Behind the Scene

The success of the industrial products exhibition owes much to the efforts of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA). Their efforts before, during and after the exhibition were rarely revealed.

Before the exhibition starts, CMA needs to apply for government permission to use an exhibition venue, build the booths, install water and electricity supplies, arrange for transportation, process the applications from manufacturers and test their products, organize tenders for booth locations, and arrange press conferences and promotions.

During the exhibition, CMA organizes a public security unit to maintain order at the venue. It also invites voluntary organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and St. John’s Ambulance Cadet, to provide on-site assistance. Leaders of CMA also played important roles at various ceremonies, such as the opening ceremony, flag-raising ceremony, and the closing ceremony. They were also required to greet and accompany the guests of honors, such as the Governor of Hong Kong and other overseas delegations. They also needed to present flags and other souvenirs to organizations and individuals who had offered assistance during the exhibition. Despite the heavy workload, executive members of the exhibition also dedicated time to bring joy to the public by dressing up as the Santa Claus and distributing gifts to lucky individuals at the exhibition.

After the exhibition, CMA has to clear the exhibition venue and calculate the total income earned from the exhibition. Revenue was allocated for the operation of CMA and other educational purposes. For example CMA dedicated two-thirds of the exhibition’s revenue from the 12th Exhibition of Hong Kong Products to purchase a property. Income earned from the property was offered as scholarships to students of industrial training schools.