Four of the world`s leading exhibition organising companies have been confirmed as `Foundation Partners` with the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), signing long-term agreements for shows at the…
Four of the world`s leading exhibition organising companies have been confirmed as `Foundation Partners` with the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), signing long-term agreements for shows at the new venue.
Reed Exhibitions, CMP Information, IIR (Middle East) and dmg world media have already committed a combined 30 shows for the city`s new 57,000 square metre exhibition centre. The innovative `Foundation Partner` strategy sees the venue and organisers making a mutual commitment to developing shows and Abu Dhabi`s exhibition sector, to serve the destination`s rapidly emerging markets.
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of ADNEC, said: The events industry is a powerful medium through which Abu Dhabi can attract the attention of the region and the world. Exhibitions stimulate business investment, international awareness and tourism. We recognise the foresight of these exhibition organisers and will support their investment by providing them with a world-class venue and management team.
Jane Risby-Rose, CMPi managing director, said; We are delighted to be one of the `Foundation Partners` at Abu Dhabi`s new world-class exhibition centre, with phase one due to open early next year. This gives CMPi a great opportunity in this exciting and emerging market, further enhancing our ever-growing worldwide portfolio.
CMPi has been considering the Gulf region for sometime now, and have committed to Abu Dhabi for a number of reasons. Firstly because it is the capital of the UAE, and is home to the UAE`s financial centre; secondly because of the massive business opportunities this area offers in terms of the emerging market; thirdly because of the innovative design of the centre; and lastly, by no means least, because of the integrity of the senior management whom we have dealt with for over ten years in their previous roles. We are already contracted with ADNEC to cover one of our exhibition portfolios, and expect to sign for numerous others in the next few months.
Mark Alcock, dmg world media deputy chief executive officer, said: We are pleased to be one of the `Foundation Partners` supporting the new exhibition centre in Abu Dhabi and our plan is to develop further events in other markets in Abu Dhabi.
Jessica Sutherland, IIR Middle East general manager, said: We are delighted to confirm our commitment to, and support for, the development plans for the new centre. IIR Middle East is the largest event organiser in the region and our success is founded on being first to market. As a Foundation Partner we will be launching at least nine new exhibition titles in Abu Dhabi over the next two years and are very excited at the tremendous opportunity the new venue represents.
Simon Horgan, ADNEC chief executive, said: The unprecedented scale of developments underway and planned for Abu Dhabi is driving massive demand for exhibitions to serve that activity. I am delighted to welcome four such influential organising companies as ADNEC`s Foundation Partners and look forward to working together to deliver successful exhibitions. The four partners, which combined organise more than 1,000 shows worldwide, have recognised the huge potential for exhibitions in Abu Dhabi and have committed themselves to making the most of the unrivalled opportunities on offer. Our innovative Foundation Partner concept is a new way of building an exhibition business and symbolises the strongest mutual commitment to working together to maximise the impact of exhibitions.
Exhibitions already confirmed for the venue`s new halls include IIR`s CityScape Abu Dhabi; dmg world media`s acquisition of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC) and Reed Travel Events` new Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings exhibition (GIBTM).
Commenting on GIBTM, Paul Kennedy, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Group Exhibitions Director, said: The Middle East is seeing a surge in interest from planners, so the show will be based on a high-level hosted buyer programme.
The new exhibition complex is already well advanced in its construction with the first phase of the 57,000 square metres of halls on schedule to be open early in 2007. The completed venue will also feature a 21,000 square metre visitor concourse and dedicated conference facilities for 1,200 people.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
