Following its successful staging of the 2025 UFI Global Congress, AsiaWorld-Expo is gearing up for a vibrant and fruitful 2026, highlighted by two signature events: the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show and the Lions International Convention.
The UFI Congress attracted 600 industry leaders from more than 50 countries and regions. In addition to representatives from traditional exhibition powerhouses such as China, the UK, the US, France, Germany and Italy, the event also gathered delegates from across Africa, South America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia to explore innovation and collaboration opportunities within the industry, showcasing the worldwide interest in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) activation.
If Hong Kong is where East meets West, the UFI Global Congress at AWE was where business met culture. In celebration of UFI’s 100th anniversary and AWE’s 20th, the host venue co-curated a series of cultural experiences that immersed delegates in the city’s creativity, heritage, and spirit of innovation.
92nd UFI Global Congress
On the AWE exhibition floor, a Cultural Corner reimagined the traditional trade booth as a sensory showcase. Young artisans, performers, and chefs brought the sights, sounds, and flavours of Hong Kong to life – from live dim sum demonstrations to creative installations curated by the AWE team.
The cultural programme extended beyond AWE to A Night at the Museum at M+, Hong Kong’s acclaimed museum of visual culture. Delegates dined among modern masterpieces in an atmosphere that was part exhibition and part celebration. Each course paid homage to Hong Kong’s culinary artistry, while live music, magic performances, and artist installations brought the city’s creative pulse to life.
UFI Global Congress Dinner
As the Congress drew to a close, delegates stepped aboard vintage trams for an AWE-curated journey through the city’s neon-lit arteries – a nostalgic ride into old Hong Kong while looking firmly ahead. The night culminated in a private celebration in Lan Kwai Fong, where the city’s nightlife buzzed with music and laughter.
Together, these experiences showcased AWE’s ability not only to host world-class events but also to orchestrate them, revealing the seamless synergy between MICE and tourism that aligns with the Hong Kong Government’s “+Tourism” strategy.
Signature events in 2026
The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show returns
Following its successful debut last year, the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show will return from 30 January to 1 February 2026, bringing world-class equestrian sport and family-friendly entertainment back to Hong Kong.
The event combines top-level competition, fine dining, lifestyle experiences and interactive attractions designed to appeal to both seasoned equestrian enthusiasts and curious first-time visitors.
Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show
At the heart of the programme are the prestigious five-star Show Jumping Classes, where elite riders and their horses tackle towering fences in thrilling tests of precision, power and nerve. Adding charm and high-energy fun, the Shetland Pony Grand National will see pint-sized riders and their spirited ponies race over miniature jumps, offering a crowd-pleasing spectacle for all ages.
New for 2026, dog lovers can anticipate a fast-paced dog agility competition, organised in association with The Royal Kennel Club, featuring dogs and handlers navigating jumps, tunnels and weave poles against the clock. This thrilling showcase of teamwork and precision is a delight for spectators of all ages, combining athleticism with entertainment.
Dog Agility Competition
Retail and lifestyle offerings are another major draw, with a curated selection of brands spanning Equestrian Suppliers, Fashion & Accessories, Lifestyle & Leisure, Interior & Design, and Wine & Gourmet. For exhibitors, the event provides a premium platform to connect with an international, high-engagement audience, while visitors can discover new products and indulge in an upscale yet relaxed environment.
The exhibition halls at AWE are column-free and feature high ceilings, enabling flexible configurations for a wide range of events. For the Horse Show, the expansive 300,000-square-foot hall space can be seamlessly transformed into stables, competition arenas, warm-up areas, VIP hospitality suites, spectator seating, and lifestyle exhibition zones.
To provide VIPs and spectators with an unparalleled equestrian experience, AWE’s professional F&B team will deliver exquisite fine dining, creating an excellent platform for guests to network and enjoy a true sensory feast.
AWE has also implemented enhanced ventilation and drainage measures, including activated carbon filters and UV sterilisation in the air handling units, as well as improved air purification to minimise odours and ensure optimal airflow across event areas. In addition, operations staff regularly spray water and apply special materials within the sand rings to reduce dust, so that VIP guests and spectators can enjoy the competitions and hospitality in comfort.
2026 Lions International Convention
Hong Kong will proudly host the prestigious 2026 Lions International Convention, one of the largest global service club events, welcoming around 20,000 attendees from across the world. This annual gathering of Lions Clubs International members promises to be a significant, truly global event, elevating Hong Kong’s standing on the international stage.
Lions International Convention
Scheduled for 3–7 July 2026 at AsiaWorld-Expo, conveniently located adjacent to Hong Kong International Airport, the event offers seamless connectivity and a world-class venue to support an extensive programme of Lions community activities.
Approximately 60% of the participants are expected to be from Europe and the U.S, with the remaining 40% from Asia, many of whom are entrepreneurs and professionals. The event is projected to generate an economic impact of more than HK$400 million (GBP £38.8 million).
Having previously hosted the Convention in 1992 and 2005, Hong Kong’s successful bid for this event marks a triumphant return and underscores the city’s proven ability to stage large-scale international conventions. It further reinforces Hong Kong’s reputation as a leading MICE destination in the region.