Oman showcases its potential to host world-class conventions and events at IMEX America

An Omani delegation led by the country's government-mandated organisation, Omran, which oversees the development of significant tourism infrastructure projects attended the event. Eng. Wael bin Ahmed Al Lawati, CEO of Omran along with Ambassador Richard Baltimore, advisor to the Board of Directors at Omran and former US Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman and Rochelle Uechtritz, Group Manager, Convention Sales Development with AEG Ogden confirmed the country's readiness to host large and international business events by introducing Omran's cornerstone project, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre which is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

Since its debut into the North American market last year, IMEX America has recorded a 30% growth in exhibitor participation from 140 countries and 2,400 hosted buyers in attendance in 2012.

Omran CEO, Eng. Wael Al Lawati, emphasised that the objective of the visit was to understand the globalisation strategies of international organisations based in North America, determine how Oman can be part of this and also meet with other countries to exchange their experiences.

Eng. Al Lawati said, "Our venue operator, AEG Ogden, coordinated meetings with the executives of the peak convention industry bodies to learn and understand what are the essential elements and services required to win the confidence of the North American meeting planners to choose Oman and implement a strategy to support our capacity building. Whilst it is important to have the infrastructure in place, it is also essential that the Omani community are fully prepared to offer the level of services that is required to host world-class events."

He added, "It is no use building international-standard venues, resorts and hotels if we do not fully understand the exact needs of these key decision makers and have the ability to entice their participants to attend and stay a few extra days to explore Oman's natural beauty and diversity. Omran is focused on developing environmentally sustainable projects, to ensure that every person leaves our shores with the desire to return again and again with their family and friends."

Eng. Al Lawati highlighted that the visit was also significant, given the historical treaty of friendship and trade that was signed between the Sultanate of Oman and the United States in 1833, "Here we are, almost 180 years later, introducing Oman to the US as a new and significant business events destination."

Rochelle Uechtritz, Group Manager, Convention Sales Development with AEG Ogden, expressed that 23% of international associations were headquartered in North America and given the already strong trade partnerships between the two nations; it was only fitting to expand on these relations by attracting international conventions.

She stated, "Oman have been actively involved in international and regional associations for decades. The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre will only solidify the country's position to host the world's most prestigious congresses."

While in the USA, Uechtritz also participated in the annual two-day Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Global Professional Conference aimed at raise awareness and knowledge of Oman to more than 40 international meeting planners.