With a network of more than 150 listings in Hong Kong and Macau, how has your vision evolved over the years?
For the first two years, our focus was solely on prestigious villas. We dedicated our efforts to searching and listing private properties like villas, penthouses, and stunning apartments.

In the third year, following the constant growth of our clients, we decided to expand our vision. By recruiting experts in real estate, as well as professionals in event management and concierge services, we were able to connect our clients and landlords and offer commercial spaces, boats, yachts and other premium atypical venues. Our goal was to diversify as much as possible our portfolio of distinctive and hidden spaces to make sure we could always meet the needs of our high-end clients.

Can you share with us some of the most memorable events you have been a part of?
We only list prestigious venues for memorable events.  But I would say that the event that stood out was the Dior event at “Paradise Mansion” in 2018. Dior transformed the villa into an exquisite showcase of luxury, blending art and fashion in an exclusive and intimate atmosphere.

Another unforgettable event was held at Le Louvre in Paris in 2020 for the launch of a wine brand. We rented parts of the iconic venue to feature a sophisticated wine tasting in the grand halls of the museum. Guests had the exclusive opportunity to discover the masterpieces of the Louvre while it was closed to the public.

In another genre, we recently had the privilege to host an exclusive event aboard the iconic 19th-century ship “Clipper Stad Amsterdam” in Hong Kong, as part of its worldwide tour. This unique venue provided an astonishing backdrop for a luxurious cocktail party and created an unforgettable experience for the guests.

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Can you tell us more about your target market and the unique value proposition you offer event organisers?
A successful event means the perfect venue selection. We dedicate most of our resources to venue sourcing, ensuring that our clients have access to the most unique spaces in Hong Kong and Macau.

Our team is a mix of professionals hailing from the property and real estate industry, from branding and event agencies, as well as luxury concierge services. This 360-degree expertise allows us to understand and address the specific needs and concerns of both our landlords and clients.

We cater to a variety of events, from corporate gatherings, and fashion shows to private family events, weddings, as well as luxurious staycations. From the initial inquiry to the venue selection and site visits with our private chauffeur, we provide premium support to our clients at every step. Once a venue is selected, our dedicated concierge team steps in to assist with all aspects of event management. Our approach is tailor-made and always personalised.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in building and scaling Exclusive Venue? And how have you navigated them?
When I arrived in Hong Kong, property developers and landlords were very sceptical and reluctant to rent their private venues for short-term lease rental, even the most prestigious ones. It took a lot of determination, resilience and maybe a bit of luck to build trust with landlords. I had to demonstrate to them that not only they would generate revenue but they would also showcase their properties to a premium and targeted audience, possibly leading to potential long-term rent.

I’m pleased to say that we now work with most property developers, landlords and real estate entities. The biggest challenge was aligning the needs of brands and corporates with the concerns of property developers and landlords. 

The events industry was significantly impacted by the pandemic. How did you navigate that turbulent period, and what lessons did you learn from it?
The first months of the pandemic were extremely challenging for us since 90 per cent of Exclusive Venue’s activity was focused on corporate clients (B2B). We had to shut down our offices in Hong Kong and Singapore and restructure the company. Like everybody, it took us a few months to realise that the crisis would last for months, then years.

We decided to pivot and create an offer directly for customers (B2C) by proposing unique family gatherings and staycations on our villas in Sai Kung, Clear Water Bay and Lantau. The period that could have ended our company turned into a new era of expertise that we developed, following strict sanitary rules to reassure our private clients.

The pandemic challenged us to reinvent ourselves and taught us the importance of having a flexible and innovative business approach. It pushed us to expand our services to the private sector, opening the doors of our exclusive venues to weddings and family gatherings.

Can you share with us your thoughts on the future of events in Hong Kong and Asia?
Hong Kong has proven to be very resilient since the pandemic. The city remains a perennial hotspot to host major events, from global business conferences to major film productions, as well as luxury showcases and even international fashion shows.

The establishment of cultural districts and new museums, as well as the organisation of major exhibitions, fairs and festivals, supported by the government and the private sector, allow Hong Kong to stay at the forefront of the international events scene.

What are some of the big goals you hope to achieve in the next couple of years?
It’s an exciting time for us. Over the next few years, we’re aiming to expand in new regions, particularly in the Middle East. We want to propose a more international offer, nurturing our portfolio of venues internationally.

We’re also focusing on making Exclusive Venue the ultimate tool for the real estate industry to effectively promote their spaces. For short-term or long-term leases, we provide flexibility and innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.

We are committed to solidifying our role as the indispensable bridge between the real estate and events industries.

Are there more business ventures you’d like to explore?
I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities and innovations. We’re actually working on integrating technology with real estate and events management, which is pretty exciting. I’m pleased to announce the launch of our new platform next week, which will further enhance our ability to connect premium venues with top-tier brands and clients. The first version will feature a streamlined, user-friendly design and updated guidelines to make the venue selection and booking process more efficient and enjoyable. 

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