The second “Exhibition Management Degree “ (EMD) hosted this time by the Dubai World Trade Center, has been lauched by UFI with the kick-off session for this 150-hour course to begin on August 11, 2007. The UFI EMD will provide professional training for exhibition organizers and venue managers.

The UFI EMD programme concept was developed by the Steinbeis Centre for Exhibition, Convention and Event Management (ECE) at the University of Cooperative Education, Ravensburg, Germany. The ECE is responsible for curriculum development and the selection of experienced international teachers who provide the course instruction. UFI is responsible for the marketing, sales, logistics and quality control of this course hosted by UFI member, Dubai World Trade Center.

The UFI EMD programme includes 150 course hours and contains both on-site seminars and e-learning sessions. The foundation of the course concept is grounded in its offer of practice-oriented educational training which draws from scientific methods and knowledge applications.

Dr. Joerg Beier, ECE Managing Director, said, “the programme draws on the knowledge and experience of professionally recognized instructors and industry experts to provide participants with a combination of academic fundamentals and hands-on expertise which will provide graduates with a comprehensive scope of knowledge immediately applicable in their professional environment.”

The curriculum subjects include project management, business strategy development, information and risk management, exhibition marketing, intercultural human resource management, logistics and cost controls.

“As an educational programme, the UFI EMD, will be highly beneficial, especially in our region that is witnessing such rapid growth in the exhibition sector. This course will enable us to work together to develop and improve local industry standards to meet the exacting requirements of international organisers,” said Helal Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.

UFI Managing Director Vincent Gerard stated that “after the successful first edition of the
EMD programme in Thailand earlier this year, UFI is planning to develop EMD programmes with partners around the world. This is a guarantee that exhibition and event industry professionals will continue to be trained to the highest international standards.”