LEAP East 2026, the first Asian edition of Saudi Arabia’s globally recognized LEAP technology conference, concluded successfully at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), attracting more than 25,000 attendees from around the world. The landmark event marked a significant milestone for Hong Kong’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry while reinforcing the city’s position as a leading destination for international technology events.
The inaugural edition brought together startups, investors, technology companies, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders under one roof, creating a dynamic platform for collaboration, networking, and business growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
LEAP East 2026 Occupies 35,000 Square Meters at HKCEC
Held across Hall 1 and Hall 3 of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, LEAP East 2026 utilized more than 35,000 square meters (approximately 376,700 square feet) of exhibition space.
The technology conference featured an impressive lineup of 300 startups and 600 investors, with organizers stating that the participating investment firms collectively represented more than US$6.5 trillion in assets under management.
The event provided an ideal environment for startups to showcase innovative technologies while connecting with venture capital firms, global investors, industry leaders, and potential business partners.
International Participation Highlights Global Appeal
One of the standout achievements of LEAP East 2026 was its strong international attendance.
According to the organizers, 55% of attendees traveled from outside Hong Kong, including visitors from mainland China and numerous international markets. The remaining 45% consisted of local participants, reflecting strong regional engagement alongside significant global interest.
The high percentage of overseas delegates highlights Hong Kong’s growing importance as an international hub for technology conferences and business events.
LEAP East to Return to Hong Kong Through 2027
Following the success of the inaugural event, organizer Tahaluf has confirmed a three-year commitment to host LEAP East in Hong Kong.
The agreement ensures that the technology conference will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2027, further strengthening the city’s international event calendar and technology ecosystem.
LEAP East represents the first flagship edition of the renowned Saudi Arabian LEAP conference to be staged outside the Middle East. Organizers have also described it as Hong Kong’s largest inaugural technology event, highlighting its scale and significance.
Organizers Praise Hong Kong as the Ideal Host City
Commenting on the success of the event, Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf and co-creator of LEAP, emphasized Hong Kong’s strategic advantages.
She noted that Hong Kong was the natural choice for expanding the LEAP brand into Asia, adding that the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre has proven to be an ideal venue for fostering innovation, collaboration, and meaningful business connections among global technology leaders.
HKCEC Strengthens Its Position as a Leading MICE Venue
The successful hosting of LEAP East 2026 further enhances the reputation of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as one of Asia’s premier venues for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s central business district, HKCEC plays a key role in supporting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a major destination for international business events.
The venue continues to expand its global appeal by introducing services designed to accommodate international visitors from diverse backgrounds.
HKCEC Earns Gold Certification for Muslim-Friendly Services
As part of its commitment to providing an inclusive visitor experience, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre has introduced a range of Muslim-friendly facilities and services.
These efforts have been recognized with Gold Certification for MICE venues from CrescentRating, demonstrating HKCEC’s dedication to accessibility, hospitality, and international event standards.
The certification further strengthens Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a destination capable of welcoming global delegates with diverse cultural and religious needs.
About the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is one of Asia’s largest and most prestigious event venues.
The facility spans approximately 306,000 square meters, including 91,500 square meters of rentable exhibition and event space. It hosts a wide range of international trade fairs, exhibitions, conventions, conferences, and corporate events throughout the year.
Daily operations at the venue are managed by Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), which oversees venue bookings, event coordination, maintenance, security, catering, restaurants, and visitor services.
LEAP East 2026 Strengthens Hong Kong’s Technology Event Landscape
The successful debut of LEAP East 2026 demonstrates Hong Kong’s growing influence as a global destination for technology conferences and innovation-focused business events.
With more than 25,000 attendees, hundreds of startups, leading investors managing trillions of dollars in assets, and a confirmed multi-year commitment from organizer Tahaluf, the event has established a strong foundation for future editions.
As LEAP East prepares to return in 2027, it is expected to continue driving innovation, international collaboration, investment opportunities, and business growth while reinforcing the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as a premier venue for world-class technology exhibitions and conferences.
