Sharjah hardsells MICE facilities at regional event

Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah, who spoke at the MICE Arabia Congress held in Doha on February 27 and 28, also highlighted the growth of Expo Centre Sharjah and the facilities it offers for hosting corporate events and activities.

During a panel discussion, Mr Midfa spoke about the importance of international associations and federations, along with Mr Waleed Refaay, Managing Director, Society of Petroleum Engineers, MENA; and Mr Elie Rizk, CEO, MICE Arabia Group.

Together, they presented a detailed overview of what associations look for and how to attract associations to host events in a destination.

MICE Arabia Congress brought together executives and specialists who are involved in deciding and hosting corporate events such as road shows, conferences, meetings, incentives and events for their organization to meet recommended global suppliers in the hospitality sector.

"MICE Arabia Congress is a premier regional event aimed at bringing the stakeholders in the meetings, exhibitions and hospitality industry face to face with corporate buyers. During its two-day run, the event offered an insight on the Gulf market through various keynotes, panel discussions and round table sessions. Experts covered most pressing issues facing the MICE industry, along with sharing insights on the latest trends," said Mr Midfa.

The MICE Arabia Congress also comes at a time when Expo Centre Sharjah has added an additional 10,000 square metres of prime space to its offering, a move aimed at strengthening the eminence of ECS among its regional and international peers and acquiring a bigger share of the flourishing exhibitions industry.

The 10,000 sq m addition complements the existing 32,000 sq m of total exhibition space, which includes 16,000 sq m of indoor exhibition space in four halls and 16,000 sq m outdoor exhibition space.

On day one, the opening session of the event focused on the inseparable link between events and tourism industry, while highlighting tourism developments in the GCC states, sectors driving the growth, the challenges facing the GCC market and how to shape the future of the industry.

"MICE Arabia Congress also had numerous networking sessions, high-level conferences, discussion sessions, interactive workshops and pre-arranged business meetings to help participants make the most of the event," said Mr Midfa.

The event also provided strategic insights into planning successful events, measuring events in the marketing mix, the crucial question of in-house or outsourced, the secret to holding exciting corporate gatherings & incentives and best practices.