Diane Chen, CVE

Deputy Managing Director @ Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre | Certified Venue Executive (CVE) | General Manager & Board Member & Pre-opening Expert | UFI Vice Chair APAC | Venue Management Leadership

Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

About

An accomplished C-level executive with over a decade of experience in the global venue management and exhibition industry. Brings a proven track record as a General Manager, Board Member and Pre-opening Specialist, having successfully launched a 100,000 sqm state-of-the-art convention and exhibition center in Northeast China and led it to operational profitability from its opening day. Strong people leadership through activating and inspiring a winning team culture, driving and enhancing talent capabilities. Offers a distinctive combination of hands-on operational expertise and high-level industry governance. Holds the distinction of being the first professional in China to earn the Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) and joined only 310 other CVE’s globally who have received the certification since 1976. Also serves as Vice Chair of The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) Asia-Pacific Chapter, effectively bridging global industry standards with local market execution. Proven track record of business growth acceleration and organization performance improvement. Innovative thinking for new opportunities and strong execution with excellence. Trusted partner to the clients, investors and all other stakeholders; strong governance, compliance and risk management. Fluent in English, Mandarin and French.

Experience

  • Deputy Managing Director at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited
    Jul 2024 - Present · 2 yrs

    Lead the Divisions of Marketing & Sales, Communications, Human Resources & Administration; Develop and execute business strategies to maximize venue utilization and revenue; Drive corporate branding and human resources development across the organization; and Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Committee, contributing to organization-wide decision-making.

  • UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (5 yrs 8 mos)
    • Vice Chair of UFI Asia-Pacific Chapter
      Nov 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Board Member
      Nov 2020 - Oct 2024 · 4 yrs

  • Shenyang New World EXPO (12 yrs 1 mo)
    • Board Member
      Jan 2019 - Jun 2024 · 5 yrs 6 mos

    • CEO / General Manager
      Jul 2016 - Jun 2024 · 8 yrs

      Progressed from Pre-opening Director to General Manager and Board Member over a 12-year tenure, leading the strategic planning, operational mobilization, and grand opening of a 100,000 sqm premier convention and exhibition center. Key Achievements: Spearheaded a cross-functional team of 120+ staff, establishing all operational frameworks, commercial strategies, and service standards from the ground up. Achieved operational profitability immediately following the venue opening, sustaining financial performance throughout tenure. Served concurrently as Board Member (2019-2024), influencing corporate governance and long-term strategy.

    • Deputy General Manager
      Sep 2015 - Jul 2016 · 11 mos

  • Financial Services Consultant at Ernst & Young
    Jul 2011 - May 2012 · 11 mos

  • Project Manager at ISMG
    Jun 2010 - Jun 2011 · 1 yr 1 mo