Bangkok, Thailand- January 02, 2024: Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), the Middle East’s newest and largest exhibition and convention centre, has signed a partnership agreement with the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), the world’s leading association for professional congress organisers.
The new partnership agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 62nd annual ICCA Congress, held in Bangkok, Thailand. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of HE Dr. Nasser Qaedi, the CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), Dr. Debbie Kristiansen, the General Manager of EWB, Sarah Markey-Hamm, the IAPCO President and Mr. Martin Boyle, the CEO of IAPCO.
Under this new partnership, EWB will utilise IAPCO’s global network of professional congress organisers (PCOs), knowledge exchange and training programmes, and the development of new business opportunities. In addition, EWB will be able to instil its position as a leading international exhibition and convention venue, while IAPCO’s members will have access to EWB’s state-of-the-art facilities and professional expertise. IAPCO’s network will provide EWB with a robust approach to a wide range of potential clients, including international organisations, associations, and corporations, tapping into new businesses from around the world.
Commenting, HE Dr. Nasser Qaedi, the CEO of BTEA, stated: “This significant agreement will support EWB’s endeavour in driving the development and promotion of business tourism throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Middle East efficiently. IAPCO’s membership will certainly serve to champion the Kingdom as a dynamic global MICE leader and a key hub for supporting, developing, and growing businesses in vital sectors by drawing more world-class events in line with Bahrain’s tourism strategy (2022-2026) objectives to achieve tourism product diversity and elevate inbound tourism substantially for years to come.
Dr. Debbie Kristiansen, the General Manager of EWB, added: “We are delighted to join AIPCO’s high-profile list of prestigious members worldwide. This prominent membership will further strengthen the leading position of Bahrain as a preferred destination for hosting international events. We will work closely with AIPCO to highlight various events and exchange knowledge to lead business events growth, which in turn boosts our core business in organising, planning, and managing local and international events, conventions, exhibitions, congresses and more. Thanks to its ultramodern amenities and cutting-edge capabilities, EWB is well positioned to attract the most well-known events across the globe.”
Ms. Sarah Markey-Hamm, the IAPCO President, stated: “IAPCO is excited to form this partnership with Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), a significant milestone that reinforces IAPCO’s commitment to fostering global collaboration in the meetings industry. This collaboration not only expands our global network but also presents tremendous opportunities for our members to tap into the rapidly growing business events market in the Middle East. Through this alliance, we look forward to sharing knowledge, promoting professionalism, and bringing training and business opportunities to the region, contributing to the success of Bahrain as a premier destination for international events.”
Mr. Martin Boyle, the CEO of IAPCO, said: “We are thrilled to ink this new partnership agreement with the Middle East’s newest exhibition and convention centre, which holds huge potential to become the leading MICE player in this vibrant region for professional congress organisers. IAPCO will offer a variety of knowledge exchange and brand exposure opportunities for its new partner, EWB. This will help EWB’s staff improve their skills and knowledge, which will benefit EWB’s clients, and identify new markets and develop new products and services.”
In addition, EWB is now a proud member of 12 international organisations and associations specialising in the MICE and business tourism sector, including the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).
