UFI Names Nick Savage New Regional Manager for Middle East-Africa Region
February 20, 2018
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named Nick Savage as the association’s new regional manager for the Middle East-Africa region.
With his appointment, the regional UFI office will relocate to Dubai, and will be hosted by the Info Salons Group.
Savage follows on the work initiated by Ibrahim Al-Khaldi, who is handing over the baton for personal reasons.
Al-Khaldi will work jointly with Savage over the next few months to facilitate the handover.
"With Nick, we have found a senior industry professional who will work as part of the global UFI team, raising the profile of the exhibition industry and creating even more value for our members,” said Sonia Thomas, UFI's COO.
She added, “Our heartful thanks go to Ibrahim for many years of dedicated service to UFI.”
Savage brings 15 years of industry experience to his new position, mainly in the Middle East region, but has also worked in Australia and the U.K. for service providers, as well as organiser/venues.
He currently works as a director for International Business at Info Salons, a job he will maintain in parallel to the UFI role.
"We have worked with Nick Savage for over 10 years and believe he is ideally suited to serve UFI members throughout the Middle East and Africa,” said Jo-Anne Kelleway, who runs Info Salons.
She added, “He is well known for his work ethics and diligence, and is well known throughout the industry for opening the Info Salons office in Dubai. His relationships with the exhibition industry will assist in strengthening UFI’s presence in the region.”
The UFI Regional Office’s main role is to serve the members of the association in the Middle East and Africa, reporting to the Paris headquarters of the association.
The UFI office is relocating from Sharjah, where it previously was kindly hosted by Sharjah Expo Centre and its CEO, the honorary UFI Board member Saif Al Midfa.
"We want to thank Sharjah Expo Centre and especially Saif Al Midfa for all their support and will have pleasure in recognizing this during a ceremony later this year,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO.
He added, “We look forward to collaborating with Al Midfa and his team on other UFI projects in the near future.”
Savage and the UFI team currently are organizing a meeting in Dubai on April 25 of the honorary chapter leadership and the members in the region, to discuss the plans and initiatives for the coming 12 to 18 months.
After the recent leadership elections, the chapter is now chaired by Dr. Esfahbodi from Tehran (Iran), with Craig Newman, Johannesburg (South Africa) serving as the 1st vice chair.
Esfahbodi recently showed his commitment to UFI in a ceremony, during which he designated a space in Tehran as the honorable Chapter Chair's personal office.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment