Major sports industry convention launched

Senior diplomats and executives from Qatar's major companies were also in attendance along with professionals from the international and local sports industry.

The Commercial Bank announced its title sponsorship of the major B2B Sports Expo. They join major international brands, Samsung and General Motors in sponsoring QSi's growing international profile.

According to a statement made by QSi's vice president, Khalifa Al Subaey, "QSi will include a major sports business conference and a business to business exhibition being held in Doha between 4 - 8 April. This is a crucial event for international sports businesses seeking to take advantage of the rapidly growing Asian and Middle Eastern sports industries - including Qatar itself, which has earmarked US$1 Billion in enhancing its sports infrastructure."

The QSi programme will run in parallel with The Olympic Council of Asia's major council meetings being held in Doha on 5-7 April. "QSi is the Asian sports industry event of 2004, held in the host city of the 2006 Asian Games," said Muttaleb Ahmad, Director General of the OCA. "Therefore it is of huge interest to the Olympic Council of Asia, and a natural context for our major council meetings."

Senior delegates from all 44 member OCA nations will be available to participate in all aspects of QSi 2004, delivering valuable added benefit to all participants. Of particular interest will be delegates from China, hosts of the 2008 Olympic Games, and India, hosts of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

QSi was described by International Marketing Director Perry Smith as "the sports Business Development Department of the Qatar National Olympic Committee". He said that "the main aim of QSi is to promote the fast growing business opportunities in Qatar as the country regards sport as one of the three most important non-energy strategic issues - others include conferences and exhibitions, and tourism".

Whilst QSi showcases the opportunities associated with the Doha Asian Games, Smith stressed that this was part of a much bigger picture ensuring that sports facilities had long term value for the community and the region as a whole, as well as complementing the country's strategic plans.

The QSi Conference is being managed in partnership with the annual forum of the World Sports Forum (WSF), the conference organisation arm of the World Federation of Sporting Goods Industries, the official industry body of the major global sports brands such as Nike & Addidas. WFSGI's Secretary General Andre Gorgemans, said, "my industry colleagues and I are looking forward to QSi 2004, stimulating further lively debate in this rapidly developing and largely untapped area of the Asian sports market."

Key items on the agenda for the conference will include issues relating to women in sports, sports marketing and athlete & corporate responsibility. QSi's workshops will also cover a variety of topical subjects such as life cycle management, health and physical fitness, trends in sports technology and sport sponsorship.

According to QSi 2004's expo organisers, Fairs & Exhibitions Ltd, the response to this year's exhibition has been very favourable. Sharla Hancock, international sales manager said "major exhibitors include several national pavilions from countries like France and the UK, along with major sports industry suppliers. We are aiming for a much bigger & more business integrated event than in 2002"