Also present at the opening ceremony were Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, director-general of Expo Centre Sharjah, Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, advisor to the Chairman and the Board of Expo Centre Sharjah, members of the Gulf Chapter and other leading representatives from the regional meetings industry.
"We are proud to host the Gulf Chapter of IAEE. The decision of an international body like IAEE to establish its chapter in Sharjah is a recognition for both the Emirate and Expo Centre Sharjah. We hope the entire meetings sector in the region will benefit from the chapter and its activities," Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a message.
Speaking after the opening, Mr. Hacker said, "IAEE is honored and very pleased that our Gulf States Chapter has decided to establish its headquarters and a learning centre at Expo Centre Sharjah, one of the most beautiful and functional exhibition facilities anywhere in the world.
"The convenient location of Sharjah means that those who wish to become actively involved in the IAEE Chapter and who wish to begin their career program can do so conveniently. We are eager to assist our colleagues throughout the Middle East region and these developments are important steps along that path," Mr. Hacker added.
Mr. Saif Al Midfa said: "The chapter is planning to introduce the CEM Learning Program, the cutting-edge educational tool designed for exhibition industry professionals, to the region. The program will offer an opportunity to secure the most relevant and practical education available in exhibitions and events management."
The CEM curriculum, a dependable source of specific knowledge for all individuals, emphasizes direct application to daily challenges. The program is composed of seven mandatory courses and two courses chosen from seven available electives.
"Chapters are the front-line operation of IAEE. It is at the chapter level that the grassroots membership growth takes place, and many members experience valuable educational and networking opportunities. The chapter will bring the program of IAEE to the region and help give a new impetus to the regional activities," said Mr. Khan.
"The Gulf Chapter has 30 members who are directly involved in the planning, management and production of exhibitions and buyer-seller events. By hosting the chapter, Expo Centre Sharjah aims to become a key player in the regional meetings industry," he added.
Theodore Koumelis - Tuesday, February 12, 2008