Hong Kong Filmart prides itself on the fact that each year it alerts the global entertainment industry to which way the winds of the content business are flowing across Asia.

So expect much attention going into this year’s 29th in-person edition of the event to be on what’s happening online and, specifically, the event’s decision to sharpen its digital platform into what organizers are describing as “a comprehensive IP Catalogue.”

Whereas the primary focus of the online platform across previous editions was on “exhibition planning and operation” — meaning it functioned “like an online booth” — this new format will allow exhibitors “to showcase their projects in detail, creating a more efficient marketplace for IP trading,” according to event organizers, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (Hktdc).

It will also help those heading to Hong Kong to prepare for what’s ahead. While the physical edition of Filmart is...