AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), one of two major exhibition venues in Hong Kong, marks its 5th anniversary later this month. In the lead up to that milestone, AWE hosted the most successful event in its five years of operation.
The “River of Wisdom – Animated Version of the Riverside Scene at Qing Ming Festival” exhibition which lasted three weeks concluded on 29th November after over 900,000 visitors came to view the digital version of a 12th Century Chinese scroll painting which was originally on display in the China Pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai.
Supporting the River of Wisdom exhibition new direct bus links to the venue were launched and special rates on the Airport Express train were available for AWE visitors.
This exhibition has brought AWE a key strategic benefit. The huge success of the River of Wisdom could alter the local perception of AWE. Since opening in December 2005, one of the venue's most significant challenges has been the local view that AWE is somewhat remote and inaccessible. That perception has, to a degree, limited AWE's ability to attract consumer event organisers. The River of Wisdom attracted 900,000 - presumably mostly locals who will now realize that the venue is less than 30 minutes away by train and a variety of bus options.
AWE has always been at a disadvantage versus the more centrally located Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, but the success of the River of Wisdom just demonstrated to organisers and potential visitors that if the event is compelling, AWE can bring in the crowds necessary for a record-breaking exhibition.
Photo credit: AWE website
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