Festivale Dubai 2006 opens Sunday

After the resounding success of Festivale Dubai 2005, the international convention for event organisers and destination management professionals, returns this year as a four-day event to be held at Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, Dubai from April 23 until April 26 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman of the Emirates Group and Chairman of DSS/DSSF Supreme Committee. The four-day event will provide a meeting ground for leading event professionals from around the world. Led by HH Sheikh Ahmed, the conference features an impressive line-up of over 30 speakers who will give insights into developing, organising and promoting world-class events.

Spread over a period of four days that include two days of conference and two days of post-conference workshops along with a gala dinner hosted by DSS Office and a special dhow cruise for all speakers and delegates to facilitate networking of professionals, Festivale Dubai 2006 will have over 30 delegates to share their vision and thoughts on the subject of event organisation and management. The high profile event will also provide a unique opportunity to network with over 400 international production companies, equipment manufacturers and distributors who play key roles in the smooth running of any event. It will provide an inspiring atmosphere to learn from world leaders in the field of event management and also give a platform to imbibe refreshing ideas and practical tips to make any event a success.

In its second edition Festivale Dubai 2006 will be a prelude to the forthcoming Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the official associate partners of this year's edition of Festivale. Since its inception in 1998 DSS has become an event to reckon with. Over the years it has grown from strength to strength and achieved an iconic status that has placed Dubai as an important destination on the international event calendar. Kicking off on June 21, 2006 DSS is largely responsible for Dubai being called 'Summer Capital of Fun'. The fun will continue for two and a half months in the form of weekly themed surprises unfolding each week. A family event with special focus on the little ones, DSS is perhaps the most eagerly awaited summer fiesta.

As Official Associate Partners of the second edition of Festivale Dubai, DSS will play a greater role in the conference this year. Saeed M. Al Nabouda, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Summer Surprises will be a key speaker at the event and address the conference on the inaugural day. His powerpoint presentation will include topics like DSS rationale; Festivals as serious industries - not 'city wide parties'; Building success from past mistakes - how to measure the next steps; Creating an image - Modhesh the DSS mascot
and DSS stakeholders.

At the end of the first day DSS will host a gala dinner in honour of the Festivale delegates at Dusit Dubai hotel from 7.30 onwards. The dinner will be a way to extend a warm welcome to the delegates, representing leading event organisers of the region as well as the world.

Also addressing the conference over a period of two days will be international and regional industry experts including Paul Fitzgerald, Managing Partner, Concorde International Artists, UK; Dr Annie Sidro, President, Carnaval sans Frontieres, France; Simon Crowcroft, Constable of St Helier, UK; Di Henry, Director, Maxxam International, Australia; David Zolkwer, Director, Jack Morten Public Events, UK; Peter Irvine, Managing Director, Unique Events, UK; Sharif Hashisho, Director of Ceremonies and Cultural Events, Doha Asian Games Organising Committee; Charlotte J. DeWitt CFEE, President, International Events Ltd., USA and Carol Glover, Chief Executive, Department of Tourism and Leisure, Isle Of Man Government, UK.

This year will see the launch of the Festivale Awards honouring the Best Event Campaign to recognise excellence in the field. Also featured at the Dubai International Convention Center would be a Parallel Product Exhibition showcasing innovative products and services in the field.

To wrap-up the conference would be workshop series facilitated by renowned personalities in the field of events management and related fields. The two-day workshops will be led by Willian O'Toole, Managing Director, Event Management System Pty., Australia, Professor Alan Patching, Alan Patching Associates plc, Australia and David Stewardson, International Events Consultant, International Events Cruise Industry, Australia.

With over 28 information packed sessions, over 30 hours of networking and highly informative post-summit workshops the convention is slated to become a highly productive and fruitful experience for all attendees.