In the second half of last year, we experienced strong growth for event management professionals in the financial services sector within the corporate communications and corporate access teams. The same trend was observed in the media and publishing sector.

With the increase in focus on markets on the mainland, companies in Hong Kong have geared up their road shows, events and conferences teams and are seeking candidates with Putonghua language skills and experience in managing large-scale deal and non-deal roadshows, events and conferences on the mainland.

With the market continuing to rebound and business activities booming, these professionals will be highly sought after, as well as those candidates who are able to gain sponsorships for events and generate revenue.

While English remains the language of choice in the sector, we predict a stronger demand for candidates who are fluent in Cantonese and Putonghua.

Salary increases are set to stabilise at 5 to 10 per cent for those looking to move, with professionals recruited into senior roles more likely to be offered higher pay rises.

Hilly Dannaoui, manager - sales and marketing division, Robert Walters Hong Kong