UFI Returns to Live Events With MEA Conference in Dubai

May 4, 2021
UFI Returns to Live Events With MEA Conference in Dubai

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is marking its return to live events with its UFI MEA Conference 2021, taking place May 26 in Dubai. This will be the association’s first in-person gathering of 2021. 

Centered around business after the pandemic, the one-day event at Dubai World Trade Centre will offer education on reopening and marketing initiatives aimed at a complete recovery from the pandemic.

“UFI is witnessing the need and request from the industry to meet again,” explained Kai Hattendorf, UFI’s CEO and managing director.

Led by Naji El Haddad, UFI’s regional director of MEA, the conference will host speakers from KSA, Oman, Germany, UAE and other countries across the region. Among the presentations will be a case study on how the Emirates has successfully re-opened for events and travel.

Panelists include:

  • Chiara Palieri, conferences and exhibitions advisor at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, KSA
  • Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CCO, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
  • Sara Maria Boueri, senior HR director at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority (UAE)
  • Said Al Shanfari, CEO, OCEC, Oman

“Dubai has paved the way in the region for the global re-opening of events, in particular exhibitions,” said Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of the DWTC. “As a member of UFI and the global exhibition community, we are mandated to support the industry. This gathering of event professionals from both the private and public sectors across the region is a much-awaited opportunity to re-connect, learn, celebrate our pursuits and exchange on expectations and aspirations for our industry.”

A panel will discuss empowering women to achieve leadership positions and two Ted-style talks will address human resources, talent acquisition and retention in an industry that lost so many workers in the past year.

 

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