This one-day event focused on attracting new events and exhibitions, as well as announcing new projects in the Kingdom, and was attended by over 60 leading industry experts from the international and regional MICE community.
Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain – First UFI Expert Day A special gathering for regional leaders in the exhibition and business events industry was successfully held in the GCC. exhibition world bahrain (EWB) Held on October 1, 2023. EWB is the largest and newest exhibition and convention center in the Middle East. UFI is the world association of the exhibition industry and its primary purpose is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry.
This one-day event focused on attracting new events and exhibitions, as well as announcing new projects in the Kingdom, and was attended by over 60 leading industry experts from the international and regional MICE community. This included a diverse group of senior industry leaders and decision makers from convention centers and exhibition venues, professional associations, prominent event organizers, MICE planners, and other key organizations.
In addition to showcasing Bahrain’s appeal as a major regional hub for the MICE industry, supported by advanced infrastructure, business, and We have built strong ties and connections with major companies. – Friendly ecosystem, and cutting-edge ultra-modern venues (EWB).
At UFI Expert Day,Current status of MICE industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain”, recognized EWB’s contribution to the local economy and business community over the past 20 years, and its important role in supporting Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022-2026 to become a major regional player in the MICE industry. In addition to examining “”The impact of AI and the future role of data in the exhibition industry”, how artificial intelligence is impacting the future of exhibitions and how the rise of virtual meetings and hybrid conventions during and in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic Learn how intelligence can complement in-person events and in-person features. .
UFI Expert Day was attended by an elite roster of tourism and MICE industry experts. Nasser QaidiCEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Board (BTEA); Dr. Debbie Christiansen, General Manager of EWB.Mr. Naj El Haddad, MEA Regional Director of UFI, the world association for the exhibition industry. Dr. Jeffrey GoCEO, gulf airlines group (GFG); Mr. peter hallEMEA President, Informa Market; MS. Marie Bérenger Chapoton,general manager Al Areen Palace & Spa; Mr Wilbert Heymans,medical doctor Information Salon ME; MS. Lulwa Sami EbrahimDirector of Marketing and Communications Iga; Mr; Ameen Al TaherCEO of infinite wear; And Ms. Mona MirzaInformation Technology Manager at EWB.
EWB is a proud UFI member and aims to make the most of its partnership by enabling active knowledge transfer and networking with international MICE contacts. The center’s membership underlines the level of expertise and competency that puts it at the forefront of the MICE industry regionally and internationally as a Saudi powerhouse. In addition to its strategic location, it is also a cross-cultural hub, so being part of an international association that opens doors to other MICE centers around the world is an added value.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nasser Qaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) commented:We are delighted to welcome top MICE experts to Bahrain and host the first ever UFI Expert Day at Exhibition World Bahrain. MICE & Business is one of the seven key pillars of the Bahrain Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, contributing to the diversification of the Kingdom’s tourism product and increasing tourism contribution to the national economy. The EWB is a symbolic milestone in Saudi infrastructure, adding value to the tourism sector and transforming Bahrain into an ideal choice for MICE in the region. We are steadily working towards achieving our tourism strategic objective of promoting Bahrain as an international hub for business tourism. . As part of our vigorous efforts to promote inbound tourism, we will soon be announcing several brand new major global events and projects that will positively impact the Kingdom’s tourism appeal.”
Dr Debbie Christiansen, General Manager of Exhibition World Bahrain, added:As an active member of UFI, we are honored to host the first ever UFI Expert Day in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This prestigious event marks the first time Bahrain has gained momentum in attracting world-class events with its outstanding ability to lead the MICE industry regionally and internationally with its largest Convention and Exhibition Center (EWB) and Saudi Arabia It takes place when promoting the as a top destination. For MICE, entertainment, business tourism, hospitality, large scale weddings, etc. EWB works very closely with the Ministry of Tourism, BTEA, Gulf Air and other local stakeholders to take Bahrain’s business tourism industry to new heights and foster further growth and development in this promising sector. We are collaborating.”
Jeffrey Goh, Group CEO of Gulf Air Group Holding, said:Connectivity is important to us at Gulf Air Group Holding (GFG). We actively collaborate with BTEA and the private sector to promote Bahrain as a preferred destination for MICE events. One of the many events we are looking to host is a global aviation event in 2024 in collaboration with Informa Markets. Our strategy is clear as we enable the MICE industry’s top organizers and visitors to Bahrain.”
Peter Hall, President, EMEA, Informa Markets said:The Bahrain market is very important to our business and our plans to bring major MICE events to Bahrain are very clear. Thanks to the launch of EWB, we managed to double the size of Jewelry Arabia last year, providing additional space for our exhibitors. In collaboration with BTEA and EWB, we are optimistic about the bright future of hosting even more grand conventions and exhibitions here in Bahrain. .”
Ms. Marie Berenguele Chapoton, General Manager of Al Areen Palace & Spa, added:Building on Accor’s more than 30 years of pioneering sustainable development in hospitality, Al Areen Palace & Spa has built a model where we contribute more than we receive, and by working closely together, We are strongly committed to shaping a more sustainable future for hospitality and travel. We have assembled a diverse team to embed sustainability in everything we do, and we constantly strive to attract Bahrain’s best professionals to our workforce and the MICE and hospitality industry as a whole.”
Vicky is the co-founder of the TravelDailyNews Media Network. Editor-in-chief. She is also responsible for day-to-day operations and financial policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Business Management from the Athens University of Technology and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of experience in the travel industry, both academic and industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
