Middle East 'big events market' set to continue growth in size and stature

The three-day Festivale convention which opens today will take place in Dubai through April 26, and will examine how major entertainment, commercial and sporting events are staged, by bringing leading event planners, destination managers, and organizers to the region.

"The Middle East big events market is growing beyond anyone's prediction, and it's not limited to any one regional country. There is enormous demand for professional event management skills in every Arab capital, as public and private groups play host to international caliber sport, musical, cultural, and business meetings of tremendous size and importance," said Sabine Enthammer, executive director conferences, IIR Middle East, organizers of Festivale 2005.

"We expect that Festivale will continue to provide these regional meetings and events professionals with an annual forum for thought-provoking discussion on the world's very latest industry trends and methodologies for applying excellence to the execution of their respective exhibitions, gatherings, festivals, and functions."

The conference at the Dubai World Trade Center will examine issues from conception to final implementation, encompassing subjects such as planning and branding, logistics, budgeting, health and safety, marketing and emergency planning.

Speakers include, among others, Saeed M. Al Nabouda, chief executive officer, Dubai Shopping Festival; Tim Roberts, health and safety coordinator for the Glastonbury music festival; John Kennedy, director Cork 2005, European Capital of Culture; and Claire Holder, managing director, The Carnival Roadshow Company.

Attendees from Egypt and Saudi Arabia to Qatar and Oman represent a diversity of interests within the events industry. Both public and private sector professionals are in attendance; most senior executives with very recognizable event organizing groups.

Festivale 2005 is accredited by the Project Management Institute, which has more than 125,000 members in 140 countries, and endorsed by the International Special Events Society (ISES Europe) and the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA).