captivating views of the city and Victoria Harbour, include Ozone, Hong Kong’s highest bar located on the 118th floor of The Ritz Carlton in your program. Here you’ll find two private rooms and a balcony, which provides flexibility for diverse events. Their signature cocktails and exotic tapas will certainly ‘wow’ your delegates.
And then, head off for dinner, as we did, to discover more of the glamour of Hong Kong at Aqua – the epitome of sophisticated dining with 360-degree views through two-storey floor-to-ceiling glass windows. This is a prime venue for a MICE event whether for a small group for dinner to a large welcome reception or after party.
But, it’s not all about accommodation, meetings and eating …. set your delegates free to explore Hong Kong for themselves.
I’d highly recommend some of the things that we did: a two-hour discovery tour of the Treasures of Kowloon, a walk through Central; bargaining at the Temple Street Night Market; a cooking class at the PMQ (former Police Married Quarters) a revitalized iconic hub for the creative industries – which by the way, also has the largest multi-functional exhibition venue. Consider a cruise out to Lantau Island, lunch at Tai O Heritage Hotel, visit the local traditional fishing village and then go by coach to the Tian Taan Buddha, the largest bronze sitting Buddha statue in the world. Add some extras such as a Tai Chi experience in a local park or a hands-on cooking class along the way to make the day even more enjoyable!
This is really just a teaser of what’s on offer in Hong Kong.
Another perfect reason to choose Hong Kong for your next event are the benefits to be gained through the support of the MEHK (Meetings & Events Hong Kong, HKTB) who offer extensive privileges and add-on value ranging from free cocktail receptions to transport, cultural experiences, sightseeing and more – all determined based on group size.
Virgin Australia direct flights to Hong Kong were excellent, with perfect timing to align with a conference program. Service, food and amenities were great… as was the extra surprise of business class comfort for the flight back to Melbourne!
So many options, makes it a challenge to select the perfect mix for your event. But that’s something that we’re here to assist you with.