Reducing congestion

To avoid congestion around the Convention and Exhibition Centre, an off-site marshalling area has been set up at Tseung Kwan O, where trucks are divided into groups according to which exhibition hall they are assigned. From the marshalling area, trucks are then dispatched 10 at a time to the centre. 'The off-site marshalling system is welcomed by drivers and event organisers because it saves time,' says Thomas Tong, director of venue operations. 'There is also the fuel saving aspect, which helps reduce the impact on the environment.' Once at the centre, 87 escalators, 39 lifts, plus a special lift capable of handing 50-foot containers provide access to the exhibition halls.

Set up time at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), next to Chek Lap Kok, usually takes one to three days with one day allocated to dismantle an exhibition and clear the premises. AWE has also implemented an off-site marshalling system to ensure smooth co-ordination among exhibition services providers that use the facility. Using a 'vehicle call forwarding scheme' trucks queue up at the off-site marshalling area, and drivers are informed when to arrive at the venue.