While Hong Kong has been internationally well-known for MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions), if we ever take reference of creative and economically vibrant cities such as Rio De Janeiro (Brazil), Penang (Malaysia), Bali Island and Bandung (Indonesia), and Kyoto (Japan), “Festival” is probably the most missing form of organic street-style cultural celebration which recalls the collective memory of Hong Kong communities (locals, expats, Mainland Chinese in Hong Kong and everyone), reinvigorates the cultural values and social identity of Hong Kong and Cantonese folk cultures and strengthens global connectivity branding power of Hong Kong, where economic goals could hence be achieved organically, such as talent attractions, foreign investments and competitive credibility.

The 7th Annual Meet of Future City Summit serves as a turning point to call for open collaboration with key actors in society and the global community to explore an action plan for hosting a festival that belongs to Hong Kong and the world would love to embrace, with potential new location across the Northern part of Hong Kong (Tai Po District, Northern District and Yuen Long District). This special session invites all partners, supporting organisations and delegates to discuss, brainstorm and map all crazy possibilities that could upbring the cultural identity of Hong Kong again.

The special session “Our City Festival Sandbox – Co-Creating a Better Hong Kong Brand, Festival and Key Objective Results” drives to engage all participants in the Annual Meet in the format of facilitated thematic group discussions. Each group discussion would be set to respond to practical concerns upon each theme and stir up creative district innovations that could be testbedded in the form of “Festival” next year through open collaboration.