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Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) and Qatar MICE Development Institute (QMDI), both members of Qatar Foundation, partnered at the recent international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) trade show, AIME 2009, the 17th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo in Melbourne, Australia.
The event, which took place 17-18th February, was host to 850 exhibitors from 50 countries and 3,000 international suppliers and buyers. The QNCC and QMDI partnership provided a comprehensive offering for meeting planners that includes: a world-class venue and expert event management services in Qatar.
AIME was the ideal platform to create a stronger awareness of the country’s vision to position itself as an emerging destination and host for prestigious international conventions, meetings and exhibitions with the world-class supporting infrastructure to ensure the success of these events.
Over 80 appointments were held with key decision makers and influencers sourcing locations for their future events. The meetings included: the President-Elect for ICOGRADA, Mr Russell Kennedy, based in Australia and Mr Michal Steckiw, ICOGRADA Projects Manager based in London who are currently in Doha to also discuss the country’s potential for larger scale meetings. ICOGRADA, the International Council of Graphic Design Associations is in Qatar this week as part of Mousharaka: Icograda Design Week in Qatar 2009.
Mr Paul D’Arcy, General Manager of the Qatar National Convention Centre said: “Following on from Doha’s recent successful wins of the 2011 World Petroleum Congress and the 2012 Universal Postal Union Congress, and the 2006 Asian Games, Qatar is becoming recognized as a progressive country with a dynamic outlook and global vision to position itself as a future world leader in research, science, technology and education.”
Opening in 2011, the Qatar National Convention Centre will feature a multi-purpose hall for 4000 seated theatre style, a 2300-seat lyric style three tiered auditorium and an additional 57 flexible meetings rooms to accommodate a wide range of events. Plus 40,000 sqm of exhibition space over nine halls, which will be adaptable to seat 10,000 for a conference or banquet.
QMDI’s global event services play an active role in research, selection and initiating international bids and tenders for congress events to come to Qatar. QMDI also offers event management services; delivering to international standards large scale event operations, production and promotion; and the ability to manage these processes through new technologies, registration systems and reporting solutions.
Ms Karen Pereira, Project Manager Global Bids, QMDI said: “We bring expert local market knowledge from an experienced and dedicated event team based in Qatar, it is this ‘know-how’ that gives us a competitive edge over the other international event organizers and PCOs.” Pereira continued: “QMDI also assists in facilitating relations between international associations and Qatari government organizations to garner additional event support, particularly from the medical, education, science and sports industry sectors. QMDI has already helped Qatar win a number of event bids, which includes the recently announced WAHO Qatar 2011 Congress (World Arabian Horse Organisation).”
Qatar National Convention Centre and QMDI also hosted an exclusive luncheon with meeting planners from leading associations to explore opportunities for Qatar to host future conferences. Conference convener of over 30 international medical conventions, including the World Congress on Stress, Dr Robb Stanley said Qatar had great potential for both regional and international meetings and was not a destination he had thought about, prior to attending the luncheon.
“Doha has very good access from Europe, Asia and Africa. In my view point, it is placed very strongly in the junction of these three continents. Being only a six hour flight time, this will not only reduce travel costs but travel time which is equally important to all convention delegates.”
Stanley furthered: “Knowing that the Qatar National Convention Centre is managed by one of the world’s largest venue management groups, AEG Ogden, also give our conference committees the confidence that the Centre will deliver the service standards that we have already experienced from their other venues in Malaysia and Australia.”
‘Convene in the Arabian Gulf.’ The Qatar stand at AIME 2009 was designed to capture the essence of the country’s energy as a growing new destination offering an engaging modern city with its own unique Arabian heritage. Quoting the Official Qatar Tourism Guide, Qatar is: ‘Progressive in outlook, cosmopolitan in attitude. Alive with a wealth of sights, sounds and experiences. Qatar is a place whose independent spirit makes it a destination of endless variety.’
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
