Cristina Ortega, chief scientific and operating officer of the World Leisure Organization, presents the "International Innovative City Award" to Hangzhou on June 6. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The 15th China (Hangzhou) Urban Exhibition Development Conference and World Leisure Development Forum opened at the Hangzhou International Expo Center on June 6.

The conference brought together domestic and international experts from the exhibition industry, advanced venue operation organizations, and renowned exhibition organizers to discuss the vital role of the exhibition industry in urban development and socio-economic progress.

During the event, Hangzhou was officially honored with the "International Innovative City Award" by Cristina Ortega, chief scientific and operating officer of the World Leisure Organization.

She said that Hangzhou has established a long-term and close cooperative relationship with the organization, and that the presentation of the award to Hangzhou is an opportunity to deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties.

Hangzhou currently boasts six major exhibition venues, 34 conference venues capable of accommodating over 1,000 people, and 69 venues capable of accommodating 500-1,000 people.

In 2022, a leading global research institution in the conference industry released the "Global Competitiveness of Meeting Destination Cities" list, with Hangzhou ranking 33rd globally and third among cities on the Chinese mainland.