Round 150 contributors from MEA and past gathered in Doha, Qatar. Trade consultants and audio system mentioned current and future alternatives for MICE trade within the area.
PARIS / DOHA – UFI, the International Affiliation of the Exhibition Trade, held its Center East and Africa (MEA) Convention in Doha, Qatar this Sept. 11 Could. Hosted by Go to Qatar, round 150 exhibition trade leaders from the area and past got here collectively to listen to from trade consultants and different senior audio system, profit from quite a few networking alternatives, and discover the host metropolis.
The programme kicked off with a presentation by Boston Consulting Group which mapped out the tendencies in international commerce in addition to the driving forces behind the shift from the West to the East and Africa whereas additionally highlighting its affect on the exhibition trade. It confirmed that the 2 main rising sectors for the area are metals and chemical compounds, presenting the chance for exhibition organisers to launch enterprise occasions associated to those particular sectors.
The enterprise shift to the Center East & Africa was the subject of a panel that included audio system from Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Qatar and the UAE, representing each the non-public and public sectors. The panelists defined the rising significance and recognition of the Center East and Africa as prime areas for enterprise occasions, providing distinctive services and cultural experiences.
Because the host nation of the UFI MEA Regional Convention, C-level consultants from Go to Qatar, Qatar Airways and Katara Hospitality Group highlighted the state-of-the-art infrastructure and services that the nation has developed previously few years that remodeled the nation right into a aggressive MICE Hub within the area and past.
One other session debated the way forward for work in gentle of rising international tendencies, such because the rise of freelancing jobs and distant/hybrid work situations. It additionally mentioned problems with range, inclusion and expertise retention, that are at the moment being dropped at gentle by companies and shareholders.
Earlier than the top of the convention, new analysis concerning the state of the trade was unveiled by UFI’s companion, GRS. The findings confirmed that the exhibitions NPS have considerably grown amongst each exhibitors and guests, from -7.3 factors to +23.7 and from 21.5 to 35.3 factors, respectively. The analysis demonstrated that the highest rising sectors for B2B commerce reveals embody F&B/hospitality, well being, transport/logistics and vitality.
Berthold Trenkel, Chief Working Officer of Qatar Tourism, mentioned, “Qatar Tourism is proud to have hosted the celebrated UFI MEA Regional Convention in Doha for the primary time. This occasion demonstrates Qatar’s rising international prominence as a hub for main enterprise occasions. Our unwavering deal with specialty tourism sectors like conferences, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) is a powerful a part of our long-term technique and is important to our imaginative and prescient of changing into the area’s fastest-growing tourism vacation spot by 2030.”
“I’m so happy to have been capable of attend this wonderful convention which came about in one of the vital lively areas of the world. Trade leaders from all over the world gathered as they’ve by no means accomplished earlier than. Covid and all its harm have been left behind and Qatar acted as a catalyst by showcasing its wonderful services, tourism and air transport. I thank everybody for attending and taking part with such vitality and hope for the longer term,” added Michael Duck, UFI President.
UFI members from the area additionally met for an MEA Chapter Assembly, which supplied the chance for the candidates for the present chapter management election to introduce themselves while presenting their ideas and concepts for additional supporting the Chapter and the exhibition trade within the MEA area.
Along with classes, delegates additionally loved quite a few organised social occasions, resembling a sightseeing metropolis tour. Members have been capable of immerse themselves in Qatar’s wealthy cultural heritage throughout their visits to the Nationwide Museum of Qatar, the heritage Souq Waqif market, the Katara Cultural Village, in addition to take pleasure in a Levantine lunch on town’s highest hill, amongst different sights. An important side to every of the regional conferences, the social occasions present a platform for delegates to community with one another to create new connections or future collaborations. Moreover, it permits them to achieve a greater understanding of the host nation’s tradition.
Because the International Affiliation of the Exhibition Trade, UFI organises annual regional conferences in Center East/Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America, in addition to the UFI International Congress. The subsequent occasion would be the UFI European Convention which can be held in Maastricht, the Netherlands this 14-16 June. The International Congress will happen in Las Vegas, USA, from 1-4 November.
Movies of all classes can be made out there to UFI members and convention contributors within the coming days by way of the UFI web site.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Community; his obligations embody enterprise improvement and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term alternatives.