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Opinion | Doraemon success lights the way for Hong Kong’s event hub hopes

  • If the government wants the city to truly be a centre for mega events, it would do well to take lessons from the recent Doraemon exhibitions
  • There is an art to building hype, linking multiple events and creating memorable experiences, something the organisers did with aplomb

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Visitors pose for pictures with statues of Japanese cartoon character Doraemon during the “100% Doraemon & Friends” tour in Sai Ying Pun on May 25. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
A little over a week ago, Doraemon fans across generations gathered at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade to see 1,000 drones light up Victoria Harbour in the world’s first Doraemon-themed drone show. I got to see it up close with family and it was as delightful for us grown-ups as it was for my little one.
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But there’s more to it than just being a great family event. The show was a prelude to the Doraemon exhibition next month, featuring 135 sculptures – most of which have never been seen before, even in Japan – showcased in Hong Kong, the first stop of a world tour.

There will also be interactive installations at the paid exhibition, while the Avenue of Stars will host Doraemon and other characters as part of the free public exhibition. Needless to say, it started with a big bang.

The government and other mega-event organisers should take notes on how AllRightsReserved has run things. If Hong Kong is truly going to be a mega events hub, as the government is working to rebrand the city, then it needs to learn from the pros.

There is an art to building hype, to getting people excited and anticipating something big. AllRightsReserved has that down to a tee.

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The World's First Doraemon Drone Show to light up Victoria Harbour on Saturday

The World's First Doraemon Drone Show to light up Victoria Harbour on Saturday
Word initially got out that Doraemon was going to be one of the hundreds of mega events the city will host in the latter part of the year. Then, within two weeks, the organisers surprised the public and gave the world a sneak peek of the drone show with clips from the rehearsal. Details of the show became available, with information on the best locations to see it.
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