UFI Returns to Live Events With MEA Conference in Dubai

May 4, 2021
UFI Returns to Live Events With MEA Conference in Dubai

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is marking its return to live events with its UFI MEA Conference 2021, taking place May 26 in Dubai. This will be the association’s first in-person gathering of 2021. 

Centered around business after the pandemic, the one-day event at Dubai World Trade Centre will offer education on reopening and marketing initiatives aimed at a complete recovery from the pandemic.

“UFI is witnessing the need and request from the industry to meet again,” explained Kai Hattendorf, UFI’s CEO and managing director.

Led by Naji El Haddad, UFI’s regional director of MEA, the conference will host speakers from KSA, Oman, Germany, UAE and other countries across the region. Among the presentations will be a case study on how the Emirates has successfully re-opened for events and travel.

Panelists include:

  • Chiara Palieri, conferences and exhibitions advisor at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, KSA
  • Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CCO, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
  • Sara Maria Boueri, senior HR director at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority (UAE)
  • Said Al Shanfari, CEO, OCEC, Oman

“Dubai has paved the way in the region for the global re-opening of events, in particular exhibitions,” said Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of the DWTC. “As a member of UFI and the global exhibition community, we are mandated to support the industry. This gathering of event professionals from both the private and public sectors across the region is a much-awaited opportunity to re-connect, learn, celebrate our pursuits and exchange on expectations and aspirations for our industry.”

A panel will discuss empowering women to achieve leadership positions and two Ted-style talks will address human resources, talent acquisition and retention in an industry that lost so many workers in the past year.

 

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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.