Key players in Dubai`s convention industry team-up to set the growth trend

Middle East

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC<.>), Government of Dubai<.>`s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM<.>), World of Events – UAE<.>, Alpha Tours, Grand Hyatt, Net Conference and Conventions (part of the Net Group of Companies) and Al Geziry Consultants have partnered together to ensure key employees have access to world-class knowledge about convention planning in the international sphere.

The organisations pooled resources to bring the Manager of Data Research for the international body representing convention centres around the globe, the International Convention Centres Association (ICCA<.>), to Dubai this week, to deliver a one-day database workshop. The seven companies are currently, the only Dubai members of this international body. However, this is expected to increase as Dubai readies itself to become a main player in the global convention industry.

This marks the first time the Amsterdam-based international body brings its expertise to the Middle East region. Generally, ICCA members must travel to the organisation`s headquarters in Amsterdam to gain access to workshops and educational programs that will enable them to improve their foothold in the international market.

Sixteen individuals representing each of the seven key organisations, participated in the one-day workshop held at the Al-Futtaim Training Centre on Monday. The session was designed to introduce them to ICCA`s database and learn how it can help them access a range of potential clients seeking venue options for a wide array of international meetings and events.

The seed to hold an ICCA workshop in Dubai was planted in May during the annual Arabian Travel Market (ATM<.>) exhibition. During that event, the six ICCA members realized the advantages they could gain by working together to gain valuable insight into the convention industry from the international body representing the interests of convention centres around the world.

We are delighted to have successfully encouraged some of Dubai`s key convention industry players to support the plan to host this workshop in Dubai. With the opening of the new Dubai International Convention Centre scheduled for 2003 and the recent opening of the Grand Hyatt conference facilities, Dubai is well-equipped to attract significant interest from international meeting planners looking for a safe, hospitable and unique destination, said Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Assistant General Manager of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Research, prospecting and bidding for international conventions and congresses requires foresight and long-term planning. Nonetheless it is a highly rewarding process and World of Events – UAE is delighted to have had the opportunity to secure more insight into the process through this workshop, to ensure the success of Dubai`s foray into the international convention sphere, said Medhat Nassar, Regional Business Development Manager, Dnata Agencies – World of Events – UAE.

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