January 2025

In an independent online survey carried out by market research company on behalf of The QEII Centre has found that the economic value of distraction during meetings and events has risen to an estimated GPB 20.7 billion.

Based on a survey of over 1,000 UK desk-based workers, the research builds on findings from The QEII Centre’s inaugural 2023 Distracted Economy report. It reveals that the cost of distraction in online and face-to-face meetings and events has increased from £19.9 billion in 2023 to GPB 20.7 billion.

In The QEII Centre’s new Distracted Economy report, 80 percent of desk-based workers admit to losing concentration during meetings. About 55 percent are more likely to be distracted in online meetings compared to 16 percent for in-person meetings and 27 percent who find both equally distracting.

The report also finds that senior managers are not immune, with 17 percent of senior managers and owners losing focus for half or more of in-person meetings compared to 10 percent of mid or junior managers.

Against these challenges, the report offers tangible solutions to help event planners and venues tackle the issue.

“As one of the UK’s leading conference and events venues, holding over 400 events each year, we understand the shifting meetings and events landscape, as well as the hugely important role that venues and event planners play in creating engaging and productive meeting experiences,” said Mr. Mark Taylor, chief executive, The QEII Centre.

“It is our hope that these findings inspire event planners and venues to create exceptional experiences and design meetings and events that engage delegates, enhance productivity and achieve business goals.” 

Highlights of the Distracted Economy:

• Eight in 10 desk-based workers lose concentration in meetings for some of the time
• 24 percent is the average proportion of time people are distracted during in-person meetings
• 17 percent of senior managers and owners lose focus or concentration for half or more of in-person meetings compared to 10% of mid or junior managers
• 55 percent of people are more likely to be distracted in an online meeting, versus 16 percent in an in-person meeting and 27 percent who find both equally distracting
• The top three causes of distraction are boredom (25 percent), tiredness (24 percent), and having a busy mind (23 percent)
• 56 percent of respondents expect to attend more in-person events in 2025 than they did in 2019

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre has been accredited the ‘Gold Certification for MICE Venues’ by the internationally recognised halal travel promotion company CrescentRating in December 2024. This makes HKCEC as the first MICE venue in Hong Kong to receive this certification which is the highest ranking of the certification scheme, reassuring the good experience that the exhibition centre has created for Muslim exhibitors and visitors.

The internationally recognised halal travel promotion company CrescentRating was commissioned by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to carry out a series of work, including assessing local hotels, attractions and MICE venues based on categories and standards on par with international benchmarks.  To achieve Gold Certification for a exhibition venue met several of the stringent rating requirements.

A separate prayer spaces for male and female users were added on the second floor of the exhibition venue marked with the direction of Qibla and equipped with prayer mats. While restrooms next to the prayer room are now fitted with water-friendly facilities including hand showers and ablution facilities. Dietary needs of Muslim visitors are provided halal certified food and concession stands during events with the food and beverage team, offering tailor-made Halal menus upon request.

According to Ms. Monica Lee-Müller, managing director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Management Limited, the presence of Muslim exhibitors, buyers, and visitors has grown notably at HKCEC. To enhance the experience of its guests, and provide them with the dedicated support, have introduced several Muslim-friendly facilities enhancing its reputation, as a Muslim-friendly travel destination.

EMITT will celebrate its 28^th anniversary from February 5 to 7 and is expected to host over 400 hosted tour operators from 60 countries, including key markets such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, South Africa, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Running concurrently with the exhibition, the EMITT Event Program will present a variety of inspiring activities under the theme “Redefining”. These events aim to enrich the visitor experience and develop actionable plans to address the challenges facing the tourism sector in 2025.

This year, EMITT will focus on the vision of positive tourism through its event program held alongside the exhibition. This approach aims not only to minimise waste but also, to explore new market opportunities through innovative tourism products. By adopting strategies that enhance both nature and society, the program seeks to strengthen the tourism sector while fostering creative solutions and sustainable development.

Highlighting the significant contribution of the EMITT Exhibition to the Turkish economy, tourism sector, and national branding, EMITT exhibition director Mr. Hacer Aydın stated amid the global crises and environmental challenges, shaping the future of the tourism industry is no longer optional, but a necessity.

He added, redefining tourism requires not only addressing today’s crises but also, adopting a bolder more innovative vision to create a sustainable future as we confront, the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, wars and over-tourism.

ICONSIAM, a global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, developed by Siam Piwat Group, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation, and Charoen Pokphand Group is commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China by hosting Chinese New Year 2025 celebration with an investment of over US$ 4.35 million (150 million Baht).

The investment to honour the 50-year milestone features sculpture exhibition, cultural displays and performances as well as, a vibrant Chinese street market.

This year marks stated Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, managing director of ICONSIAM Co Ltd,
a significant milestone in Thai-Chinese relations, celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. I In collaboration with its partners he added, ICONSIAM presents as exhibition ‘Lancang to Chao Phraya’ showcasing sculptures that convey the cultural and spiritual connections from the Chinese river to the Chao Phraya.

The exhibition celebrates this momentous occasion by fostering Thai-Chinese cultural exchange through world-class artwork. Running from January 15 to February 28 at River Park, ICONSIAM, the highlight of this exhibition is the masterpiece sculpture ‘Chubby Woman with Dragon & Naga,’ created through the first-ever collaboration between Thailand’s national artist, Dr. Preecha ThaoThong and a prominent Chinese artist Mr. Xu Hong Fei, who is famous for his iconic chubby woman sculptures.

It is expected that two million visitors including both Thais and tourists from around the world, will attend the 10-day event, and is a projected 20 percent increase in consumer spending within the shopping complex compared to previous year.