How To Set Up an Event Management Company in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s event industry is bouncing back stronger than ever post-pandemic, making it an exciting time for entrepreneurs to enter this vibrant market. From corporate conferences and trade shows to public festivals and private celebrations, opportunities abound for businesses that can offer professional event planning and management services. With the city hosting countless high-profile events each year, starting an event management company in Hong Kong is not only timely but also strategically advantageous. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to establish and operate your own event management company, from incorporation and licensing to compliance, helping you turn your event planning vision into a successful business.

Key Takeaways

Comprehensive Planning

Event management companies handle concept creation, logistics, vendor coordination, production, and marketing to ensure seamless events.

Company Incorporation

Register your business with the Hong Kong Companies Registry and obtain your Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate.

Licensing Requirements

Secure licenses based on event type, such as FEHD’s Place of Public Entertainment, HAD Lottery or Trade Promotion Competition, and Food Factory licenses.

Compliance & Inspections

Maintain regulatory compliance with periodic reports, premises inspections, and activity-specific permits to ensure safety and credibility.

Marketing & Promotion

Leverage social media, PR, and integrated marketing services to attract clients, boost engagement, and build a recognizable brand in Hong Kong’s competitive event industry.

What Does An Event Management Company Do?

An event management company plays a crucial role in ensuring events run smoothly and successfully. Its core activities include concept creation, logistics coordination, vendor management, and overseeing all aspects of event production, from venue setup and lighting to sound and technical arrangements. Event specialists manage every detail, from planning themes and booking service providers—such as caterers, photographers, performers, and entertainers—to supervising the event on the day itself.

These companies cater to a wide range of events, including corporate events, concerts, festivals, trade promotions, hybrid events, and private gatherings. Some event management companies also provide marketing services, promoting events through social media, press releases, and other channels to maximize audience engagement and attendance. For a clearer overview, the following table summarizes the types of events and the services typically provided:

By handling all moving parts, event management companies allow hosts to focus on their objectives while ensuring attendees experience a seamless and memorable event.

Read: How To Set Up a Company in Hong Kong 

Step By Step Guide To Incorporate Event Management Company

The first crucial step in starting an event management company in Hong Kong is company incorporation. This process establishes your business as a legal entity and allows you to operate officially in the city’s thriving events industry.

Step 1 – Choosing a Company Name

Select a unique and memorable name for your event management company. It’s important to check the availability of your desired name through the Hong Kong Companies Registry to ensure it is not already in use.

Step 2 – Appointing Key Company Officers

Before incorporation, you must meet Hong Kong’s statutory requirements for company structure:

• Director:
  
  • At least one individual director is required.
  • The director can be a non-resident — there is no local residency requirement.
  • Directors must be at least 18 years old and not bankrupt or legally disqualified.
    
• Shareholder:
  
  • At least one shareholder is required (can be the same person as the director).
  • Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.
  • 100% foreign ownership is allowed in Hong Kong.
    
• Company Secretary:
  
  • It is mandatory to appoint a company secretary.
  • If the company secretary is an individual, they must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong.
  • If the company secretary is a corporate entity, it must have a registered office in Hong Kong.
  • The company secretary is responsible for maintaining statutory records, preparing annual filings, and ensuring ongoing compliance with the Companies Ordinance.
    
• Registered Address:
  
  • Your company must have a local Hong Kong address (P.O. boxes are not accepted).
  • This address will be used for official correspondence and must be kept up to date.

Step 3 – Submitting Documents to the Companies Registry

Once your company name and structure are confirmed, you need to prepare and submit the required incorporation documents to the Companies Registry. These typically include:

• Articles of Association of the company
• Incorporation Form (NNC1 for a company limited by shares)
• Identification documents of directors, shareholders, and company secretary
• Registered office address details

Read: A Guide To Hong Kong Certificate of Incorporation

Read: Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate Guide 2025

Step 4 – Obtain Relevant Licenses

After incorporating your event management company, the next crucial step is obtaining the necessary licenses. Different types of events in Hong Kong require specific permits to operate legally and ensure compliance with local regulations. Securing the correct licenses protects your business and builds trust with clients and authorities.

The following table summarizes the key licenses you may need based on the type of event your company plans to organize:

Each license comes with its own application process, document requirements, and validity periods. For example, corporate events require submission of incorporation documents, business registration certificates, and authorization notices to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), which may also conduct inspections before approval.

By understanding which licenses apply to your events and preparing the required documentation in advance, you can ensure a smooth and compliant operation for your event management company in Hong Kong.

Step 5 – Compliance and Inspections

Once your event management company has obtained the necessary licenses, maintaining compliance with Hong Kong’s regulatory requirements is critical. Both the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Home Affairs Department (HAD) conduct inspections to ensure that your events meet safety, hygiene, and operational standards.

Event organizers must appoint authorized representatives who are responsible for submitting applications and liaising with government authorities. These representatives must be backed by board resolutions from the company, formally authorizing them to act on behalf of the business. Proper documentation, including incorporation certificates, business registration, and recent annual returns, must always be available for inspection.

Ongoing compliance also includes:

• Submitting periodic compliance reports to the FEHD or HAD, certifying adherence to licensing conditions.
  
• Ensuring event premises meet safety and hygiene standards, such as fire safety installations, electrical systems, and crowd management protocols.
  
• Monitoring specific activity permits, such as Lion Dance, pyrotechnics, or alcohol sales, to ensure they remain valid for each event.
  
• Maintaining accurate records of all events, transactions, and licenses for possible audits or inspections.

Regular inspections and strict adherence to licensing requirements help your event management company avoid penalties, maintain credibility, and ensure the safety and satisfaction of your clients and attendees. By staying proactive with compliance, you build a strong foundation for sustainable growth in Hong Kong’s competitive events industry.

Read: How To Register A New Company In Hong Kong 2025 Guide

Marketing and Promotion of Your Event Company

After establishing your event management company in Hong Kong and securing the necessary licenses, promoting your services is key to attracting clients and building a strong brand presence. Effective marketing combines traditional strategies with digital outreach to reach a wide audience.

Social Media Marketing

Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok are powerful tools for event promotion. By sharing event highlights, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content, your company can showcase its expertise and creativity to potential clients. Social media campaigns can also target specific demographics, increasing the chance of booking high-value corporate and private events.

Public Relations and Media Coverage

Press releases, media interviews, and collaborations with lifestyle or industry publications can enhance your company’s visibility. Hosting a launch event or participating in local trade shows allows you to network with potential clients and partners while generating media coverage.

Integrated Event Planning and Marketing Services

Offering marketing services alongside event planning creates added value for clients. This can include creating event branding, running social media campaigns for the event, producing promotional videos, or managing email campaigns. Integrating marketing with event planning positions your company as a one-stop solution for clients, helping them achieve both logistical success and audience engagement.

Referral and Partnership Programs

Building partnerships with venues, caterers, performers, and corporate clients can generate repeat business and referrals. Encouraging satisfied clients to provide testimonials or referrals amplifies your reach without additional advertising costs.

By leveraging these strategies, your event management company can establish a recognizable brand, attract diverse clients, and stay competitive in Hong Kong’s dynamic events industry.

Conclusion

Starting an event management company in Hong Kong involves a clear series of steps: incorporating your business, obtaining the appropriate licenses for your specific event types, ensuring compliance through FEHD and HAD inspections, and implementing effective marketing strategies. With Hong Kong’s vibrant events industry and diverse opportunities, proper licensing and adherence to regulations are essential to operate smoothly and build credibility. By following these steps and leveraging professional guidance, aspiring event entrepreneurs can confidently launch and grow a successful event management company in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.

How FastLane Group Can Help

FastLane Group provides professional company formation services in Hong Kong, helping entrepreneurs incorporate their limited company quickly and efficiently.

While we do not handle event licenses or operational approvals, we ensure your business is properly registered with the Hong Kong Companies Registry and equipped with the essential incorporation documents required to operate legally.

Once your company is formed, you can then apply for the relevant event-related licenses directly with the respective authorities such as FEHD, HAD, or other licensing departments depending on your event activities.

Contact us today and take the first step toward launching your event management company in Hong Kong.

FAQs

1. What licenses are required to start an event management company in Hong Kong?
Depending on the type of events you plan to organize, you may need a Place of Public Entertainment (FEHD), Lottery (HAD), Trade Promotion Competition (HAD), or Amusement with Prizes license. Additional permits may be required for selling food, alcohol, or organizing special performances.

2. How long does it take to incorporate an event management company in Hong Kong?
With proper documentation, company incorporation can be completed in as little as 48 hours. Obtaining specialized licenses may take additional time depending on the event type and government department involved.

3. Do I need an authorized representative for my event management company?
Yes. Most licenses require a Notice of Acceptance of Authorization signed by an authorized representative, supported by a Board of Directors resolution. FastLane can guide you in appointing and documenting this properly.

4. How can I promote my event management company in Hong Kong?
Promotion strategies include social media marketing, public relations campaigns, and integrating event planning with marketing services. FastLane can also advise on marketing approaches to help you attract clients effectively.