By Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association

The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) wishes to assure all participants, buyers and exhibitors attending trade exhibitions and conferences in Hong Kong that events are running smoothly and without interruption. Hong Kong is a welcoming city for investors and visitors.

Although there have been road closures during several public activities, up until the time of this announcement, both of the two major venues for trade exhibitions and international conferences, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), are accessible by foot, private cars / freight trucks and public transportation including subway, and are fully operational.

HKECIA Chairman Mr Stuart Bailey stated, “Business is as usual in Hong Kong. At this time we are seeing that major exhibitions and conferences in Hong Kong are running without incident or interruption. Exhibition and conference events were not targeted for disruption. Hong Kong is definitely still open for business and safe to travel.

“Of course visitors should take extra care and be mindful of areas in which protests might be taking place and take note of any special traffic arrangements such as temporary road closures and disruptions on public transport. But it’s worth remembering that Hong Kong is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in the world.”

June to August are peak months for mega consumer exhibitions in Hong Kong while a few public processions took place in different locations. All those exhibitions ran smoothly without interruption. The annual Hong Kong Book Fair was attended by nearly 1 million visitors over seven show days.

The annual trade and consumer exhibition, the Food Expo, and three concurrent exhibitions which utilize all the exhibition halls at the HKCEC was held as scheduled August 15-19 with no interruption despite there was the large scale peaceful rally on August 18. The four exhibitions brought together more than 2,100 exhibitors and welcomed a total of nearly 450,000 visitors.

There were cancellations of flights departing and arriving Hong Kong on August 12-13 due to operation disruption of the Hong Kong International Airport. Smooth operations of the airport terminals and normal flight movements have been resumed since August 14. Currently, the Airport Authority Hong Kong has obtained an interim injunction to restrain persons from unlawfully obstructing the airport’s operation. At the same time, access control at the airport terminal buildings has been implemented. Passengers are reminded to arrive early for the relevant checks.

As of today, the Seafood Expo Asia (SEA), originally scheduled for 3-5 September at the HKCEC, is the only one international exhibition that has been cancelled. Other international trade exhibitions scheduled for early September will go on as planned. They are: Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong X Gourmet Asia 2019 (September 3-5), Natural Organic Asia 2019 (September 3-5), Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair (September 3-7), Asia Fruit Logistica (September 4-6) with Asiafruit Congress on September 3, and CENTRESTAGE (September 4-7).

Further statements updating international participants will be issued by the HKECIA should the current situation changes.

About the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association: The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) was established in 1990 to promote Hong Kong as a world-class exhibition and conference destination and the trade fair capital of Asia Pacific. It works to represent the interests of all members involved in the exhibition and convention industries, and provides a unified voice in dealing with the government, legislative and statutory bodies, the media and public organisations, on all matters associate with the role of the exhibition and convention industry in Hong Kong’s economy. In addition, it offers training and educational programmes, and collects, analyses and distributes information and statistics relating to the industry. Currently, HKECIA has over 100 members including exhibition organisers, venue managers and operators, contractors, hotels, and travel agents.

HKECIA is a member of UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and AFECA – The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations.

IAVM is YOUR Association, and that we, as staff, serve as stewards for it.

When it comes to Facility Manager and FM Encore magazines, we are fortunate to have tremendous member participation in writing many of the features that you enjoy reading. Your voices ring loud and clear in these publications, and we are grateful and thankful to have such a dedicated and knowledge-sharing membership base.

Another valuable communication tool we have are our blogs, which are generally much shorter in word count, but full of industry insights, ideas, tips, and even just plain talking about life and personal experiences.

We want to take this opportunity to invite our esteemed membership to further participate in our well-read blogs that are such a huge part of our social media presence by writing and submitting your own blogs to us to in turn share with your peers in IAVM.

These are purely voluntary and do not bind you in any way. They are, however, a way to have your voice heard and words read, and if you do happen to be someone who truly loves to blog, of course we would be happy to talk with you about putting you on some type of rotation.

Don’t miss this chance to be interactive with your Association!

Contact FM Senior Editor R.V. Baugus with any further questions at rv.baugus@iavm.org. If you simply can’t wait to get started, go ahead and submit those blogs at your convenience. We will be waiting for them, and thank you for giving us the opportunity to provide the greatest breadth and depth of opinions and diversity for our membership!

By Jorge Perez

Puerto Rico Convention Center (PRCC), operated by AEG Facilities, announced fiscal year 2018-2019 as the most successful year in its 14-year history. Driven by the PRCC focus on delivering memorable and positive guest experiences, the Convention Center realized increased financial and operational performance across many key metrics; increase in total attendance of 26%, 644,000 visitors came through PRCC’s doors in comparison to the previous 13-year average, 96% overall customer satisfaction ratings along with a 21% increase in total events, 417 events in comparison to previous 13-year average. The PRCC has also further established itself as the main space for all types of events, including conventions, sports and entertainment events, corporate events, galas and other events that generate a significant economic impact on the local economy.

Since it opened its doors in 2005, PRCC has become a cornerstone of Puerto Rico’s offerings as a tourist and event destination, being an anchor of the Convention District that has gradually continued to develop with new investments and related projects, and that soon will expand its offer with the opening of El Distrito San Juan complex, scheduled for early 2020.

“We are honored to report our most successful year at PRCC, 2018-2019 was a triumphant year full of amazing events. The commitment and hard work of our team along with our continued leadership and forward-looking approach to creating great experiences to our clients and guests is delivering these returns. When we consider the impact that each event generates in terms of number of visitors, hotel nights, use of services and products, and other added activities, the balance is a very significant impact for the local economy, and that should be a source of satisfaction for everyone in the industry, “said Jorge Pérez, general manager of the Center.

Another of the important elements of the AEG operation at PRCC is the continuous investment in improvements to maintain the space in optimal conditions, achieve operational efficiencies and offer customers and visitors a quality atmosphere and excellence in services. “The commitment of AEG and the Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority have been instrumental to our success,” Perez added, noting a $3.3M investment for improvements to the venue’s infrastructure, aesthetic remodeling work and periodic renovations such as carpet replacement, the revamping of meeting spaces and the integration of art work are important elements that customers notice and appreciate, and ultimately contribute to the total experience at the venue.”

“We operate a state of the art facility in a first-class destination.” Pérez said. “Staying at the top of a global industry that constantly searches for new elements, more and better service and innovation, requires an extra passion that can only be credited to our excellent team, a group of committed employees who always go above and beyond.”

“There is no doubt that the Convention Center will continue to be the protagonist of our efforts to promote Puerto Rico as the best destination for events of all kinds, relying precisely on the potential economic impact this has for the island. We already have highly important events on the global stage, such as the twenty-second World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit that we announced recently and which will take place in the spring of 2020. This event is expected to bring to Puerto Rico more than 1,500 visitors from 180 countries, “said Noelia García, appointed executive director of the Convention District Authority of Puerto Rico.

“We’re very proud to have the Convention Center as one of our key partners in helping catapult our meetings and conventions business and elevating the Island’s status as a high quality, service-oriented destination in the Caribbean. Our leads and contracted events and rooms are the highest they have been in five years, and the Puerto Rico Convention Center plays a significant role in achieving this goal”, said Brad Dean, CEO for Discover Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Destination Marketing Organization.

Jorge Perez is general manager of the Puerto Rico Convention Center

By Barbara Cosio Moreno

San Diego Theatres, Inc. (SDT), which operates and manages San Diego Civic Theatre and the historic Balboa Theatre, has announced a new addition to its leadership team.

Kelly Bargabos (left, in photo) joins the organization in a new position, as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. She will serve alongside Carol Wallace, the President & CEO of the San Diego Theatres.

Bargabos was most recently the Vice President Finance for Road Runner Sports, a multichannel retailer of specialty footwear, apparel and accessories based in San Diego. After earning her CPA in New York, Kelly’s successful career has included roles in both finance and operations in a variety of industries and organizations.

“I am excited to join the dynamic team at the San Diego Theatres,” Bargabos said. “I have great respect for the arts community and look forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Directors and staff to affect change and drive results.”

Bargabos believes in giving back to the community, serving in volunteer capacities with organizations working on global and local issues such as poverty and homelessness, as well as programs dedicated to children. She is also a published author.

“We are excited to have Kelly join us,” said Jim Waring, Chair of the SDT Board of Directors. “Her diverse skillset will serve the organization and the community well as we set strategic goals that will deliver on our commitment of providing top-tier performing arts for the San Diego region.”

Wallace became SDT’s President and CEO in July 2018. She was previously President and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation until 2015. Under her tenure, the Corporation oversaw the operations of San Diego Theatres, Inc. until 2012 when SDT became an independent 501(C)(3) non-profit.

Barbara Cosio Moreno is Director of Communications & Marketing at San Diego Theatres

By Mike Klompstra

Thursday, August 22, 2019 was a special day for Dave Broekstra, SMG Chief Engineer for DeVos Place® and Van Andel Arena®. Broekstra, a military veteran, was presented with a handmade quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation during an award ceremony at the American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek held at DeVos Place August 21-24.

Quilts of Valor’s mission is “to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” Veterans and service members can be nominated to receive a quilt handmade by one of thousands of volunteers. Broekstra was nominated for his service in the United States Marine Corps. After a brief opening, volunteers from Quilts of Valor presented Broekstra with his own handmade quilt by wrapping him in the quilt as a thank you for his service, sacrifice, and valor in serving the United States.

“I am incredibly grateful to the women and men from the Quilts of Valor Foundation who spend their time to create such amazing quilts,” Broekstra said. “Their effort and care is truly appreciated.”

Broekstra entered the United States Marine Corps in June of 2001 and served active duty until June of 2006. During his service, Dave was awarded with the Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, along with other ribbons, commendations, and badges. He worked as a Fixed Wing Aircraft Airframe Mechanic and later became Work Center Supervisor/NCOIC responsible for the wellbeing and professional development of nine junior marines while deployed to Iraq. During his deployment, he was the only KC-130J Airframe Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI) responsible for the repair, inspection and maintenance of all deployed KC-130J aircraft. In 2008, Dave was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps. He has been with SMG since 2012 and is responsible for overseeing everyday maintenance operations, renovations, and implementation of new technology at both DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena.

Founded in 2003 by a Blue Star Mother, Quilts of Valor grew from a few friends sending quilts to soldiers in active duty to honoring veterans and service members with over 11,000 members and 600 groups volunteering their time and energy to the cause. With just five full-time staff, Quilts of Valor has awarded over 200,000 quilts in all 50 states and are on track to present a quarter-million quilts by the spring of 2020. Over 17,500 quilts have been awarded in 2019 alone.

To nominate a veteran for a Quilt of Valor, you can submit his or her name at the following online form through the Quilts of Valor website https://www.qovf.org/request-qov/.

Mike Klompstra is Digital Marketing Coordinator for SMG – Van Andel Arena & DeVos Place