AsiaWorld-Expo 2028 expansion sets end‑2028 completion target for business events
AsiaWorld-Expo’s Phase 2 expansion, featuring a new indoor arena for over 20,000 spectators, is slated to be completed by the end of 2028. The target was reaffirmed on 8 November 2026 and will shape bookings for corporate events and large‑scale conventions.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Phase 2 adds a 20,000‑seat arena and expands exhibition space to 100,000 sqm
- Timing
- Construction target set for the end of 2028
- Who is affected
- Business travel planners and event organisers booking large Hong Kong conventions
The details
- Announced by
- Financial Secretary Paul Chan
- Takes effect
- end of 2028
- Previous rule
- The expansion had no publicly confirmed completion date before the 8 November 2026 announcement.
- New rule
- The project now has a firm construction target of the end of 2028 for the new arena and additional exhibition halls.
Announcement and Timeline
On 8 November 2026 Financial Secretary Paul Chan reaffirmed the end‑2028 target for AsiaWorld‑Expo’s Phase 2 expansion. The announcement follows an October 2026 Legislative Council reply that set the same deadline for the airport‑based venue component.
- Construction is scheduled to finish by the end of 2028
- Opening date and public booking calendar remain to be confirmed
Venue Capacity and Features
Phase 2 will raise total exhibition space to 100,000 square metres and introduce an indoor arena capable of seating more than 20,000 attendees. The arena design includes 30 VIP suites and flexible layouts for central or end‑stage productions, allowing organisers to combine trade floors with evening performances.
- Arena capacity above 20,000 spectators
- 30 VIP suites and multiple stage configurations
Implications for Business Travel Planners
Planners can now request written confirmation of hall availability, move‑in dates and the first public event date once the venue publishes its calendar. The new space offers a choice between the airport‑adjacent site with its own railway station and the existing Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, affecting transport and accommodation logistics.
- Compare airport‑based travel times (2 min Airport Express) with city‑center options
- Budget for separate room layouts and staffing needs for arena events
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing bookings should await written venue confirmation before finalising hotel blocks for 2028 events
- Travel itineraries may need to factor in the two‑minute Airport Express ride to the new arena
- Delegates should plan for possible separate access routes for set‑up and performance days
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced by the expansion itself
- Organisers must obtain written confirmation of venue dates to justify travel expenses
- Standard travel documentation requirements remain unchanged
What you need to do
- Request a formal venue commitment from AsiaWorld‑Expo before purchasing flights or hotels for 2028 events
- Monitor the venue’s public booking calendar for the announced opening date
- Align group flight schedules with the first confirmed move‑in day once released
Who this affects
-
Corporate event organisers planning 2028 conventions
They need to know when the new arena and exhibition halls will be available for booking.
What to do Obtain written venue confirmation before locking in travel and accommodation.
-
Travel agents handling group bookings for Hong Kong events
Flight and hotel arrangements depend on the venue’s access and schedule.
What to do Align travel itineraries with the venue’s confirmed move‑in and event dates.
-
Hotel managers allocating rooms for large conventions
The expanded space will increase demand for nearby accommodation.
What to do Reserve block bookings only after the venue publishes its calendar.
-
Exhibitors requiring set‑up access
The new arena’s layout and access times affect freight and installation planning.
What to do Coordinate set‑up schedules with the venue’s first confirmed access date.
-
Potential naming‑rights sponsors
Phase 2 invites expressions of interest for brand partnerships.
What to do Submit partnership proposals in line with the Phase 2 announcement timeline.
Frequently asked questions
When will the new AsiaWorld‑Expo arena be ready for events?
The construction target for the new indoor arena and expanded exhibition space is the end of 2028, as confirmed by Financial Secretary Paul Chan on 8 November 2026.
Can I book travel for a 2028 event at the new arena now?
Travel should be booked only after receiving a written venue commitment confirming the event date and hall availability, because the exact opening date and public booking calendar have not yet been released.
How does the expansion affect transport options for delegates?
The airport‑based venue is served by a two‑minute Airport Express ride from the airport station, while the existing Wan Chai centre remains within a ten‑minute walk of multiple city rail stations, giving planners two distinct travel choices.
Will there be additional fees for using the new arena?
The expansion announcement does not introduce any new fees; standard venue rental and service charges will apply once the arena opens.
What new facilities will the expanded AsiaWorld‑Expo include?
Phase 2 adds an indoor arena with a capacity of over 20,000 spectators, 30 VIP suites, flexible stage layouts, and expands total exhibition space to 100,000 square metres.
Who oversees the Wan Chai North redevelopment linked to the expansion?
A task force led by the Deputy Financial Secretary will manage the Wan Chai North project, which runs alongside the airport expansion and shares the 2028 completion target.
