H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb is the Minister of Tourism, Chairman of Quality of Life Program Committee, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Fund for Development, Secretary General and Member of the Board of Directors of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Secretary General and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of New Jeddah Downtown, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Development Fund, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority.

He is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Council of Economic and Development Affairs, Member of the Board of Directors of the Public Investment Fund, Member of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Military Industries, Member of the Board of Directors of NEOM Company, Member of the Board of Directors of the Red Sea Company, and Member of the Board of Directors of the National Development Fund. He holds a BA from King Saud University and a Diploma in Wealth Management from Dalhousie University, Canada.

His previous positions include Advisor to H.R.H. the Crown Prince at the Royal Court, Advisor to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, Minister of Health, Founder of Jadwa Investment Company, Secretary General and Member of the Board of Directors of Qiddiya, Founder of the Customer Investment Department- Riyadh Bank, Founder of the Islamic Banking (Amanah) - SABB Bank, and General Manager of Private Services - SABB Bank.

His Excellency Fahd Bin Abdulmohsan Al-Rasheed was appointed by Royal Decree as Advisor in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 2nd, 2023. 

H.E. Al-Rasheed also chairs the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority and represents the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a lead on the Urban 20 since 2020. H.E. AlRasheed also serves on the boards of multiple organizations, including: the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College, King Faisal Specialized Hospital & Research Center, New Murabba Development Company, Diriyah Gate Company Limited, Soudah Development Company, Qiddiya Investment Company, King Saud University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. 

H.E. Al-Rasheed was previously the CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), the authority responsible for the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he oversaw Riyadh’s ambitious plans to become one of the world’s leading city economies and a regional hub for investment, tourism, and livability by 2030. Prior to RCRC, H.E. Al-Rasheed was the Group CEO and Managing Director of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), which is the first publicly-listed city in the world and one of the largest private sector projects globally. Before joining KAEC, H.E. Al-Rasheed was the CFO and Deputy Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (now the Ministry of Investment). 

H.E. Al-Rasheed holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis, and an MBA from the Stanford Business School. H.E. Al-Rasheed is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program in Real Estate at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. 

H.E. Al-Rasheed was honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2011.

As the founding CEO and a member of the board of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), Fahd Hamidaddin has spearheaded the development of the Visit Saudi brand, Saudi - Welcome to Arabia. He has been instrumental in positioning Saudi Arabia as one of the most exciting new destinations in the world, fostering distribution through strategic business partnerships, and enhancing the overall tourist experience.

Previously, Hamidaddin served as the Chief of Investment, Strategy, and Tourism Marketing at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, where he played a pivotal role in launching the eVisa in 2019. He also developed strategic partnerships across the tourism ecosystem, collaborating with leading tech companies, airlines, and tour operators.

Faisal Abbas is an award-winning journalist, author, and the Editor-in-Chief of the leading Middle East English-language daily, Arab News. He also serves as a member of the Editorial Board at Al Arabiya and was recognized as a Young Global Leader (YGL) in 2018.

With over 15 years of experience in journalism, Faisal began his career at Future Television in Lebanon and later at the pan-Arab daily Al Hayat. In 2005, he moved to London, where he became the Media Editor for Asharq Al Awsat. His debut in English writing came in 2008 with The Huffington Post, and since then, he has received numerous accolades, including the Social Impact Award for Saudi Arabia at the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards.

Faisal is the author of the book Arabi-Englizi, which reflects on the clash of cultures and the paradoxes of British life as he experienced them. He is a sought-after speaker on Arab media, politics, and culture, having delivered talks at renowned academic institutions.

He is a member of the British Society of Authors, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Cambridge Union Society (CUS). Faisal has also appeared on global platforms such as CNN and BBC as an expert on Saudi and Arab affairs and the Middle Eastern media landscape.

Mahmoud Abughazal, Director of Architectural Services at Omrania, is a multifaceted architect with over 30 years of exceptional achievements in the field. Renowned for his innovation and dedication, he has been instrumental in directing iconic Omrania projects across Saudi Arabia.

Throughout his career, Mahmoud has overseen the successful execution and completion of design projects, including architectural, interior design, landscape, masterplanning, and urban design.

Steve Adler was Austin’s Mayor (2015 to 2023). He focused on equity, infrastructure, public safety and preserving the city's magical quality of life. Adler led the city through a series of major natural disasters, including COVID with a mortality rate less than half that of the US. Adler helped initiate transportation and mobility projects totaling over $25 Billion. During his service, Austin was first in the US News & World Report city rankings and led the US in building new housing. One of the safest big US cities, Austin reimagined public safety and aggressively changed its systems and institutions to achieve greater equity and justice for its residents. Adler helped lead the United States Conference of Mayors and the Democratic Mayors Ass’n, and has been honored by Politico, Living Cities, the Austin Area Urban League, and the Penn Institute for Urban Research. He served on CISA’s Cybersecurity Advisory Committee. An attorney, Adler litigates civil rights and real estate takings cases, is on the faculties of the LBJ School at the University of Texas, Huston Tillotson University and St. Edwards University, and is an Operating Partner with Commonweal Ventures. Married to Diane, father to three daughters and “Bup” to five grandkids.

Alejandro Agag is a Spanish entrepreneur, visionary, and motorsport pioneer. After a successful political career as the youngest Spanish Member of the European Parliament at age 28, he transitioned into motorsport, acquiring the F1 TV rights in Spain. Later, he co-founded Formula E Holdings, bringing the ABB FIA Formula E Championship to life and transforming it into the fastest-growing racing category, heralded as the future of motorsport.

In 2019, Alejandro launched Extreme E, the first sport built on a social purpose. This groundbreaking electric off-road racing series showcases gender-equal teams and cutting-edge technologies in extreme environments, paving the way for its hydrogen-based evolution, Extreme H, debuting in 2025.

His latest venture, E1, the first electric powerboat series, aims to revolutionize marine mobility and promote water conservation, vital for the planet's survival.

Alejandro's trailblazing contributions to motorsport have earned him numerous accolades, including the Motorsport Industry Association’s prestigious "Outstanding Contribution to Motorsport" award in 2024 at the UK House of Lords, joining esteemed figures like Toto Wolff and Sir Jackie Stewart.

Saud Al Hashil is a dedicated professional with a strong passion for learning and excelling in various areas of business, particularly within the events and entertainment industry. He adopts an entrepreneurial approach to his endeavors, driven by passion and perseverance, which has been integral to his success.

With 25 years of experience in the United Kingdom, Saud has honed critical skills that enable him to navigate and manage both Western and Arab business etiquettes seamlessly. This unique perspective allows him to leverage the diverse range of characteristics and qualities each culture brings, fostering innovation and collaboration in every project he undertakes.

Majid bin Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair is a prominent Saudi business leader with over three decades of extensive experience in the tourism, entertainment, and business sectors. Currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Holding Group, he has held numerous key positions that reflect his leadership and commitment to the industry.

Majid served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Group from 2008 to 2021 and was Chief Executive Officer of the Company from 2012 to 2006. Since 2008, he has also been CEO, Board Member, and Partner at Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair & Sons Company.

In addition to these roles, he is a Member of the Board of Directors for several organizations, including MENA Education and Human Resources (since 2012), NAQAHA Company (since 2012), Osoul Mobadara Hotel Company (since 2015), and Al-Qassim Company for Entertainment and Commercial Projects (since 2002). He has also contributed to projects like Tabuk Company for Entertainment and Commercial Projects, Saudi Emirati House General Trading Company (since 1432 AH), and Majid Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Co. Ltd. (since 1435 AH).

Previously, Majid held significant leadership roles, such as Chairman of the Executive Committee for Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair Group for Tourism and Development (2014–2017), Chairman of the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (2017–2020), and Head of the Tourism and Leisure Committee in the Riyadh Chamber (2016–2020). He also played a pivotal role in sports governance as Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Saudi Football Association (2002–2004).

Majid has been instrumental in fostering tourism and business growth in Saudi Arabia, holding positions such as General Manager of Riyadh Company for Tourism and Leisure Projects (2003–2020) and Chairman of the Executive Committee for Tourism and Events in the Council of Chambers (2016–2020). His efforts in driving the tourism industry are reflected in his leadership of the Riyadh Festival for Marketing and Entertainment Committee.

Through his vision and dedication, Majid bin Abdul Mohsen Al Hokair continues to shape the future of tourism and commerce in the Kingdom.

Chairman of Advisory Committee at SECA, Saudi Leadership Society Member and 2030 lead

Abdulaziz Almugyteeb is an accomplished Executive with over 18 years of diverse experience, notably as the founder of Mung Investments. He has successfully led numerous initiatives, identified opportunities and transformed ideas into impactful projects. His leadership is reflected in the orchestration of over 1,200 significant events across various sectors, including government, corporate, entertainment, and education.

With a degree in Mathematics from a prestigious university in the Kingdom, Abdulaziz possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills. His commitment to ongoing education is evident through his Executive certifications from renowned institutions, including:

- INSEAD

- London Business School

- Stanford University

- IE University

- Imperial College Business School

- Mohammed Bin Salman College for Business & Entrepreneurship (MBSC)

These experiences have equipped him with a diverse skill set encompassing Leadership and Management, Strategic Thinking and Innovation, Corporate Governance Knowledge, and Financial Insight. Abdulaziz’s dedication to excellence and mentorship positions him as a transformative leader in today’s business landscape, committed to driving growth and innovation across industries.

Eng. Saleh Al Oraini is the Chief Executive Officer of Soudah Development company since March 2022, bringing over 18 years of leadership experience in real estate development, mega project management and organizations establishment to his role. He has held senior positions at prominent local and international investment and advisory firms.

Previously, Al Oraini held the position of a Director of Center of Excellence in Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Before taking on his roles at PIF, he accumulated significant experience at esteemed local and international organizations, including Bechtel Company, Parsons, King Abdullah Financial District and Riyadh Bank.

In addition to his executive roles, Al Oraini contributes his expertise as a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee in KAFD Development and Management Company and as a Board Member in the Saudi Real Estate Construction Company (Tamear).

He holds a master's degree in engineering management from Queensland University of Technology in Australia and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from King Saud University.

Eng. Said Al Shanfari is the Chief Executive Officer of the Oman Convention and Exhibition, the Sultanate premier events venue. An expert in the business event industry, Al Shanfari also represents the wider region as Chairman of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) for the Middle East and Africa chapter. This regional perspective along with his achievements at the OCEC led him to be recognised by Forbes Middle East as one of the Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders in 2024. With over ten years in senior management roles, Al Shanfari started his career in the telecommunication sector, managing large marketing projects for Omantel and Oreedoo. In 2017, Al Shanfari completed Oman’s National CEO Programme which prepared Oman’s brightest talent to compete in the global marketplace with an aim to build the next generation of Omani leaders . A leading voice in Oman, Al Shanfari was selected as one of the Top 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oman & OER Innovative CEO of the year in 2023. Al Shanfari holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hull and a double Bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in Computer Management and Information Systems, as well as Business Administration and International Business. He has completed additional leadership and management courses from the London Business School and the IMD Business School and is a qualified Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.

Abdulaziz Al-Asaker, a distinguished alumnus of the Misk 2030 Leaders Program with over 21 years of experience across diverse industries, currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Riyadh Airports Company (RAC), the operator of King Khalid International Airport. He began his career in 2002 and has steadily progressed through various roles, including Marketing Loyalty Programs Manager at Mobily, Head of Loyalty Program and Head of Segmentation at Saudi Investment Bank, and Airports Product Director at Riyadh Airports Company. In 2021, he was appointed Acting Vice President of the SA Commercial Group, culminating in his appointment as CCO in 2022.

A strategic thinker and accomplished leader, Abdulaziz has a proven track record of driving commercial growth, optimizing revenue streams, and ensuring profit sustainability for large-scale projects. This year, he successfully implemented major initiatives such as the launch of the new Duty-Free in Terminals 3 & 4 and hosted the World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA 2024) in Riyadh for the first time.

Abdulaziz holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is actively involved in professional organizations. He serves as Chair of the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Economics Committee and is a member of the ACI World Economics Standing Committee (WESC).

With over 13 years of experience in managing high-profile Events, Mr. Al-Eesa has overseen SIDF’s internal and external event activities both inside and outside Saudi Arabia, delivering more than 100 participations annually in conferences, exhibitions, and workshops. Mr. Al-Eesa is also a Member of the Saudi Exhibitions and Conferences Association. 

In 2024, Mr. Al-Eesa led the SIDF 50th Anniversary Event, hosting over 450 distinguished VIP guests. The event celebrated SIDF’s five-decade legacy of achievements and its significant impact on the economy. Through a thoughtfully designed exhibition and an engaging agenda, the event highlighted SIDF’s contributions to the Kingdom’s development and its vision for the future. 

From 2022 to 2024, Mr. Al-Eesa successfully managed the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Industrial Hackathons held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Over three years, these events attracted more than 5,000 applicants, with selected participants engaging in an intensive two-day bootcamp. The hackathons served as a dynamic platform for showcasing innovation, fostering creativity, and delivering high-impact solutions for the industrial sector.

Abdulrahman AlAli is a seasoned senior executive with 28+ years of experience in technology strategy, digital transformation and entrepreneurship, start-ups, acquisitions and investments in Saudi Arabia and the region.

Prior to joining Qiddiya, AlAli was the Group Chief Technology Officer at Seera Group, where he help the company’s digital revenue increase drastically from SAR 14 million to SAR 180 million within 12 months, and SAR 4 billion in the subsequent four years.

As CTO at Qiddiya, he transformed the IT department from a basic operational function into a cutting-edge, strategic powerhouse. Responsibilities include spearheading the development of the IT strategy, building a high-performing team, and launching major initiatives such as digital engineering, a unified ERP system, and the creation of a smart city division. Additionally, he lead the development of digital channels and attraction applications, and playing a key role in establishing a hotel management company under the PIF umbrella.

During his tenure with Seera Group, AlAli Co-Founded multiple digital platforms dedicated to enhancing the consumer travel/online experience, including the highly successful AlMosafer brand, as well as corporate and government projects and Hajj and Umrah online platforms.

Al-Ali is a board member at Hypepay, a renowned payment technology vendor in the MENA region, and Chairman and Founding Partner of Merak Capital. He was also board member of various companies including Tabadul, a PIF company.

Salman Alatawe is the CEO of the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), a position he has held since May 2020. His extensive career at RICEC spans various leadership roles, including Marketing Director (2017–2020), Head of External Relations (2016–2017), and Head of International Marketing (2014–2015).

Beyond his roles at RICEC, Salman has contributed to the field as a part-time Marketing Communications Consultant for several companies in Riyadh (2012–2015), an Adjunct Lecturer in Business Administration at the Arab Open University (2013), and a Freelance Columnist for Al-Jazirah newspaper.

He holds a Master’s degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications from Webster University, USA, and has completed numerous executive leadership training programs. An experienced trainer in marketing, sales, and customer service, Salman is also the author of Exhibitions and Conferences: Industry, Investment, and Future, highlighting his expertise in the events industry.

Khalid Albaker is the CEO of the Quality of Life Program in Saudi Arabia. Launched in 2018, the Quality of Life Program is transforming Saudi Arabia into a world-renowned sports and entertainment location, a global tourism hotspot, and a top-ranked country people can call home.

Enhancing a wide variety of sectors, the Program focuses on the empowerment of arts and culture, promotion of sports and leading a healthy life, and the development of more livable urban areas. As well as creating exciting new sectors and diversifying economic activity, the Program is bolstering local employment opportunities and beautifying cities across the Kingdom. These efforts combine to create a better quality of life for all.

The Program is empowering Saudi Arabia’s transformation as a top destination to live, work and play. Home to a dynamic population, the majority of whom are under 35, the Kingdom is building an engaging society for citizens, residents, and visitors.

Since the launch of the tourist visa in 2019, there have been more than 94 million visits from across the globe, resulting in a plethora of opportunities in the fields of tourism, hospitality, and entertainment. The Program has introduced initiatives to train millions of skilled people needed by 2030 to cater for these demands, and to support the Kingdom’s private sector.

Continued innovation is delivering the promise of greater quality of life, underpinning Vision 2030’s ambitious goals for a more livable and vibrant society.

Abdullah Alharbi is a dynamic and visionary leader, consistently pushing boundaries and achieving new heights in the business world. Renowned for his innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to excellence, Alharbi has a proven ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market trends, securing a competitive edge for his ventures.

More than just an innovator, Alharbi exemplifies forward-thinking leadership, continually exploring what is possible and setting new benchmarks for success. It is no surprise that he is recognized as one of the most influential figures in Saudi Arabia’s business community, serving as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Under his leadership, Eye of Riyadh has flourished, particularly in its event portfolio. Among its standout achievements is the Real Estate Future Forum (RFF), a flagship annual event organized in Riyadh. The 2024 edition of the RFF saw agreements valued at over 100 billion SAR, underscoring its significance and impact.

Eye of Riyadh, a leading initiative within the Eyes of Cities portfolio, has further strengthened its influence by diversifying its content and strategically investing in cutting-edge technologies and high-profile events.

Today, the platform serves a substantial and growing audience, with over 1.7 million active users. This impressive reach solidifies its position as one of the Kingdom’s most widely utilized online business directories and event platforms.

Reem is a Marketing, Communication, and Strategic planning expert with over 15 years of experience in various industries and multinational companies like LinkedIn, EY, Checkout.com, Dur Hospitality, and Rosewood Group. She was awarded the MENA Female Role Model three years in a row for stellar contributions to the business and her role in developing young talents & entrepreneurs. In addition, she has a wealth of international experience in organizing and marketing more than 1,000 global events in the US, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, an example being leading the participation of the Middle East & North Africa in the Global Entrepreneur Awards at Monte Carlo.
  
Reem’s main responsibilities are to connect and work with the policymakers of government and private to position KSA as an investment hub in the region, provide a world-class consultant service, enable KSA companies to export globally, drive business growth, and tackle pressing objectives, and support to upskill talents and startups.
  
Recently, she led KSA's application to host the Global Leadership Summit, besides leading the content and international participation in the Real Estate Future Forum.

Reem obtained a bachelor’s degree in Marketing at the University of Dubai and was certified by the Google Partners program and Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) in the UK.

Mr. Aljuaid served as Vice President of Operations in the region's largest Retail Real Estate company from 2013 to 2019. He was in charge of the operations of more than 25 Malls with a total GLA of more than 1.5 million sqm. He obtained his Bachelor of Commerce, with a focus on International Business from King Saud University in 2000. He also holds a degree in Commercial Property Management from the International Council for Shopping Centers (ICSC) in New York in 2012. He has held many managerial positions in the industry of Retail Real Estate since he joined in 2002 such as Regional Operations Director as well as managing a Regional Mega Mall in 2008. 

In 2019 Mr. Aljuaid established the Riyadh Front for Exhibitions and Conference Center (RFECC) as General Manager, for RFECC to become the most desirable center for a variety of interesting, successfully held more than 50 major events from 2019 to 2023.

As well as his role at RFECC, he is the Vice President of Procurement & Facility, responsible for establishing the foundation of four departments aligned with SEERA's strategic objectives. Aside from that, Mr. Aljuaid is also the Vice President of SEERA Cargo, one of the leading freight companies in Saudi Arabia.

Alex Alles joined JMIC Joint Meetings Industry Council in August 2022. There he is responsible for the overall operations of the association as well as the project office of the Net Zero Carbon Events. NZCE is an industry-wide initiative aiming to help stakeholders of the meetings and events sectors to decarbonise.

Before joining JMIC, Alex held different positions, including marketing and finance. He was mainly dedicated to investment and trade promotion between Europe and Asia. Throughout his career, Alex has been organising numerous business events, from small meeting to large conferences. “Being able to be at the core of the meetings and events industry is dear to my heart and I am honored to work for this truly people’s industry.”

Osamah Alnuaiser is a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience across multiple industries within both the private and government sectors. He is business-driven and has expertise in consumer marketing, communications, and branding.

Osamah led the marketing and communications department at the Saudi Sports for All Federation (Ministry of Sport), where he played a key role in the initiative to increase physical activity levels among the population in Saudi Arabia to 40% by 2030.

Previously, he contributed to the establishment of the frequent flyer program (nasmiles) with flynas, one of the leading aviation service providers in Saudi Arabia. Before that, Osamah was the Loyalty Programs Manager at Mobily, a major telecom provider in the Kingdom, where he helped increase customer loyalty levels and maximize overall revenue for the organization. His additional loyalty marketing experience includes working on the ALSOMOU Program, which was tailored for the high-value segment. In this role, he successfully supported efforts to increase customer loyalty, reduce churn, and drive upsell and cross-sell opportunities.

Osamah also began his journey at Mobily as a Customer Experience Manager for a defined micro-segment, focusing on boosting engagement and elevating the overall customer experience. His time at Mobily honed his expertise in Loyalty Marketing, Customer Experience, and Product Management.

Furthermore, Osamah's career includes working as an Assistant Account Manager at Elm, a leading information technology company owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Saudi Arabia. In this role, he gained valuable experience in business development and sales, identifying new client opportunities and offering e-business tech-based solutions. He was also responsible for managing existing client relationships and providing full support to both internal and external stakeholders.

Bedor Alrashoudi is a distinguished leader and an accomplished professional with extensive experience across various organizations. She has held board member positions at the Ministry of Culture, OCEANX, Saudi Spanish Business Council, JAZADCO, Jabaliyah, Mango Jazan Store, Tabuk Fisheries Company, and AlReef Sugar.

Bedor has also served as Group CEO at JAZADCO, Chairwoman at Jabaliyah, Chairperson at Mango Jazan Store, Strategy Management Office Executive Director at the Ministry of Interior Transformation Program, and Capability Development Executive Director at the National Center for Performance Measurement. Additionally, she has worked as a Business Process Analyst at the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority- SAMA, and a Planning Analyst at Riyad Bank.

Bedor's commitment to excellence and strategic leadership has enabled her to contribute significantly to the success of various organizations throughout her career. She is also a Founding Member of PLAYBOOK and a Founding Board Member of the Saudi Management Consultants Association, demonstrating her dedication to innovation and growth in her fields of expertise.

Abdulrahman AlTrairi, Official Spokesperson and Chief of Communications and PR for the Royal Commission for AlUla.

An accomplished marketing and communications leader with 15 years of serving as a trusted advisor on matters of strategy, growth, and operations to C-suite executives and captains of industries.

Has a solid background in developing and implementing winning communication strategies and sound expertise in digital marketing and social media plans, storytelling and identity definition, soft power media, and corporate reputation development, and distinguished skills in leadership enablement and growth. A leader and team player who creates a synergetic and efficient work environment that caters to success.

Nikolina Angelkova is a Harvard Business School alumna (2010), having graduated from the Leadership Development Program. In April 2023, she completed the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Program for "Global Leadership and Public Policy in the 21st Century."

She holds a Master's degree in Law from the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia and has specialized in financial management of EU structural funds, regional policy, and government at the Institute of Public Administration in Maastricht and the Regional Institute for Public Administration in Nantes, France. She has participated in several executive education programs at Harvard Business School, focusing on real estate development, negotiations, and mergers and acquisitions. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's in Financial Management at UNWE.

Career: Nikolina Angelkova started in the private sector, founding the Association of Legal Development in 2002 and her consultancy office. She managed international companies in the real estate, energy, and infrastructure sectors. From 2005 to 2007, she was a Blue Book trainee in DG "Environment" at the European Commission and continued at the European Parliament, serving as an advisor to the Bulgarian Chair of the Bulgarian group in EPP. From 2010 to 2014, she was a Board Member of the Road Infrastructure Agency, then Vice Minister of Regional Development and EU policy advisor to the President of the Republic. In 2014, she became the first woman Minister of Transport, Telecommunications, and Information Technologies. In November 2014, she was appointed the first Minister of Tourism and held that position until 2020. From 2017 to 2022, she was elected as a Member of the Parliament in the 44th, 45th, 46th, and 47th Bulgarian National Assembly from PP "GERB."
In 2014, she was elected as a Young Global Leader of WEF. In 2018, she was awarded the "Stella d'Italia" by the Italian President.

Currently, she works part-time as an Advisor on tourism, sport, and culture at the Ministry of Investment in KSA. She also serves as a lawyer and investment consultant for international companies, Chairwoman of the Center of Empowerment of Women in Politics in Bulgaria, and President of the Social Sport School of the Real Madrid Foundation in Bulgaria.
She speaks English, Italian, and Spanish and has working knowledge of French and Russian.

Richard Attias, born in Morocco in 1959, is a civil engineering graduate with a master's degree in mathematics and physics. His early career at IBM ignited a passion for innovation, driving him to establish firms in the IT and global communications sectors. He has crafted over 1,000 high-profile events. As Founder and Executive Chairman of Publicis Events Worldwide from 1993 to 2008, Richard produced the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos and co-founded the Nobel Laureates Conferences.

In 2008, Richard was tapped by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to shape the nation branding strategy for Dubai, which emerged as the region's top destination. That same year, he launched Richard Attias & Associates. His subsequent co-founding of the Clinton Global Initiative, New York Forum, and New York Forum AFRICA showcases his dedication to international discourse.

Since 2008, Richard has orchestrated a plethora of events, including the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, the African Cup, the APEC CEO Summit, the Misk Global Forum, the Future Minerals Forum, the Red Sea Film Festival, and the Future Investment Initiative.

In 2018, Richard entered into a financial partnership with Sanabil, part of the Saudi Public Investment Fund. A year later, he became CEO of the FII Institute. In 2024, he was appointed Special Advisor to PIF.

As the AVP of Sales and General Manager of Cvent's Dubai office, Gokul brings over a decade of experience in event technology.

His expertise has been instrumental in helping organizations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia implement innovative event solutions that drive tangible business results.

In 2018, Gokul took the lead in expanding Cvent's operations into the Middle East by setting up and scaling a successful office in Dubai. His strategic leadership has been pivotal in driving product enhancements, crafting effective go-to-market strategies, and fostering strong partnerships across the region.

A sought-after speaker at industry events, Gokul is passionate about sharing insights on measuring event ROI, leveraging data-driven decision-making, harnessing the power of AI in event planning, and exploring other cutting-edge technology trends shaping the future of the events industry.

Oli Barrett is passionate about connecting people and ideas. He co-founded Clean and Cool, a platform that has facilitated numerous connections between cleantech founders and partners/clients across the globe. Oli is a shareholder in various companies, such as Ethos (dedicated to transforming our relationship with energy), the mental health-focused Calm.com, and Troubadour Theatres, which is involved in the creation of new theaters and film studios.

Furthermore, Oli played a pivotal role in co-founding Tenner, the UK's largest schools enterprise competition, which is now administered by the charity Young Enterprise. He was also a co-founder of StartUp Britain, an initiative that received support from the British Prime Minister, and the global literacy campaign Turn On The Subtitles (TOTS), which advocates for broadcasters and tech companies to enhance children's reading experiences.

Prior to his current endeavors, Oli worked as a cast member at Walt Disney World and has since become a regular event host and presenter. He also serves on the advisory boards of Tech London Advocates, Global Tech Advocates, One Million Mentors, and Founders4Schools.

Ajay, originally from India, has spent over 25 years living in the Middle East. A graduate of Osmania University in India, he earned his MBA in Marketing from the University of Wollongong, Australia. He began his career with prominent market research organizations such as AC Nielsen and NFO Merac, analyzing consumer trends and buying behavior in various FMCG segments.

Though his tenure at Informa lasted just over three years, Ajay quickly emerged as a key team member. Transitioning from a senior sponsorship and exhibition sales role to a conference producer, he developed strategic Oil & Gas and Energy conferences in emerging markets, building a strong and profitable business before moving on to MCI.

For the past 16 years, Ajay has been a significant figure in the meetings industry, working with renowned brands like Informa and MCI Group. In his current role as Regional Managing Director – Middle East and Africa at MCI Group, he oversees an operation delivering over 250 events annually across 20+ countries through five offices and nearly 100 team members. During the pandemic, he spearheaded the transformation to digital and hybrid events.

Ajay has opened new markets in Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia by establishing physical offices and teams. He has also led large association meeting strategies, collaborating with governments, tourism boards, and industry partners to grow events year after year. Since joining MCI in 2007, he has developed the congress (PCO) business, securing MCI's position as the leading PCO in the region with a dominant market share.

Beyond his role at MCI, Ajay serves as a Council Member on the board of the International Association of Professional Conference Organisers (IAPCO), an ambassador for The Iceberg (a publication led by the Joint Meetings Industry Council), and the current President of The Events Group (TEG). TEG is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering excellence, sharing knowledge, and developing future leaders in the UAE's events industry.

Gerald Böse, Chairman of the Management Board of Koelnmesse, has over three decades of experience in the international trade fair industry. Born in Munich in 1962, he studied business administration at the Munich University of Applied Sciences before starting his career at Messe München in 1989, where he gained comprehensive experience in trade fair marketing, international activities, and congress management.

In 1992, Böse joined the IGEDO Company in Düsseldorf as assistant to the management. As managing director until 2005, he drove the company’s international expansion in Italy, China, and the UK and established new trade fair themes, such as OMD (Online Marketing Düsseldorf), which became a leading event for the industry.

In 2005, Böse became spokesman for the management of Karlsruher Messe- und Kongress-GmbH and Neue Messe Karlsruhe. Since March 1, 2008, he has been leading Koelnmesse, initiating a comprehensive efficiency program and reorganization in 2010. Under his leadership, Koelnmesse has grown continuously, with 2019 marking the company’s highest sales year.

Böse focuses on internationalization, digital transformation, and developing core trade fair themes. The Koelnmesse 3.0 program, with over €700 million in investments, aims to make Cologne one of the world’s most attractive exhibition centers by 2034.

Böse holds key positions in various industry and regional organizations, including the AUMA board, the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce, UFI, and TÜV Rheinland Berlin Brandenburg Pfalz e.V. He actively integrates trade fair themes into the city and region, promoting Cologne as a business and trade fair destination.

Sven joined AIPC as CEO in May 2020. Together with the Board, the Members and the Business Partners he has implemented a transformation programme which has resulted into an entirely new value proposal to Convention and Exhibition Centres across the globe based on the changing needs of the members and the challenges they are facing.

Before joining AIPC, Sven worked as managing director at ESTRO (European Society for Radiation Oncology). He successfully led the branding, marketing and digital transformation of ESTRO – a massive project which was finalized in April 2020. It included a full re-branding, implementation of a new CMS and CRM system, the creation and implementation of a marketing strategy and a complete re-vamp of the annual congress.

Prior to joining ESTRO, Sven worked for 20 years in the financials services world. The first 10 years of his career he worked as an international programme manager at ING, followed by 10 years at SWIFT – the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications.

At SWIFT, Sven oversaw Sibos – SWIFT’ s flagship event which brings together over 8,000 decision takers form over 150 countries for 4 days to discuss the common challenges the financial community faces and the common solutions to be put in place.

Sven holds a degree in anthropology. He works and lives in Belgium, has two children and loves to read.

Caroline Bremner is the Head of Travel and Tourism at Euromonitor International, a leading global provider of strategic market research.

In her role, Caroline oversees travel and tourism research management, account management, and industry and media liaison. With a focus on global research, trends, and insights, she specializes in analyzing and interpreting data to provide strategic guidance to stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector. Caroline's expertise in the industry makes her a valuable resource for understanding the current landscape and future prospects of travel and tourism markets worldwide.

Digital is transforming the events industry faster and deeper than ever before and no one knows this better than Brian. Having joined RX in 2017 as Chief Technology Officer, Brian was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2021 and is responsible for RX’s digital product and innovation development, overseeing the Digital Centre of Excellence; RX’s IT and technology teams and our Philippines operation.

Brian earned an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Tulsa and a B.A. in History from University of California, Los Angeles, and draws on his previous roles at the likes of FedEx where he was responsible for online customer facing solutions including e-commerce, customer services and sales globally. Moving back and forth between the US and UK during his career, Brian is no stranger to meeting customer needs in the digital space having also led development teams in multiple industries including consumer electronics, telecommunications, photo manufacturing and healthcare.

At RX he has been pivotal in the formation of our Digital Centre of Excellence which focuses on enhancing our existing digital event products, expanding our digital platforms for our B2C brands and launching new products that will leverage our datasets and insights to better meet our customer needs.

Mr. Luigi Cabrini is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. He has led several global initiatives on sustainable tourism, focusing on areas such as tourism and climate change, tourism and biodiversity, observatories for sustainable tourism, the green economy, tourism and heritage, and global partnerships.

Mr. Cabrini served as the Director of the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) Sustainable Tourism Programme until 2014 and previously held positions as UNWTO Director for Europe and Secretary of the General Assembly and Executive Council. From 2014 to 2018, he acted as an Advisor to the Secretary-General of the UNWTO.

Before joining the UNWTO, he dedicated 20 years to United Nations programs for development and refugee protection, working in countries including Guatemala, Mexico, Somalia, Pakistan, Poland, and Spain.

Luigi Cabrini is fluent in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, with a basic knowledge of Russian and Polish. He is also the author of numerous articles, speeches, and papers.

Lord Carter is the Group Chief Executive of Informa PLC, a leading Business Intelligence, Academic Publishing, Knowledge, and B2B Events Group.

He joined Informa in 2010 as a Non-Executive Director before becoming Group Chief Executive in 2013.

Over the last ten to fifteen years (he joined the Board in 2009), the Group has expanded significantly in reach and scale, geographically (particularly in America, the Middle East, and Asia) and in the deployment of technology and digital services.

The Group's ambition is to champion specialists in B2B markets by building a range of dedicated products and service capabilities, often built out from large established B2B event brands, research information brands, or original research and advanced learning.
In the private sector, Stephen is a career senior executive, having held managing director and chief executive positions in a range of Media and Technology businesses before becoming Informa's Group CEO.

Lord Carter also served as the founding CEO of Ofcom, the UK’s communications competition regulator, Chief of Strategy to the UK Prime Minister, The Right Hon. Gordon Brown, and was the first Minister for the Media and Telecommunications industry, where he wrote and published the Digital Britain Report.
Lord Carter is also a Non-Executive Director of Vodafone PLC, and Informa’s representative on the Board of PA Media Group Limited, Bologna Fiere, and is Chair of both Tahaluf, our joint venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Informa’s joint venture with the Principality of Monaco.

Over the last three years, Tahaluf has helped transform Saudi Arabia into a major hub for international exhibitions. Under Mike’s leadership, the business has launched and grown a number of major Live Events that have significantly impacted the industries they serve, setting new benchmarks for excellence. This includes creating LEAP four years ago, now the world’s most attended technology event and a leading platform for innovation, the launch of the Global Health Exhibition (GHE), now one of the top five largest life sciences events globally, and the relocation and relaunch of Cityscape Global, which has grown to become the largest real estate event globally, showcasing transformative property projects and driving billions of dollars in investment and transactions.

In addition, Mike has also been instrumental in bringing iconic global event brands to Saudi Arabia, including Black Hat MEA, now the largest cybersecurity event in the world, and CPHI Middle East, one of the largest debut pharma events in history. In 2025, Tahaluf will bring the preeminent fintech brand, Money 20/20, to Saudi Arabia, as well as SuperReturn, the leading private equity and venture capital brand.

Following this period of extraordinary growth, Tahaluf has become the largest exhibitions organizer in Saudi Arabia, with a performance that already places it within Stax Consulting's 2024 rankings of the world's Top 20 exhibition organizers by revenue. Its events have generated more than $125 billion of strategic government projects and contracts since 2022, and its total audiences this year reached more than 600,000, underscoring the deep impact and reach it has built across a range of strategic markets.

Mike attributes Tahaluf's remarkable growth to the exceptional talent and dedication within Tahaluf's multinational team, the unique attraction of the Saudi Arabian market, and the close partnerships Tahaluf shares with Saudi government co-creators on their events. From a small nucleus of just five individuals in 2020, Tahaluf has grown to become a dynamic organization expected to be more than 340 colleagues in 2025. Tahaluf's culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity has enabled it to achieve industry-leading standards and deliver award-winning events across multiple sectors in a remarkably short timeframe.

With over 13 years of experience across the Middle East, North, and West Africa, Mike's understanding of the region has been a key element of Tahaluf's success. His unique ability to combine local insight with global best practices ensures that the company's events continue to thrive on the world stage.

Born in Camargue, France, Rémy Cregut is a man with a diverse and rich professional background. His career started with different senior sales and marketing positions at Accor, Hyatt Hotels and Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, in Paris, Casablanca and Roissy. He subsequently created Disneyland Paris Business Solutions, acting as a director for 3 years, and then moved to the Côte d’Azur to open the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. Two years later he became Executive VP of LSO International the largest French DMC at that time. Before moving to Switzerland, he was directing Center Parcs Business Solutions in Rotterdam. In 2005 Rémy took the head of Montreux Music and Convention Center, host of the famous Montreux Jazz Festival. Remy had been serving on different boards: Casablanca Convention Bureau, France Convention Bureau, MPI French chapter, MPI Foundation European Council, ANAé, City DNA, Swiss Convention Centers, Swiss Riviera Hotels Association and Coésio.
Recognized in 22/23/24 among the 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry, he received in 2024 a Xaver Lifetime achievement award from the Live Communication Swiss Association.

He is now Brand Ambassador for Montreux Riviera Convention Bureau and various events locations.

Father of two sons, Jean and Martin, Remy became a Swiss citizen in 2020.

As RA&A’s Global CEO, Marina de Coatgoureden is charged with leading RA&A’s portfolio of clients and projects, driving the company's growth, and managing a diverse team across multiple geographies.

Based in Dubai, Marina has worked and lived in Sydney, London and Paris prior to joining RA&A. She started her career organizing both private and corporate events for the British and GCC Royal Families, and international and luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. In 2009 she moved to Paris and worked for The Coca-Cola Company in their innovation agency, working across brand strategy.

In 2013 Marina moved to Dubai with her family and set up Quintessentially’s events agency. In 2018, she became the CEO of the Middle East for the Quintessentially Group, leading five offices in the region – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt. She has developed extensive knowledge of the Saudi Market, having worked with RCU, NEOM, and many other KSA clients. In 2021, Marina joined Richard Attias & Associates as the Global CEO.

Dr. Zeger Degraeve is the Dean of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Degraeve is an expert in decision-making, risk, operations research and managing project portfolios. An award-winning teacher, he has contributed to executive development programs in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Russia and North America for leading businesses.

Dr. Degraeve started his academic journey as a Professor of Management Science at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, his home country, before joining London Business School in 1999. From March 2002 until August 2005 he was the Associate Dean of the Executive MBA and Executive MBA-Global Programs, and from August 2005 until August 2007 he served as London Business School’s Deputy Dean Programs and a member of the School’s Management Committee and Board of Governors.

He became Dean of Melbourne Business School in November 2011, as well as Co-Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics of The University of Melbourne after successfully establishing an alliance between Melbourne Business School and The University of Melbourne in May 2013. After 7 years in these roles, he joined, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College in October 2019.

Alongside his academic career, Dr. Degraeve has provided consultancy support across a range of issues including: operations management, logistics and supply chain management, environmental planning and purchasing strategy. Consultancy clients include the European Commission, Andersen Business Consulting, National Economic Research Associates (NERA) and McKinsey and Co.

With his extensive executive education expertise, Dr. Degraeve has been sought after to contribute to executive development programs in numerous leading international businesses, including: HSBC, Cadbury Schweppes, Novartis, Rio Tinto, E.on, Carlsberg, Merck Serono, SABIC, BP, Shell, Hess Oil, Premier Oil, Zain/Celtel, Orascom, Dubai Holdings, Majid Al Futtaim, and IBM.

Dr. Degraeve’s research has won several awards, including: Association of the European Operational Research Societies’ (EURO) Prize for Best Applied Paper and the Chairman’s Award for the Best Applied Contributed Paper by INFORMS (The Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences). He has published over 50 articles on decision making, optimization, scenario analysis and risk assessment for leading journals, including: Management Science, Operations Research, INFORMS Journal on Computing, European Journal of Operational Research, Interfaces and Harvard Business Review. He is also a regular speaker at international conferences.

After studying at the Universities of Ghent and Leuven in Belgium, Dr. Degraeve gained his PhD from the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago, now Booth School of Business, in 1992.

Geoff Dickinson graduated from the University of Birmingham, UK, with an LLB Law honours degree. He started his career in publishing with emap in London, working on the launch of emap's exhibition business, creating a series of highly successful tech events. He moved on to be part of the leadership team that launched Haymarket Exhibitions and BBC Haymarket Exhibitions, creating a series of large-scale consumer exhibitions.

Geoff worked for various events businesses, holding numerous senior roles, including being the Global Managing Director of IIR Exhibitions in the mid-90s. He then spent over a decade as an entrepreneur in Dubai, launching two successful exhibitions businesses. He sold his first business to Messe Frankfurt and the second to Clarion.

In 2010, he returned to the corporate world by joining dmg events and currently serves as the Global CEO. dmg events is an international events business with offices in ten global cities, operating in 28 countries and specializing in many major trade sectors. Geoff serves on the committee of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum’s Dubai International Chamber Advisory Council. He also serves as a board member for the US events Association SISO. Geoff proudly served as UFI President for 2024.

Randy Durband is the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), a UN-created NGO that establishes and manages global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. The GSTC Criteria include guidelines for minimizing negative environmental, cultural, and social impacts while maximizing travel and tourism as a force for good.

He brings a unique blend of skills and experience based on two career paths he has taken in travel and tourism – nearly 30 years in the private sector, mostly in senior leadership positions with major tour operators including President of Travcoa, INTRAV and Clipper Cruise Lines, (brands within TUI Group), and Executive Vice President of Tauck World Discovery. His second career, now in its 2nd decade, began with economic development projects through tourism in developing countries in Southeast Asia and South America relating to emerging destinations including CBT and rural tourism, with UNESCO and ILO. He became CEO of GSTC February 2014.

Mr. Durband is a frequent speaker on sustainable tourism and has served on many tourism boards in Europe, North America, and Asia; and sustainable tourism awards judging panels including the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, UN Environment Inspire Awards, and the PATA Gold Awards.

Oliver Ehmke is the Managing Director of George P. Johnson Middle East & Germany, bringing over 14 years of expertise in the events and exhibitions industry. He spearheads key client accounts and business development, delivering impactful projects for prominent brands across the region.
An architect by training, Oliver holds a Dipl. Ing. from the University of Stuttgart and practiced as a registered architect before transitioning to the events sector, blending creative vision with structural precision in large-scale projects.

Under his leadership, George P. Johnson has expanded its footprint in the Middle East, with the Dubai and Riyadh offices driving high-profile events aligned with the region's dynamic growth strategies.

Over his 18-year career, Naji has built a very strong industry knowledge in the exhibitions, summits, and sustainability industries, leading one of the largest sustainability summits & expos in the MENA region. He has curated a number of strategic partnerships with private and public sector organizations including the World Bank, European Commission, UNDP, UNIDO, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), World Energy Congress, among many others.

Naji is the founder of Thrive MEA, a boutique business consultancy firm in the UAE since 2020. Thrive supports its clients in identifying new growth opportunities in the MEA region, leveraging Naji's extensive network and industry expertise.

In addition to leading Thrive MEA, Naji leads UFI’s, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, activities and is focused on growing its footprints in the Middle East & Africa, serving as the association’s Regional Director. This role further strengthened Naji’s network of global exhibition organizers, venue operators and service providers.

Dr. Jia Xiao Fang serves as the President of the UNSDG World Federation and the Chair of the World Health Medical Tourism Expo (WMTCE), the Belt and Road World Health Forum, and the Arab-China Economy Investment Forum.

Dr. Jia is a leader in global economic diplomacy and has spearheaded strategic collaborations with international government organizations and stakeholders to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her initiatives focus on innovation within UNSDG Healthy Cities, International Health Tourism Cities & Destinations, Healthcare & Digital Health Ecosystems, Economic Free Zones, Family Office Investment Strategies, and Wealth Management.

As an international entrepreneur and founder of the UNSDG World Federation, Dr. Jia is a global leader in Economic Free Zones, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Family Offices. She has dedicated her career to providing strategic consultancy and innovative solutions for projects in Healthy Cities, Economic Free Zones, Health Tourism Destinations, Healthcare, Digital Health, MedTech, Biotech, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Her work extends to crafting policies for the digital economy, investment management, mergers & acquisitions, corporate partnerships, and business development.

Dr. Jia has established extensive networks and partnerships with international government organizations, public companies, financial institutions, and industry associations. She is frequently invited to serve as an Advisory Board Member, Co-Chair, Moderator, and Keynote Speaker at international conferences, forums, summits, and exhibitions.

Dr. Jia is a trained Cardiovascular Medicine Doctor, a USA PMI® Certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), and holds an MBA.

Roberto Foresti has extensive professional experience at Fiera Milano. He served as Sales Director from 2003 to 2007, then led the group's commercial and international development as Commercial and International Business Director from 2008 to 2015. Since 2022, he has held the position of Strategic Marketing Director.

Enrico Gallorini has dedicated his life to decoding customer insights and elevating human experiences worldwide.

As a Strategic Research Leader and a leading specialist in visitor experiences, he has captivated audiences in over 20 countries, delivering lectures at prestigious universities and international conferences.

He is the author of the book In-Person: A Journey Through the Unstoppable Evolution of Events Mapping the Power of Collective Human Gatherings to Co-Create the Future.
As the Co-Founder and CEO of GRS Research & Strategy, a cutting-edge research company based in Venice, Italy, Enrico brings a unique blend of business intelligence and creativity to the Large Events and Entertainment Industry.

David Glanzer is Chief Communications and Strategy Officer for San Diego Comic Convention, parent company of Comic-Con, WonderCon and Comic-Con Museum. Comic-Con, held annually in San Diego, California, features major comic book publishers, game companies, movie studios, television networks, toy manufacturers and is the premier event of its kind in the world.

Overseeing all sponsorship, promotional associations, and over 3,000 members of domestic and international media, Glanzer also serves as spokesperson for the organization and is responsible for its public image.

Additionally, Glanzer served as the Communications Director for a California State Assembly campaign and later as Press Secretary for the Assemblymember. He has given testimony to the California Assembly Select Committee on San Diego Trade, Tourism and Job Creation, been a featured speaker at the International Conference of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and has lectured at the Asian Manga Summit in Japan and has spoken at various colleges, universities and organizations in the United States, Mexico, Japan and the Middle East. He has also been a guest speaker at the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Information Programs.

In 2024 Glanzer was inducted into the PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter Hall of Fame.

Anju brings over 25 years of expertise in conference, association, and events management, bolstered by a background in the airline and tourism industry. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce and Business Management, a Master's degree in Business Administration specializing in Marketing and Finance Management, and a post-graduation degree in Business Management.

Recognized for her pragmatic influence and strong leadership, Anju emphasizes education and capacity building for successful event execution in diverse locations. As an independent, committed professional, she approaches her work with innovation and a deep passion, culminating in a well-rounded perspective shaped by extensive experience.

Representing ICCA in the Middle East, Anju advocates the belief that business events serve as catalysts for sustainability, leaving a lasting legacy and yielding impactful outcomes.

Senthil Gopinath has over 20 years’ experience in the meetings, association and leisure industry. He has held a wide range of positions, including CEO of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, and Vice President of Kuoni.

In 2006 Senthil moved to Dubai to work for Congress Solutions International, the Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) arm of Emirates Group. He was responsible for wide-ranging business development, sales and operations functions for some of the largest international meetings held in the UAE, including World Diabetes Congress, UITP, and World Economic Forum.

In 2016, Senthil was made ICCA Regional Director Middle East. ICCA – the International Congress and Convention Association – is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry. Comprising over 1150 member companies and organisations in over 100 countries worldwide, ICCA offers unrivalled data, communication channels, and business development opportunities.

In 2019, Senthil relocated to Amsterdam (ICCA HQ) when he took up the position of ICCA CEO. Senthil’s belief in using clear strategy, creativity, and maintaining a positive outlook saw him guide the ICCA community through the challenges of the global pandemic. He now looks forward to heading ICCA’s ongoing mission to be the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.

Academically, Senthil holds a European Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Master’s in Business Administration. He also holds a Doctorate in Sustainable Tourism and Urbanisation.

Professionally, Senthil is renowned internationally for his leadership, passion and commitment to the global events and meetings industry. He is also a past winner of Global Business Events Strategist of the year awarded by PCMA – USA.

Tim Groot is the founder and CEO of Grip, the AI-powered, end-to-end event platform built for revenue growth. He graduated with a BBA in International Management from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His passion for events and startups eventually led him to co-found Grip in 2015. Over the last eight years, Tim has won multiple awards, led the UFI Digital Innovation Working Group and built a company of over 70 employees all focused on helping event organizers deliver world-leading events.

Federico Gutiérrez is serving as the Mayor of Medellín for the second time. In October 2023, he became the city's most-voted-for mayor in history, receiving over 689,000 votes, which accounted for 73% of the total votes.

He holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Medellín, and he is also specialized in Senior Management and Political Science from the Pontifical Bolivarian University. Fico, as he is known by the people, remained the country's top mayor throughout his first term (2016 – 2019), according to most local governance performance surveys.

Fico's recognition and popularity among the people of Medellín and many Colombians are the result of a life dedicated to public service: he was a Municipal Youth Counselor and a Municipal Planning Counselor during his university years, and later, he was elected as a City Councilor of Medellín for two consecutive terms. In 2009, he was acknowledged as the Outstanding Young Person of the Year in the category of political, legal, and governmental affairs, an award given by the Junior Chamber of Colombia. He has also worked as a consultant on Comprehensive Urban Security for the cities of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Celaya (Mexico).

In 2022, he ran for the presidency of Colombia with the Creemos movement, securing over five million votes. In 2023, Creemos, the movement inspired by his leadership, received legal status as a party, positioning itself as a different alternative in Colombian politics.

Politics as a way to find solutions to social problems and public service as a tool to help people has been Fico's life project. He has never stopped walking the streets and studying the realities of the city and the country, listening to its citizens, gathering proposals from various social sectors, and thinking about how to contribute to the transformations demanded by today's Colombia. The natural setting for Fico is the street among the people. He wants to continue working for Colombia and its regions to seek peace for families and opportunities for progress for everyone through a governance model based on citizen trust, institutional solidity, and teamwork among the public sector, private sector, academia, and civil society, without class antagonisms or hatred.

Lisa, joined Clarion in 2008, and since joining has been part of the senior management team that has led and delivered a strategy of expansive growth, diversifying the Clarion business and portfolio mix substantially in recent years.

Lisa has been a board member since 2013 and became CEO in 2022. With over 30 years industry experience working across a broad range of sectors and international markets, Lisa has extensive experience of building market leading brands and positions, both organically and through acquisition and also across a wide range of customer driven formats including large scale live events and digital products.

Lisa serves on a number of industry boards including, UFI, SISO and the AEO.

One of the world’s leading MICE experts, Kai Hattendorf currently serves as CEO of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. A vocal advocate for the sector, he is a sought-after expert and speaker globally on both strategic and operational issues related to the development of the business events industry.

Kai has been instrumental in launching and growing numerous global industry initiatives and awareness campaigns, including “Global Exhibitions Day” and the “Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative.” These efforts were achieved through his work at UFI and during his tenure as the chair of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), the industry's umbrella organization. His contributions to the events industry have been recognized with numerous awards and honors worldwide.

A journalist by training, Kai has reported internationally from Germany, France, the UK, and the US, working for broadcasters such as the BBC and Voice of America. Over the course of his career, he has gained extensive international experience across different industries and sectors, focusing on transformative issues and agendas.

Wilbert Heijmans is an experienced exhibition professional and has worked in senior management roles as an exhibition organizer (VNU Exhibitions (Netherlands and China), Deutsche Messe (UAE) and Messe Frankfurt (UAE)) and as event technology provider (Info Salons MENA (UAE)). Currently, he is the Partner and Chairman of Info Salons MENA. Furthermore, he is a lecturer in the Exhibition Management School by UFI and MBB and is a group leader of the Exhibition Think Tank Middle East. He is passionate about business development and supporting the customer journey of events with event technology. Wilbert holds a masters degree in Business Economics from Tilburg University (Netherlands).

Greg Hitchen is an accomplished professional who has held various leadership roles at Terrapinn, a leading global events company. With over 30 years of experience, he has played a pivotal role in creating and developing many of Terrapinn's global event brands, while also nurturing the growth and success of numerous individuals who have become industry leaders.

Greg's extensive career has taken him across multiple continents, including Australia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the USA, and Latin America. His current focus is on expanding Terrapinn's business through acquisitions and spearheading the growth of MOVE, the company's innovative mobility event series.

As a passionate advocate for the events industry, Greg emphasizes the rewarding nature of a career in this dynamic field. His own journey serves as a testament to the opportunities available to those who pursue it. He invites interested individuals to reach out and explore the possibilities within Terrapinn's creative and merit-based environment.

Issa Jouaneh is President, Connections, at Emerald, and is responsible for leading the strategic oversight and growth optimization of the company’s core business, comprised of 140+ leading events, trade shows, and conferences.

Issa joined Emerald in March 2021 as Executive Vice President of Emerald Xcelerator, leading the company’s market diversification strategy through new shows, partnerships, and sub-expo launches.

Issa has over 20 years of experience leading multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams across a wide range of industries.

His professional journey includes leading technology, application, and web development teams at Electronic Data Systems and a 14-year tenure at The American Express Company and American Express Global Business Travel. He ultimately served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, leading American Express Meetings & Events globally, where he successfully led the transformation of the business, tripling its size and reaching over 2,400 employees in 25+ proprietary countries.

Issa holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and a Master of Business Administration from Schulich School of Business at York University.

Sherrif Karamat is the President and CEO of PCMA, a global leader in the business events industry. With a focus on driving growth, Karamat specializes in global expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and cultivating strategic alliances and partnerships. His expertise lies in leveraging business events to create economic and social transformation within communities.

A visionary leader, Karamat emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset and cultural transformation to enhance membership engagement and audience value, ultimately driving revenue growth. Through his leadership at PCMA, he continues to shape the future of the business events industry by promoting innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth strategies.

Dr. Debbie is an accomplished leader with more than 35 years of international experience in Venue Management, MICE Tourism and Events & Entertainment industries. Dr Kristiansen's most recent tenure as the General Manager at the helm of the Award Winning Exhibition World Bahrain which opened its doors in November 2022, has been pivotal in elevating Bahrain as a premier destination for global events. With a deep-rooted expertise in event management and public relations, she ushered in an era of growth that showcased their ability to host world-class conventions and entertainment.

It is this level of leadership that has landed her amongst LinkedIn's 500 Global Influencers, Middle East Female CEO of the Year 2018, UN USA Rise & Raise Others Awards 2023, Top 100 Global Women in Leadership 2024, Most Inspirational Woman in Middle East Entertainment 2020, One of the Top 30 Most Influential Women in the Araba World 2019, Woman of Substance 2018.

Dr Debbie holds a Professional Doctorate in Global Leadership & Management from EIU in Paris, France.

In October 2024, Dr Debbie was appointed as the new Senior Vice President of Operations & Venue Development Middle East for OVG www.oakviewgroup.com The global leader in venue development, management and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of over 400 world class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended Arenas, Stadiums, Convention Centres, Music Festivals, Performing Arts Centres and Cultural Institutions in the World.

Marcin Krupa has always been closely connected to the City of Katowice, Poland, where he was born, works, and resides. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Transport at the Silesian University of Technology. In 2005, he earned his PhD in Machine Construction and Operation and subsequently worked as an assistant professor at the same university. He also completed postgraduate studies in organizational management. Dr. Krupa is an expert in evaluating EU projects under the Regional Operational Program (ROP) for the Silesian Voivodeship and serves as a tax expert specializing in car transport.

From 2006 to 2010, he was a councillor on the Katowice City Council, and from 2010 to 2014, he served as deputy mayor, overseeing strategic areas such as urban planning, transport system development, environmental protection, municipal management, spatial planning, and construction. In 2014, he launched his election program, “Agreement with the Residents of Katowice,” and was elected mayor.

After a successful first term, he was re-elected with a significant majority in the first round of elections, securing 55.4% of the votes. Now in his second term, Mayor Krupa continues to fulfill his commitments, focusing on new strategic goals.

Katowice aspires to be a leader in eco-innovation, new technologies, and environmental improvement. The city's priorities include combating climate change, improving air quality, creating green spaces, investing in sustainable transport, and developing housing, sports, recreational, and cultural infrastructure to meet the needs of its residents.

Michael Krupp is an accomplished professional with over 35 years of China experience, including setting up operations, designing and implementing success strategies, venue management, and consulting. He possesses a unique ability to utilize the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS elements to create long-lasting wins for companies.

Krupp's exceptional contributions to the economic growth of Shanghai have earned him the prestigious 2017 Shanghai Magnolia Award and the 2021 Honorary Magnolia Award, bestowed by the Shanghai Mayor. Additionally, he was recognized as the 2018 Person of the Year in China's Exhibition Industry.

His expertise includes establishing factories and production lines, driving sales in highly competitive markets, and maintaining strong connections with local and Beijing government officials at the highest level. With a solid network of relationships with global and national market leaders, Krupp possesses full General Manager expertise and is well-versed in navigating potential pitfalls within the industry.

Jean-Guillaume Lacoste has 28 years of experience in the event industry, with four years at Reed Exhibitions Group and another four years at the Comexposium Group. Since 2004, he has been with the GL events Group, where he has held several key roles.

From 2004 to 2010, Lacoste served as Event Management Agency Director in Paris, France. From 2010 to 2018, he managed GL events' activities in China and Northern Asia. During the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, he was the General Manager responsible for the operations of six pavilions. Additionally, he spent five years as Managing Director of the Pudong Expo exhibition center and successfully completed three major M&A deals for GL events China.

Lacoste has been instrumental in driving GL events Group's developments across Asia. He played a significant role in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and contributed to the establishment of GL events' office in Japan, supporting operations for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Since March 2019, Jean-Guillaume Lacoste has been the CEO for the Middle East and Africa at GL events. In this role, he oversees the development and operations of the Group’s three subsidiaries in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, while steering the strategic expansion of the business across the region. In 2019, he opened an office in Qatar, where GL events was a key supplier for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In 2020, he successfully launched an office in Saudi Arabia, where the company has supported major events such as the Dakar Rally, Saudi Cup, Formula E, and the UNCCD COP 16 in Riyadh.

Lacoste has also led operations for GL events in Egypt during the UN Climate COP 27 and in Ivory Coast in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations 2024. His extensive experience and successful leadership have been pivotal in establishing GL events as a major player in the global event industry.

Trixie LohMirmand has almost 3 decades of experience in the global events industry. She currently serves in Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) as its Executive Vice President – Events Management.

Trixie leads the strategic and commercial growth of one of the company’s largest divisions by revenues, creative marketing, talent development and augmentation of an extensive and diverse portfolio of international business and lifestyle events.

Trixie is currently a Board Member of the Global Mobile Marketing Association and The Marketing Society, one of the largest global network of senior marketers. She also serves on the Advisory Council of Nord Anglia School Dubai and leads as the Vice President-Professional Women’s Group of the Singapore Business Council, Dubai.

Anita Mendiratta is a distinguished global strategic advisor, author, diplomat, and on-air personality specializing in tourism, aviation, leadership, and sustainable development. With over three decades of experience across 100+ countries, she leads ANITA MENDIRATTA & ASSOCIATES, a London-based consultancy, providing trusted insights and inspiration for national economies, societies, identities, and future growth trajectories.

Her extensive work includes shaping global tourism policies as Special Advisor to the UNWTO Secretary General and contributing to national transformation, particularly in the Middle East and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Anita's accolades encompass roles as Executive in Residence at the University of Surrey, Visiting Professor at Cranfield University, and Special Advisor to the CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority. Her book, The Call to Leadership, reflects her dedication to fostering resilient leadership.

Recognized as one of the 'Most Influential Women in Tourism' and among the 'Top 25 Inspirational Executives in Travel/Hospitality,' Anita's influence is firmly embedded within the global leadership community.

Wen Miao is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience in building and executing client services, pre-sales, engineering, product strategy, and operations for a global team of 1,500 employees across more than 25 countries.

Currently, Wen leads TIBCO's Customer Experience and Service Organization, where he is responsible for P&L management and oversees the development, service delivery, and general management of the TIBCO Global Client Technical Service team. His leadership spans areas such as strategy, architecture, implementation, infrastructure, and operations management services.

Wen spearheaded the innovation of Engage, a cloud-based customer experience management platform that integrates Business Intelligence, Complex Event Processing, and Integration Product Suites. This effort resulted in the creation of a subscription-based, real-time marketing platform designed for marketers, driving impactful customer engagement.

With specialties in Customer Experience Management, Enterprise Cloud, Enterprise Social Networking, Supply Chain Management Strategy, Enterprise Software Consulting, and Real-Time Applications, Wen brings deep expertise in enterprise technology solutions.

In recognition of his achievements, Wen was named one of ComputerWorld's 2015 Premier 100 IT Leaders, underscoring his contributions to innovation and leadership in the IT industry.

Mike Milken has long been at the forefront of successful initiatives in medical research, education, public health, and access to capital. One of America’s leading philanthropists over the past four decades, he was called “The Man Who Changed Medicine” in a Fortune cover story. He formalized his previous philanthropy in 1982 by co-founding the Milken Family Foundation, and in 1993 he launched the Prostate Cancer Foundation. In 2003, when federal research funding slowed, he founded FasterCures with the mission of accelerating progress against all life-threatening diseases. He chairs the Milken Institute, whose annual Global Conference convenes 3,500 decision makers from 50 nations each spring in Los Angeles. In recognition of an Institute gift in 2014, George Washington University announced the renaming of the Milken Institute School of Public Health. As a financier, beginning in 1969, Mike is often said to have revolutionized modern capital markets by expanding access to capital for thousands of growing companies that created millions of jobs. Mike graduated with highest distinction from Berkeley and earned his MBA at Wharton. He and his wife, Lori, were married in 1968 and have three children and ten grandchildren.

Milos Milovanovic is an international consultant with deep expertise in destination marketing, as well as the activation and development of convention bureaus. He has over 15 years of experience in the MICE industry and has consulted for numerous destinations around the world. His recent engagements include projects with national meeting destinations such as Italy, Jordan, Luxembourg; city convention bureaus in Dubai, Istanbul, Brussels, Antwerp, Budapest; as well as key convention centers in Rome, Prague, Muscat, Belfast and Belgrade.

Milos is the author of the Destination Competitive Index, a global benchmarking tool for international convention destinations, published annually since 2018. He is also the author of the Leveraging Intellectual Capital global report, which identifies the relative strengths of destinations based on the presence of local leaders in the governing bodies of international associations.

He is a certified instructor for the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), delivering training courses for the ICCA Skills program—a recognized certification for suppliers in the MICE industry.

At GainingEdge, Milos leads the development of research and analysis projects as the Head of the GainingEdge Analysis & Research Department.

Eric is a founder and the CEO of Grupo eventoplus, the leading Spanish media group for meetings and events, as well as the main connection platform for professionals in the industry. Eventoplus also serves as the official editor of the ibtm world show daily.

Through its diverse activities—including the eventoplus.com portal, Eventos magazine, professional training courses, the Premios Eventoplus awards, the Meeting & Incentive Summit, and the Event Innovation Summit—Eric is at the forefront of the event market. He analyzes and documents industry trends while maintaining constant contact with top professionals in Spain and internationally.

Before his career with Grupo eventoplus, Eric was a management consultant, working with various international consulting firms, including Braxton Associates/Deloitte Consulting, Roland Berger and Partners, and Cluster Consulting/Oliver Wyman. He graduated from HEC Paris, a leading business school in France, in 1992.

Eric Mottard was the first president of the Spanish Chapter of MPI, the world’s largest association for meeting and event professionals, serving from 2006 to 2008. He has delivered talks and educational sessions at international forums such as EIBTM, Tecnomeeting, The Special Event Show (ISES), GIBTM, The Events and Meetings Conference of MPI, and IIR, among others.

Souha Katerina Mousbeh is the Founder and Managing Director of Mideast Travel Group of Companies. Born in Damascus to a Syrian father and Greek mother, she lived and studied in Lebanon before moving to Greece in 1976, where she has been living ever since.

Souha is fluent in Arabic, Greek, English, and French.
Her academic achievements include graduating with honors from Saints Cœurs School in Lebanon in 1975 and earning a law degree with honors from the Law University in Syria in 1979.

Souha's professional journey began in 1980 as a member of the Public Relations Department at Latsis Petrola Company. She advanced to become Manager of Public Relations and Arbitrage at the Arab Hellenic Chamber of Commerce in 1981. In 1983, she founded Mideast Travel Company, cementing her legacy in the travel industry.

A visionary leader with a passion for challenges, Souha excels in crisis management, networking, and inspiring others. She balances her professional life with social contributions as the Founder of the NGO Sinai Heritage and as President of the Community of Syrian Expatriates in Greece.

Married since 1999 to Dimitris Linos, Souha is also a proud mother of three children. Her dynamic career and dedication to inspiring others epitomize her unwavering commitment to excellence.

Nasiphi Moya started her political career during her first year at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science Politics and Public Policy and Administration from UCT in 2007. She furthered her studies at UCT and was awarded with an Honours Degree in Social Science specialising in Public Affairs and Administration in 2008.

In 2011, she obtained her Master of Philosophy from UCT, specialising in Public Policy and Administration. She later obtained her PhD in Political Science from the University of the Western Cape in 2021.

She has a Certificate of Competence/Attendance at the UCT and London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Winter Course where she did Democracy and Development in Africa.

Cllr Moya started her working career as a tutor and teaching assistant at the UCT Department of Political Studies. She was appointed as a research assistant and project administrator dealing with the Democracy in Africa Research Unit (DARU) and the African Legislatures Project. She was later appointed as a research assistant at the Community Law Centre, University of the Western Cape from February to December 2010.

She was appointed as the Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant – Programme Evaluation at Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS) until March 2011. She then held a position as office and project assistant at Bertha Philanthropies Services (Pty) Ltd until September 2011.

In 2011, she joined the Democratic Alliance (DA), where she was recognised as a hard worker and a woman who is committed to changing the politics of South Africa.

From 3 October 2011 to 30 November 2014, she was appointed as the National Manager: Performance Development and Management System by the DA Head Office. From 1 December 2014 to 5 November 2016, she was the Provincial Manager, Support Services in Gauteng.

She joined the City of Tshwane on 7 November 2016 and was the Group Head: Office of the Chief Whip until 14 February 2019. From 15 February 2019 to 31 May 2020, she was the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Executive Mayor.

In 2021, she joined ActionSA where she has been serving as the Chief Governance Director since 1 April 2021.

On 19 January 2023, Cllr Moya was sworn in as PR Councillor in the City of Tshwane and was later elected as Deputy Mayor on 18 January 2024.

Cllr Nasiphi Moya was elected as Executive Mayor of Tshwane on 9 October 2024.

Jessica Natinsky serves as Group Strategy Director at Hyve, where she champions organic growth across the company’s global operations. Her role involves implementing Hyve’s overarching strategy, including the formulation of M&A, product, and go-to-market strategies, while ensuring alignment across key strategic areas. A primary focus of her work is defining and deploying Hyve’s digitization strategy across its portfolio.

Jessica collaborates closely with teams across the organization to embed processes, rigor, and support, enabling Hyve to deliver on its ambitious growth plans for events at varying stages of their digitization journey.

Since joining Hyve in June 2021 as a divisional strategy lead, Jessica has made significant contributions and was promoted to Group Strategy Director in February 2022. Before her tenure at Hyve, she spent six years in strategy consulting, where she supported businesses across diverse industries in addressing complex strategic issues. As an Engagement Manager at LEK Consulting, she led projects in both the US and UK, including buy and sell-side diligence, strategic planning, business model development, and growth opportunity assessments.

Jessica’s passion lies in driving meaningful growth and value through collaborative, data-driven initiatives. She thrives on tackling rapidly evolving and complex strategic challenges, contributing to a brighter future for Hyve and the industries it serves.

After completing his studies at university and business school, Laurent embarked on an almost 25-year international career in the exhibition industry.

At RX France and North America and Hyve Group in the UK, he developed business expertise in general management, overseeing multicultural teams, and expanding businesses into new markets.

In 2017, Laurent joined Comexposium Group, where he would contribute to integration and transformation projects.

He took over the management of the division dedicated to trade shows, overseeing a portfolio of more than 50 events addressing a dozen industries and their communities.

Alongside his team of event directors, Laurent currently manages the development of leading brands such as SIAL, MILIPOL, SILMO, NRF Europe, INTERMAT, Solutrans, etc., across three continents.

Sisa Ntshona, former CEO of South African Tourism, is a global thought leader in inclusion, sustainability, and emerging markets within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. During his tenure, he elevated South Africa's profile as a premier business events destination, blending world-class standards with transformative community impact.

As South Africa gears up to host the G20 Summit in 2025, where the world's leaders will gather, Sisa's expertise is vital in showcasing the country's spirit of Ubuntu—a philosophy of shared humanity and connection. He is a passionate advocate for sustainable practices, promoting green solutions and responsible tourism to align the MICE industry with global sustainability goals.

A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Sisa Ntshona exemplifies a future-forward approach to the MICE industry, championing a vision that balances innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability while showcasing the richness of South Africa's heritage on the global stage.

Chiara Palieri is an award-winning Senior MICE Executive Advisor to the Saudi government who has been featured on CNN, Arab News, and Euronews. She is an influential advocate and speaker on Gen Y issues, education, and women in leadership. Recognized as one of the most influential people in the events industry in 2024 by Eventex, Chiara currently serves as the Director of Business Development at the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority.

A true global citizen with 13 years of best-in-class MICE experience as an Executive Conference Producer spanning eight countries, Chiara has produced IPs and managed more than 100 high-caliber LSEs for royalty, government entities, top PCOs/PEOs, and Fortune 500 companies. Before transitioning to national and city-level MICE sector strategy for the Saudi government, she established herself as a key sector subject matter expert (SME) in the Kingdom. Chiara led the MICE file at the Royal Commission for Riyadh from 2019 to 2024 and made significant contributions to the national MICE strategy developed by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority.

Part of the World Defense Show (WDS) organization since its launch, Andrew has successfully led the team through two highly successful events and is aiming even higher for the third. He is responsible for the show’s overall organization and success, working in close collaboration with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).

As CEO, Andrew oversees a permanent multicultural and multidisciplinary team of 50 based in the Riyadh head office, which expands to nearly 150 in the lead-up to the event and during its execution. Through careful selection and development, he has ensured a strong and increasing level of Saudization within the team, along with a robust talent development program across the organization.

This role builds on Andrew’s 25-year career as a well-rounded strategic and commercial professional, holding challenging positions in events, advertising, brand management, and sponsorship across industries ranging from telecoms to food and beverage.

Before joining WDS, Andrew served for five years as Chief Marketing & Insight Officer at the ADS Group (the UK trade association for Aerospace, Defense, Security, and Space) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Farnborough International. At FI, Andrew was a board director responsible for the strategic direction and commercial marketing activities of key business units, including media, communications, and sponsorship of international aviation events.

Andrew holds a degree in business studies with a major in marketing from Middlesex University in the UK and professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Anjali Rao is a multi-award-winning journalist who has spent 20 years in the top tiers of broadcast news and current affairs. Most notably, Anjali served as the anchor of CNN International's weekday breakfast show and the host of the network's weekly chat show, Talk Asia, both of which air globally to 220 million households. Earlier, she anchored at Sky News and Channel 5 News in London.

Her honest yet relaxed interview style has led to many revealing conversations with some of the world's highest-profile personalities, including the Dalai Lama, former US President Bill Clinton, pop stars Rihanna and Kanye West, sporting legends Roger Federer, Shane Warne, and Kobe Bryant, and fashion icons Karl Lagerfeld and Donatella Versace. She has also covered numerous breaking news events, including the 9/11 attacks, the 2004 Asian tsunami, the 7/7 bombings in London, the 2008 siege of Mumbai, and the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan.

Anjali is also a highly accomplished MC and panel moderator, having facilitated hundreds of top-level corporate events around the world.

Marvin Rees OBE is a British Labour Party politician who served as the Mayor of Bristol from 2016 to 2024, becoming the first person of Black African heritage to be elected mayor of any major European city.

Rees began his career with Tearfund, a leading international development agency, before moving to the USA to work with Sojourners, a social justice organization. Upon returning to the UK, he worked with BBC Bristol and later joined NHS Bristol’s Public Health team.

His mayoralty was marked by a blend of political and social leadership, earning him an international reputation for impactful governance. He oversaw the delivery of over 14,000 new homes, spearheaded Temple Quarter, one of the largest regeneration schemes in Europe, and led Bristol City Leap, a £1 billion public-private partnership to decarbonize the city’s energy system.

Marvin is a Yale World Fellow and a graduate of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from Swansea University and serves as an Honorary Industrial Professor at the University of Bristol. He attributes his commitment to social justice, ambition, and urban transformation to his experiences growing up as the mixed-race son of a single mother in 1970s and 1980s Britain.

Matteo Renzi has been the Senator of the electoral college of Florence since 2018. In his political experience he has served as Prime Minister of Italy from February 2014 to December 2016 and as Mayor of Florence from June 2009 to February 2014. He was the youngest prime minister in the history of the Italian Republic.

With his government’s economic policies, Italy has gone from -1.7% of GDP to + 1.6%. His “JobsAct” bill created 1.2 million new jobs. Foreign investment, the export of Italian products, tourism, the trust of consumers and companies all grew during his government, as had not happened since Italy’s adoption of the Euro. Renzi led the European council with the Italian presidency in the second half of 2014. He participated in numerous international meetings including three editions of the G20 (Australia, Turkey, China) and three editions of the G7. He signed the Paris agreement on environmental sustainability and climate change. He tackled the migration crisis as Prime Minister by proposing the Migration Compact in Europe and the Sophia operation named after the little girl saved at sea by Italian volunteers. He signed the law on the recognition of civil unions, multiplied state investments against poverty by 100, led the only Italian government with gender equality between women and men.

Renzi is the author of numerous publications and of a television series on the cultural, financial and artistic beauty of Florence aired in 2018-2019 on the Discovery platform. Renzi graduated in law from the University of Florence. Since 2017 he has taught a course at Stanford University at their Florence headquarters entitled “The challenges of Europe”. He is a member of a number of advisory boards. He was a leader of the Italian catholic scout. He is married to Agnese and has three children.​

Mauricio Rodas served as the Mayor of Quito, Ecuador (2014-2019). During his tenure, he hosted the UN Habitat III Conference and held prominent leadership roles, including two terms as World Co-President of UCLG, Vice-Chair of C40 Cities, and board member of the Global Covenant of Mayors and ICLEI.

Currently, Rodas is a Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania and a Senior Advisor at the Atlantic Council, where he leads the “City Champions for Heat Action” initiative. He is a member of the UN’s Committee of Experts on Public Administration, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Commission on Nature-Positive Cities, and the Executive Committee of the Global Parliament of Mayors.

Additionally, Rodas serves as the Executive Secretary of the SDSN Global Commission for Urban SDG Finance. As the founder and CEO of Meridio Consulting, he has advised cities worldwide on urban policy and climate finance. He has also been a City Diplomacy and Climate Change Advisor for Riyadh’s U20 Chairmanship and currently advises the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

A former Young Global Leader of the WEF, Rodas was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Climate Action by Apolitical. He holds a JD from Universidad Católica de Quito and two master’s degrees in Political Science and Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

John Rossant is the founder and CEO of CoMotion, a Los Angeles-based events, media, and advisory group focused on sustainable mobility. CoMotion organizes flagship events such as CoMotion LA and CoMotion MIAMI and publishes CoMotion NEWS, the CoMotion LIVE webinar series, and the Fast Forward podcast.

John is also the founder and chairman of the NewCities Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Montreal. He is passionate about fostering collaboration among stakeholders to improve the quality of life in 21st-century cities. Since its founding in 2010, NewCities has been dedicated to shaping a more sustainable urban future by scaling ideas and solutions through events, research, and urban innovation projects, with a focus on the impact of new technologies on urban development.

Previously, John served as Executive Chairman of PublicisLive in Geneva, Switzerland, overseeing the production of major global gatherings, including the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos. In 2010, at the request of French President Sarkozy, he organized the e-G8 Forum in Paris, focusing on the future of the Internet.

Before his tenure at PublicisLive, John held senior editorial positions at BusinessWeek, including Europe Editor. His journalism work earned him several prestigious awards, such as the Overseas Press Club Award and the German Marshall Fund’s Peter Weitz Award for Distinguished Reporting.

John holds advanced degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and the American University in Cairo. He serves on the boards of the Foundation Tocqueville in Paris, the Alliance for SoCal Innovation, and is a member of the Advisory Board of NEOM. Additionally, he is the founder and president of the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance, a non-profit organization in Monaco dedicated to advancing the use of renewable hydrogen in mobility and transportation.

Stefan Rummel, born in Heidelberg in 1977, has been CEO of the Messe München Group since July 2022. As co-managing director, he is responsible together with Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer for the overall management and coordination of the Messe München Group.

He is responsible worldwide for the capital goods and consumer goods trade fairs with brand such as bauma, IFAT, EXPO REAL, IAA MOBILITY, ISPO, transport logistic, INHORGENTA and ceramitec.

Internally, his responsibilities include the divisions Corporate Strategy & Development, M&A, Human Resources, Corporate Governance & Public Policy & ESG, and the operations of Messe München, comprising IT and trade fair service.

Rummel joined Messe München in 2010 and played a major role as Chief Strategy Officer in shaping the company’s development.

In 2015, he was appointed to the management board. In addition to capital goods fairs, IT and its transformation, he was also responsible for foreign business, which has been significantly expanded in recent years.

Rummel studied business management with the focus on marketing and innovation management in Munich, Wiesbaden, and New York, and obtained a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in innovation management and entrepreneurship.

Before joining Messe München, Rummel worked at the Bertelsmann Music Group BMG, Horváth and Partners, and the Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship (sce) in Munich.

Rummel represents Messe München on the Board of the SNIEC exhibition center in Shanghai. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), the Advisory Board of the German Logistics Association (BVL) and the Foreign Trade Committee of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria.

Michael Schneider serves as Chief Revenue Officer at Fortune Media. He leads all advertising sales, event sponsorship and marketing activity at the independent media company, a worldwide leader in business journalism. He has spent more than a decade at the Fortune brand, where he has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and implementing strategic initiatives for its expanding array of media platforms and live events.

Prior to Fortune, Michael held several leadership roles at Time Inc. including Senior Vice President and Group Director for the company’s financial portfolio of brands as well as SVP Group Publisher of Fortune, Money, Time and Sports Illustrated. Michael also served in senior leadership positions at CNNMoney and The Wall Street Journal.

Stephanie S. Selesnick, President of Las Vegas-based International Trade Information, Inc., works with exhibition organizers to internationalize their shows, one expo at a time. She has helped many organizers and thousands of companies successfully exhibit in trade shows in the US and around the world.

Her passion is to assist businesses in successfully connecting and building relationships by understanding cultural and business differences. Stephanie is a well-known global speaker and trainer, having shared knowledge across North and Central America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

Stephanie blogs for Exhibition World and is on the faculty of UFI’s Exhibition Management School.

A 43 year venue industry career veteran, Paul has been deeply involved with the delivery of approaching 6,000 major events that have included concerts, family entertainment, sports, conventions, exhibitions and festivals. Venues have included Wembley Stadium & Arena in London, Principality Stadium Cardiff, Suncorp Stadium Brisbane, Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, and Marvel Stadium Melbourne.

He is now ASM Global’s EVP for Asia and MENA Regions responsible for venues in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand plus the growth of the company’s business across both regions. Paul is a Director of the Asia Pacific Venue Management Association, was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II for Services to Business in 2006, and mentor to several young and aspiring venue professionals seeking to develop their career in the venue management industry.

Daria Smith is a seasoned event leader with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, renowned for her expertise in directing and delivering impactful B2B exhibitions and conferences. Currently, she serves as Portfolio Director at The Bench, where she leads the Future Hospitality Summit series, driving innovation and excellence in the hospitality sector. Daria has held senior roles with top-tier international event organisations, including Informa Markets, dmg events, and Hyve Group, successfully managing events across diverse sectors such as technology, energy, sustainability, health, design, and hospitality. Having worked extensively across Europe and the UK, she now brings her expertise to the Middle East, fostering growth and delivering exceptional events in the region. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Daria has been actively involved in initiatives to support women in the events sector. She previously served as a Founding Director and Board Member of the Women in Exhibitions Network, contributing to the creation of platforms for mentorship and professional development. Additionally, she served on the Association of Event Organisers Development Talent Development Board, focusing on talent attraction and retention within the industry. Daria continues to empower others as a mentor for Elevate Mentoring, a events career development programme. Daria recently completed an Executive MBA at Hult International Business School, underscoring her dedication to lifelong learning and staying at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.

Denis Steker has joint Koelnmesse in 2002 and has been appointed as Senior Vice President (International) of Koelnmesse in 2020. In this position, he is responsible for the international affairs of Koelnmesse, namely the strategic development of the subsidiaries outside of Germany, the international event portfolio development as well as the international sales for the global show portfolio of Koelnmesse. In his capacity, he is also heading the team that manages the German Pavilion at World EXPOs like Expo 2020 Dubai and Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Climate Action.

After his studies of Business Administration (“Diploma”, University of Cologne) he joined Koelnmesse, where during his career he gained experience in successful management of globally leading exhibitions like ORGATEC, for geo-adaption of renown IPs outside of Germany as well as for professional exhibitor services. He is keen on a professional and seamless Customer Journey in all his projects.
  
It is the objective of Denis Steker to intensify and develop the global partnerships and relationships of the company to jointly develop business and economy.

Francis X. Suarez serves the City of Miami as Mayor, working diligently to raise the standards of the community where he was born and raised. He currently also serves as Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization, tasked with approving federally required plans and transportation policies, and as President of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities.

The oldest of four siblings, Mayor Suarez was born into a family where, as he describes, “being socially conscious was a kind of requirement.” Mayor Suarez is dedicated to elevating the quality of life of the residents he serves by way of focusing on transportation and connectivity issues within the city and beyond, nurturing the growth of a tech-based economy in the area and, by extension, job creation and international opportunities with Latin America. His priorities also include affordable housing, tackling the poverty pandemic and, as a corollary, reducing crime.

Mayor Suarez graduated from Florida International University where he majored in finance and graduated in the top ten percent of his class. He went on to law school at the University of Florida Frederic G. Levin College of Law, graduating cum laude. Prior to running for public office, Mayor Suarez founded a successful real estate firm. He is also a practicing attorney with the law firm of Carlton Fields, specializing in real-estate and corporate transactions.

Mayor Suarez is married to Gloria M. Fonts. They have one child – Andrew Xavier – and consider themselves proud and blessed to be raising their family in the City of Miami.

Rakan Tarabzoni is the Chief Operating Officer of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, a role he has held since January 2020. He helped establish the Institute in 2019 while serving as Head of Corporate Communications at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia in 2016, reporting to PIF’s Governor, HE Al-Rumayyan.

Rakan held the position of Director of Corporate Communications at PIF since August 2016, where he also led the creation of the Future Investment Initiative global forum (FII) from 2017 onwards. Rakan began his career in business management at Procter and Gamble (P&G) in Saudi Arabia, after which he led marketing and communications at different entities.

He later established Blueprint Communications, a first-of-its-kind communication and marketing firm specializing in real estate. By 2011, Rakan joined Microsoft, leading the business division of Windows OS & Devices in Saudi Arabia until 2016. Rakan is a board member in the following entities: i) Saudi Polo Federation, ii) ZADK Culinary Academy, iii) FOAJ Communications Consortium, and vi) Zella Financial Solutions.

Rakan is a self-development expert and a mentor, and he established a personal blog on self-development and growth, publishing his articles on his website and on different media platforms: www.RakanTarabzoni.com.

Mark Temple-Smith has been in the business media and events industry for twenty-five years. He joined CloserStill Media in 2024.

CloserStill Media is a business-to-business exhibition organiser operating in Europe, North America and Asia, primarily within the technology, healthcare, future mobility, and infrastructure sectors. With some 700 staff in it’s offices around the world the business owns and operates over 100 events globally. Previously serving as a Board member for both the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO, North America) and the Association of Exhibition Organizers (AEO, UK), Mark has held commercial roles across the world, including being based in both Asia and the United States, and for both privately held and publicly listed businesses.

Harry Theoharis, a distinguished public servant with extensive experience in both government and the private sector, is a candidate for Secretary-General of the UNWTO. With a career spanning key roles across Greece and internationally, Mr. Theoharis has consistently demonstrated his commitment to innovation, transparency, and sustainability in all his endeavors.

Mr. Theoharis holds an MEng (Hon) in Software Engineering from Imperial College, London. Prior to his public service career, he held senior positions in well-established firms as well as start-up companies, in Greece and abroad.

From 2011 to 2012, he served as Secretary General for Information Systems, introducing critical digital services that streamlined public interactions with the government, significantly reducing bureaucracy and associated costs. His innovative approach to public service continued in his role as Secretary General for Public Revenues at the Greek Ministry of Finance (2013-2014), where he achieved key milestones in revenue targets and budget surplus. During this period, he launched the publicrevenue.gr platform, a groundbreaking initiative in public sector transparency.

As Minister of Tourism (2019-2021), Mr. Theoharis revitalized Greece's tourism sector, guiding it through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on sustainable practices and digital innovation. His efforts earned international recognition, including the "Global Champion Award for COVID-19 Crisis Management" from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in Cancun, Mexico, in April 2021.

From 2021 to 2023, he represented the New Democracy party as Parliamentary Spokesperson. Re-elected in 2023, he was subsequently appointed Deputy Minister of Finance for Taxation, a role he held until June 2024. In this capacity, Mr. Theoharis worked to promote transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the tax system while fostering a favorable environment for investment.

Our business thrives when we meet our customer’s needs, and Rachel has deep experience in making sure that a dedication to great customer experience - backed by data driven decision making - is at the forefront of everything we deliver.

In her thirteen years with RELX, Rachel has led business units delivering news, content, and technology to the legal industry at Law360 and LexisNexis, mostly recently in New York, after a starting stint in New Zealand and Australia.

The Exhibition space is a new adventure for Rachel, but she knows that her track record of navigating complex and rapidly changing environments, and fostering agility, innovation and a clear view of future direction will fit the bill.

Rachel likes to take part in driving positive change – speaking at Women in Leadership events and mentoring diverse and under-represented people whenever she can. What really motivates Rachel is seeing a team working tightly together to impact, innovate, and deliver something brilliant to the market.

Russell Wilcox has been the Executive Chairman of Clarion Events since September 2022.

He joined Clarion in 2008 following a buyout by Veronis Suhler Stevenson, joined the Board in 2010, and became CEO in March 2013. During his time as CEO Russell led the company’s expansion into new verticals, geographies and product sectors, and its transformation into one of the leading global players in the industry.

The Clarion management team led a successful secondary buyout to Providence Equity Partners in 2015, and two years later completed the sale of the business to the current sponsors, Blackstone. Under Blackstone’s ownership the business has continued to expand, whilst diversifying its portfolio with a range of complementary digital services and B2B connection-focused products. In 2018, Clarion was recognised by the Association of Event Organisers as “The Most Influential Company of the Last 25 Years”.

Russell has held a variety of senior management and board positions in the global events industry during his career. He has directly managed business in the USA, Europe, Asia, & Africa and has experience across a wide range of formats and business models.

He lives with his family in Wimbledon, London and does his best to maintain strong and active interests in history, art, music and sport.

Jochen is President and CEO of jwc GmbH, a globally leading management consulting firm for the trade fair and conference business.

jwc provides consulting services in the areas of strategy and business development, pricing of trade fair services, mergers and acquisitions, planning, construction and operations of venues, as well as business intelligence. The company is headquartered in Cologne, Germany, with offices in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Italy, and Riyadh.

jwc’s clients include publishing companies, trade fair and congress organizers, venue owners, private equity firms, service providers, and governments across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North and South America. Jochen is well-versed in international business cultures.

Jochen is a long-time veteran of the exhibition and conference industry. He is a thought leader in both sectors and holds several advisory roles for governments, venues, and organizers. He is also a sought-after speaker at congresses, board meetings, and management gatherings.

Prior to his current role, Jochen served as President and CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH from 1998 until April 2007. During this time, he successfully managed the international expansion of its portfolio, the growth of its service business, and the modernization of the exhibition grounds in Cologne.

Jochen was Chairman of the European Chapter of UFI from 1999 to 2005 and UFI President in 2006 and 2007.

Before entering the trade fair and conference business, Jochen worked as a lawyer in Germany and from 1986 to 1998 for BASF AG in various roles in Europe and Canada. He also served as President of the Potash Company of Canada in Toronto from 1993 to 1998.

In addition to Canada, Jochen has lived in Sri Lanka, Oman, and Russia. He holds university degrees in law and international taxation.

His Excellency Fahd Bin Abdulmohsan Al-Rasheed was appointed by Royal Decree as Advisor in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 2nd, 2023. 

H.E. Al-Rasheed also chairs the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority and represents the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a lead on the Urban 20 since 2020. H.E. AlRasheed also serves on the boards of multiple organizations, including: the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College, King Faisal Specialized Hospital & Research Center, New Murabba Development Company, Diriyah Gate Company Limited, Soudah Development Company, Qiddiya Investment Company, King Saud University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. 

H.E. Al-Rasheed was previously the CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), the authority responsible for the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he oversaw Riyadh’s ambitious plans to become one of the world’s leading city economies and a regional hub for investment, tourism, and livability by 2030. Prior to RCRC, H.E. Al-Rasheed was the Group CEO and Managing Director of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), which is the first publicly-listed city in the world and one of the largest private sector projects globally. Before joining KAEC, H.E. Al-Rasheed was the CFO and Deputy Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (now the Ministry of Investment). 

H.E. Al-Rasheed holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis, and an MBA from the Stanford Business School. H.E. Al-Rasheed is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program in Real Estate at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. 

H.E. Al-Rasheed was honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2011.

Zaki Abdeltawab Hasanain

Chairman of the Board at Benchmark

A Saudi entrepreneur who began his journey in the private sector in 2003 by founding Benchmark, a pioneering Saudi company in the entertainment industry. Under his leadership, Benchmark has played a leading role in organizing events, conferences, and festivals to the highest international standards.

Over the past two decades, the company has successfully organized hundreds of events and performances both within and outside the Kingdom, relying on highly skilled and trained Saudi talent. Benchmark was recognized for its efforts in promoting Saudization in the arts and entertainment sector, winning the Localization Award in 2023.

Additionally, Zaki Hasanain was honored with the Entertainment Makers Award at the Joy Awards in 2024.

Dr. Eihab H. Abourokbah
1. CEO - Saudi Entertainment and Event Management Academy
2. ⁠Chairman - Thalath International Co.
3. ⁠one of the founders and board member of the Saudi Exhibition and Conference Association
4. ⁠Member of the Business Council for Tourism and Culture at Jeddah Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Omar bin Abdullah Al-Abduljabbar

🔺 CEO of the "Hail Region Development Authority" since December 15, 2021, in Saudi Arabia.

🔺 Currently holds membership in several investment funds.

🔺 Board member of Hail Health Board.

🔺 General Supervisor of the Hail International Rally since 2024 to present.

🔺 Served as Deputy General Supervisor of the Vision Realization Office at the Ministry of Education from 2021 to 2022.

🔺 Worked as a Consultant at the Ministry of Economy and Planning between 2020 and 2021.

🔺 Leader of the Vision Realization Office at the Ministry of Economy and Planning from 2017 to 2020.

🔺 Served as General Manager of Business Development at Swicorp Company in 2017.

🔺 Held several positions at Alinma Investment Company, including:
- CEO of Sales from 2015 to 2017,
- Chief Operating Officer from 2011 to 2015,
- CEO of Brokerage from 2009 to 2011.

🔺 Held multiple board memberships, including:
- Board member of the Quality of Life Program from 2018 to 2021,
- Board member and member of the executive committee at the Asir Region Development Authority from 2018 to 2021,
- Member of the Asir Regional Council from 2018 to 2021,
- Member of the Services and Projects Committee in the Emirate of Asir Region from 2018 to 2021.

🔺 Worked as Head of Brokerage at Jadwa Investment Company between 2008 and 2009.

🔺 Head of the Local Equities Department at Bank Albilad from 2005 to 2008.

🔺 Head of Brokerage at Emirates Bank in Riyadh from 2004 to 2005.

🔺 Head of Samba Trading Unit at Samba Financial Group from 1997 to 2004.

🔺 Currently serves on the boards of several charitable and humanitarian Associations.

🔺 Holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from King Saud University, obtained in 1997

Bilal Al Barmawi

CEO & Founder of 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences and Consultant for the MICE industry

Chairman of Middle East & North Africa chapter of the International Organization of Exhibition and Events with 25 years of Experience

Member of UFI, ICCA, PCMA, MPI, IAEE & SISO Associations

Eng. Hisham Al-Dabbagh has held the position of CEO of the Asir Region Development Authority since 2022. The Authority is working to implement the “Qimam and Shim” strategy after its approval by the Council of Ministers. The Authority is now supervising the implementation of this strategy in a way that achieves development and its direction in the Asir region. He held the position of Advisor to the Minister of Investment, responsible for leading the National Investment Strategy file and establishing the implementation unit associated with it in the Ministry. He worked as an advisor at the Ministry of Economy and Planning, where he was responsible for several files, including reforming the retirement system, financial policy (under the name of the Financial Balance Program, which was later transformed into the Financial Sustainability Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030), and was seconded as the head of the National Center for Strategic Development Studies. He worked at McGraw-Hill Education, first as Business Development Manager, then as the company’s director in the Kingdom. He held the position of Investment Manager at Manara Company in the Kingdom of Bahrain and worked in general planning for Saudi Aramco as an analyst of the global economy and oil markets. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering with two certificates in Applied Mathematics and Engineering Management Systems from Princeton University in the United States of America in 2001. He then obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard University in the United States of America in 2007.

Chairman of the Advisory Committee at SECA, Saudi Leadership Society Member and 2030 leader.

Yasir Alsaggaf is an accomplished TV presenter with over 10 years of experience behind the microphone and camera. He has hosted hundreds of formal occasions, including governmental events attended by royal figures.

Yasir is best known as the presenter of the famous TV show 'The Voice', which airs for multiple consecutive weeks on MBC. In [insert year], he was recognized by the public as one of the best hosts in Saudi Arabia. Throughout his career, Yasir has showcased his exceptional skills and expertise as a TV presenter, making him a well-known and respected figure in Saudi Arabia's entertainment industry.

AlAbdali is a seasoned C-suite executive with extensive experience in strategy, transformation, and corporate excellence across ministries, government authorities, and the private sector. He is known for driving successful transformations, aligning strategic initiatives with business goals, and fostering innovation. Mohammed has a proven track record in PMO governance, regulatory compliance, and financial strategy, with a focus on performance optimization and sustainable growth.

His previous experiences include leadership roles such as Vice President of Strategy and Transformation and Acting CEO at (SCEGA). He has also served as Director of EPMO and Transformation at the Ministry of Energy, where he led strategic initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. In the private sector, Mohammed held key positions as Head of Performance Excellence and Manager of Operations at Ingeus Saudi Arabia, driving operational efficiency and enhancing performance.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Western Michigan University and is certified in key leadership and management programs, including Harvard Business School's Mastery Session for Leading Successful Change Initiatives, KAUST's Saudi Leadership Program, and the SABIC Leadership Program.

Eng. Adnan Fareed Asaly
Vice President for Strategic Planning at the Eastern Region Development Authority

He has extensive experience in the energy sector, strategic planning, business development and entity establishment with over 20 years of experience. He has also held several leadership positions in the public and private sectors.

Eng. Adnan Asaly was appointed as Vice President for Strategic Planning at the Eastern Region Development Authority effective September 2024.

Previously, he held the position of Founding Head of the Strategic Office for the Development of Al-Jouf Region and Advisor to His Highness the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee and Advisor to His Excellency the Minister of State. He also served as Executive Director of Strategic Planning at the Saudi Industrial Development Fund. Asaly also held the position of Vice President for Business Development at Aramco Ventures and Acting Chief Operating Officer at Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, and before that, he held several leadership positions at Saudi Aramco for over 15 years.

Asaly holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. He completed the Executive Programme in Strategy and Finance from London Business School (LBS) and the Executive Programme in Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton ARC).

Mohammed Hussein Al-Faraj is the CEO of Ramtan, a
leading company in organizing exhibitions and conferences
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mr. Al-Faraj possesses
extensive experience spanning many years in this field,
where he has significantly contributed to the development of
the exhibition industry in the Kingdom. Under his leadership,
Ramtan has successfully organized numerous successful
exhibitions, most notably the Restatex Real Estate
Exhibitions, spanning 33 editions covering major regions in
the Kingdom (Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Province), attracting
major investors and real estate developers from across the
Kingdom. Mr. Al-Faraj strives to develop the real estate
sector through continuous innovation, which he consistently
delivers.

Eng. Anas Alhumaid has over 15 years of experience in the field of governmental and commercial communication. He contributed to launching several major communication initiatives that exceeded the borders of Saudi Arabia, and hundreds of communication campaigns, starting from developing the strategy and extending to implementation and facing challenges to achieve the desired results and the sustainability of initiatives for several seasons.
This journey witnessed distinctive milestones in the field of managing major communication events, besides the courage to innovate new methods to present and deliver them to beneficiaries, most notably:
Wa’ai Award
It has been successful for 6 seasons, reaching the entire Arab world, as the award received entries from all Arab countries.
Walk 30 Initiative
It aims to create a community event that highlights walking for health, extended for four seasons, in which the World Health Organization Director-General, Dr. Tedros, participated.
Live Well Initiative
The official awareness platform of the Saudi Ministry of Health, which has presented hundreds of communication campaigns that have achieved dozens of awards locally and internationally and have achieved positive results in terms of health awareness and response to preventive behaviors.
His successful journey also includes a list of major events and exhibitions where he distinctively highlighted the entities he represents. For example, Global Health Exhibition, the most important health event in the region, with unprecedented numbers that exceeded the target, in which his leadership traits emerged in managing work teams and major and branching paths based on a successful vision.
Among these great events is hosting the High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in Saudi Arabia, where more than 50 countries represented by ministers and official delegations participated. In this conference, he played comprehensive roles to meet the participants’ needs applying integrated executive management.

Professor MOHAMMAD ALOBAIDA

KING SAUD UNIVERSITY.

DIRECTOR OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES.

Former president of the the Saudi Dental Society.

Abdulhadi Al-Qahtani

Founder and CEO of Hawadi Group since 2008, Saudi Arabia.
He is also the Chairman of the Board of Jazil Center for Studies and Research, Mayadeen Development Company (specializing in building and operating theaters), Innovation Production Limited Company (specializing in event setup), Noura Hotels Company, and Quintessential Arabia Company. Additionally, he is a partner and board member at Masarra Hospitality Company and Al-Mudhafa Al-Haditha Foods Company.
He is a member of the National Entertainment Committee of the Saudi Chambers Council.

Saud AlSabhan Vice governor of entrepreneurship
General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises “Monshaat”

Saud AlSabhan is an experienced entrepreneurship advocate and government official with a background in marketing and business development. After obtaining his Master's degree in Business Administration from Seattle University, he joined multiple organizations from the private sector and was later promoted to several key positions within the government. In 2021, he was appointed as the Vice Governor of the SME Authority (Monshaat), where he has been instrumental in implementing policies and initiatives aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises. He has established a comprehensive SME support ecosystem, promoted digital transformation, encouraged global partnerships, and advocated for women in business. AlSabhan is also dedicated to philanthropy, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and women's empowerment.

25 years of experience in MICE industrial and business events Interested in creating events for the non-profit sector and the tourism sector, in addition to his interest in marketing and customer experience CX

Positions:

• CEO & Board Member of Thalath International Co.

• Founder and Board member of SEMA Academy for Exhibitions and Conferences.

• General Supervisor of the Islamic Conference and Madinah Conference for Awqaf.

• Certified trainer for the CEM program in Arabic for IAEE in the Middle East.

Memberships:

• Member of IAEE and SECA Association.

• Chairman of the Events Committee of the SECA Association.

• Member of the Advisory Group of the SEGA General Authority | 2015-2019.

• Former Member of the National Committee for Exhibitions and Conferences in the Council of Saudi Chambers

• Vice Chairman of the Events Organizers Committee at Jeddah Chamber | 2013 – 2019.

Scientific studies:

• PMP Certificate

• CEM Certificate

• Information Systems Engineering - Amman University.

• Diploma in Exhibition and Conference Management and Organization - King Abdulaziz University.

The most important exhibitions and conferences that he created:

• International Exhibition for Non-Profit Sector (IENA)

• Saudi International Exhibition for Animal Production.

• Voyagers International Forum.

• International Forum of Corporate Communication Leaders.

• In addition to 12 events for the non-profit sector and 12 events for the tourism sector 

Posts:

• He participated in more than 420 business events between creating, organizing, managing, supervising and consultancy. 

• Presenter of several workshops, training courses in government and private sectors and Chamber of Commerce, in addition Speaker in some of MICE conferences such as (Expo Expo, SMF, SMIC, SCEF.. etc.)

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, CUBEX.

Born in Riyadh, Eng.Mohammed AlBati is a skilled visionary in the event and project management field with a decade of diverse experience across government, corporate, and international projects.

As the Co-Founder and CEO of CubeX, DHOU, Internally, and Core Event, he's been at the forefront of delivering high-impact events that set benchmarks for excellence.

His leadership has driven CubeX to execute prestigious projects, including recent projects such as, United Nation Internet Governance Forum ( IGF ), the UNWTO 116th Executive Meeting in Jeddah, ICAN 2023 (Global Aviation's Premiere Air Services Negotiation Event), his commitment to excellence has positioned him as a key figure in showcasing Saudi Arabia’s cultural authenticity and modern achievements globally, and many more.

Additionally, he was the Events Director for the G20 Saudi Secretariat, earning him the King Abdulaziz Medal for his contributions, and previously held advisory roles in government entities.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Griffith University, he began his professional journey in healthcare engineering before transitioning to the field of event management and proven his track record of orchestrating large-scale events and cross-sector collaborations.

Mohammed AlBati is dedicated to transforming Saudi Arabia’s event management industry into a global benchmark of innovation and excellence.

I have more than 17 years of experience working in the fields of customer/visitor experience, marketing, training, teaching and research. I am a specialist in both qualitative and quantitative research with a focus on consumer, visitor insight and behavior. I published over 100 articles on marketing and consumer behavior. Additionally, I also served a number of governmental and private sectors.

Wejdan Alessa,
An expert in the events industry, a board member of the Saudi Exhibitions and Conferences Association, She has worked on developing numerous initiatives, aiming to enhance creative concepts to deliver exceptional experiences. She has planned and managed over 100 events and initiatives, contributing to the achievement of objectives for various organizations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Chairman of Saudi Customer Experience Association, specializing in the growth and development of SMEs. A leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, certified by Babson College Global. Holds an Executive Management Certificate from Prince Mohammed bin Salman College and a Service Quality and Customer Experience Certificate from Disney Institute.

Mr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Husseini, Executive Consultant at Riyadh Exhibitions Company Ltd., Board Member of the International Association of Exhibitions (UFI) - Middle East and Africa Chapter, and a founding member of the Saudi Exhibitions and Conferences Association. also a member of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and holds a bachelor's degree in Media and Public Relations from King Saud University.

Hatim has 20+ years of experience across the public and private sector, in leadership roles in listed companies, both multinational and local.

Before joining SCEGA, Hatim was the RCRC lead for the digital economy development of Riyadh, where he worked with national government entities to build a tech and digital economy befitting the aspirations of the country’s leadership and the capital’s residents.

Before joining RCRC in 2020, Hatim served in several leadership roles at Careem from its early days as a Series B startup until its acquisition by Uber, first in Saudi country management (~$200m topline), and later in tech.

Previously, as an Industry Head at Google, Hatim has been an advisor to senior leaders in the public and private sector on capturing value from the digital economy.

Hatim holds an MBA from INSEAD and a BSc in EE from KFUPM.

Naif Awadh Alkarshami, co-founder and Chairman of the Board at Mufeed Company since 2023, has extensive experience in the field of public relations and media since 2009. He began his journey as a consultant and specialist in developing media and public relations strategies, coupled with his experience as a television director at Saudi TV.

Naif has held memberships in several prominent media councils and committees, including the "E’lamioon" Board of Directors and the "Munathimon" Association, cementing his role as a key figure in the media and social sectors.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from King Abdulaziz University and a Diploma in Television and Radio Direction from King Saud University. Naif stands out with his exceptional skills in public relations, coordination, follow-up, and providing media and social consultancy.

He has earned prestigious awards, most notably the Best Operetta Award for the Medina Capital of Islamic Tourism in 2017 and the Tourism Excellence Award. Naif has also excelled in producing and directing distinguished programs such as Afaq Thaqafiya (Cultural Horizons), Al-Muwajaha (The Confrontation), and Deen wa Dunya (Religion and World), leaving a significant imprint on Saudi media.

Alaa works as Events Development Director at Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, and he has an extensive experience in the field of events, having worked in various fields in the public and private sectors.

The nature of the events he supervised varied varied across MICE sector. He also supervised the events of the Crown Prince’s visit to three cities in the United States of America for SABIC. As well as, played a major role while he was managing top business events at Maraya in AlUla such as GCC Summit, Aramco BoD meeting and PIF BoD meeting.

Alaa has progressed through his career in a number of governmental and private entities such as Shura Council, Tourism Authority, SABIC, and the Royal Commission for AlUla Governor.

Alaa holds a Master’s degree in International Events Management from Glasgow Caledonian University in UK and a Bachelor’s degree in Media Management and Public Relations from King Saud University in Riyadh.

Abdulaziz Almugyteeb is an accomplished Executive with over 18 years of diverse experience, notably as the founder of Mung Investments. He has successfully led numerous initiatives, identified opportunities and transformed ideas into impactful projects. His leadership is reflected in the orchestration of over 1,200 significant events across various sectors, including government, corporate, entertainment, and education.

With a degree in Mathematics from a prestigious university in the Kingdom, Abdulaziz possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills. His commitment to ongoing education is evident through his Executive certifications from renowned institutions, including:

- INSEAD
- London Business School
- Stanford University
- IE University
- Imperial College Business School
- Mohammed Bin Salman College for Business & Entrepreneurship (MBSC)

These experiences have equipped him with a diverse skill set encompassing Leadership and Management, Strategic Thinking and Innovation, Corporate Governance Knowledge, and Financial Insight. Abdulaziz’s dedication to excellence and mentorship positions him as a transformative leader in today’s business landscape, committed to driving growth and innovation across industries.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Haseef for Exhibitions and

Conferences and B&S Investment , whose operations span Riyadh,

Dubai, and France. He has over 10 years of experience in

entrepreneurship and event management, having led prominent

projects and contributed to the development of various sectors,

including food, tourism, industry, and event organization.

Among his most notable achievements is the establishment of

companies such as Fly and More for tourism, Art Productions for

industry, and The Food Lines for delivering innovative hospitality

.experiences

Haseef Company is committed to driving international expansion, with

.a vision focused on supporting sustainability and innovation

Eng. Wafi Saeed Alqahtani, a visionary leader and distinguished businessman, holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from King Saud University, graduating in 2009. With a solid academic foundation, he embarked on a successful career in business and events, proving himself as one of the leading figures in the industry.
Eng. Wafi currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board and CEO of Mufeed Company. He is also a member of several company boards, bringing deep strategic insights that foster innovation and growth. As the founder and CEO of Mufeed, he has transformed the company since 2009 into one of the leading companies in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, earning a first-class rating, with a workforce exceeding 500 employees. The company plays a key role in driving business growth through strategic planning and innovative customer-focused initiatives.

Mufeed Company owns a group of companies working in the field of events, marketing, media production and support services.
• EVEX :Organizing events and exhibitions.
• FOCUS :Media production.
• Innov8 :Marketing solutions.
• WHITE :Lighting, sound and display systems.
• CURVE :Decoration works for events and exhibitions.

Wafi's journey in the Event Management field spans over several years, marked by innovation and successful execution of diverse events. His leadership has not only steered Mufeed Company to new heights but has also contributed significantly to the growth and vibrancy of the industry.

Known for his dedication, Wafi Saeed Alqahtani continues to shape the future of events and entertainment, combining his engineering background with a keen business acumen, creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Dr. Zohair Mohammed Al-sarraj
• CEO, TSG for Mice Events.
• Chairman of Saudi Exhibition and Conference Association (SECA).
• Former Vice President of SEMA (Saudi events and Mice Academy).
• Board Member of National Program for Mice.
• Former Acting Chairman of Mice Committee in Riyadh Chamber of Commerce.
• Former Vice Chairman of National Committee of Tourism Entertainment and Event in the Saudi Union of National Commercial Chambers.
• Former Board Member in the National Program for Nationalization of Tourism Jobs (Takamol).

Yousef Saleh Alsayegh
He possesses extensive experience spanning over three decades in organizing exhibitions and conferences within Saudi Arabia and internationally. He has held various positions, most notably as General Manager of Public Relations and Exhibitions, where he oversaw the organization of more than 34 international exhibitions and facilitated business delegations for Saudi entrepreneurs to several countries, including South Africa, the UK, Egypt, and Lebanon.

He has been actively involved in planning and supervising Saudi pavilions at international exhibitions, including the Kingdom’s pavilion at the Lisbon Expo in 1989. He has held leadership roles such as Chairman of the Public Relations and Media Committee for major conferences.

Furthermore, he has been a member of national and international committees specializing in exhibitions, including the Arab Union for Exhibitions and the Council of Saudi Chambers, where he chaired and participated in national and Gulf committees dedicated to advancing the exhibition industry.

Additionally, he contributed to organizing media campaigns for exhibitions and managing relations with participating entities, providing him with comprehensive expertise in developing and managing events on regional and international levels.

Mr. Bader AlSheikh has extensive administrative experience exceeding 25 years, worked in various governmental and private sectors, held numerous leadership positions in the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, and has held the position of Assistant to Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu President since 2020.

He led numerous of work teams in the fields of organizational excellence and governance, and holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in administrative sciences.

Passionate about customer experience, Abdulaziz Alshamsan is an expert with over 25 years of experience working with Saudi Telecom Company and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. He is an outstanding talent in marketing, customer experience, digital transformation, and e-commerce. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated high originality and creativity. Previously, he was responsible for the CX deputyship in HRSD, which develops service delivery channels and communication between the Ministry and its customers, including customer care and social media. Furthermore, he was responsible for the Ministry’s marketing activities and corporate communication. Abdulaziz is the CEO of CX World Forum & Saudi Customer Experience Awards and the CEO and founder of CXKSA. A company that will transform the CX industry future in the region.

Sara Abdullah Alshurayhi
Senior Project Manager at TopEx with extensive experience in conferences and exhibitions, leading successful projects locally and internationally with strategic excellence and technical innovation. Holds the internationally recognized PMP certification.

Dr. Ahmed Alzahrani brings over 25 years of experience in the public sector, serving in diverse roles across policy, research, academia, advisory, and administrative domains. He has held key positions in several government organizations, including Head of the Economic and Finance Department and Director of the Business Center, where he spearheaded the innovation, development, and commercialization of IPA’s intellectual services.
He also served as Deputy Director General for the National Labor Observatory at the Human Resource Development Fund, where he played a pivotal role in activating the Labor Market Information System (LMIS). Following this, he became a Senior Advisor for Strategy and Research at the Capital Market Authority (CMA).
Since 2018, Dr. Alzahrani has been with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, initially as Deputy Minister for Labor Policies and Chair of the G20 Employment Group in 2020. In the same year, he established and now leads the Deputyship for Skills and Training, driving the national skilling agenda, including the development of the National Skills Strategy, Sector Skills Councils, and National Occupational Standards.
Dr. Ahmed holds a PhD in Economics and Finance from Brunel University London and has research interests in public policy, labor economics, behavioral economics, and financial markets. In recognition of his contributions, he was recently awarded the King Abdulaziz Order (Second Degree) for his national achievements.

Labeed Assidmi is an accomplished creative leader with expertise of 17 years spanning
marketing operations, branding, event management, and corporate gifting. As a Partner and
Creative Director at Bllor, he leads innovative marketing strategies, develops compelling brand narratives, and oversees the execution of high-profile campaigns and events. In his role as Senior Marketing Operations Manager at Retal Urban Development, he ensures alignment and excellence across marketing deliverables in the real estate sector.

Labeed is also the Founder and Owner of Pinnizer, a thriving lapel pin e-store known for
creating bespoke designs for corporations, events, and national occasions, leveraging six
years of experience in corporate gifting and brand loyalty. With a legal background, he provides copyright advisory to protect creative works. Passionate about blending creativity with strategy, Labeed bridges business objectives with impactful results.

Anju brings over 25 years of expertise in conference, association, and events management, bolstered by a background in the airline and tourism industry. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce and Business Management, a Master's degree in Business Administration specializing in Marketing and Finance Management, and a post-graduation degree in Business Management.

Recognized for her pragmatic influence and strong leadership, Anju emphasizes education and capacity building for successful event execution in diverse locations. As an independent, committed professional, she approaches her work with innovation and a deep passion, culminating in a well-rounded perspective shaped by extensive experience.

Representing ICCA in the Middle East, Anju advocates the belief that business events serve as catalysts for sustainability, leaving a lasting legacy and yielding impactful outcomes.

Islam

I am an experienced Vice President and GM with over 12 years in the events industry. Since the establishment of DMG KSA in Saudi Arabia, I have played a key role in organizing and managing more than 75 events across various sectors, including construction, hospitality, entertainment, logistics, and food and beverage.

Having been raised and educated in Saudi Arabia, I have spent my entire career in the Kingdom. This deep understanding of the local vision and development goals has enabled us to create over 20 (IPs) that now attract international exhibitors and visitors from around the world.

All DMG events in the Kingdom are aligned with the country's vision and objectives.

Mr. Omar Abdul Jdidani he CEO of "Real Shadow Group," which includes three sectors: construction, advertising, and translation. He began his career in 1998 with Dar AlArkan Construction Company, and later served as the Executive Director of Dar Al-Majalat Advertising for 19 years. With over 20 years of experience, he has managed numerous projects in advertising, and event management. In 2020, he founded "Real Shadow" in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the realization of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals

Hamza Jeddawi, the Chief Experience Development Officer at the Saudi Tourism Authority, has over 20 years of experience in marketing, investment, and tourism. Hamza holds several leadership positions in prominent organizations and has participated in major national initiatives, such as representing Saudi Arabia at the G20. Additionally, he is an active member of various advisory boards and judging panels.

Simon Mead is Head of DMC at Discover Saudi, the Kingdoms leading integrated Destination Management Company. He is responsible for the company’s operational service delivery and front-line teams across Saudi Arabia.
   
Prior to joining Discover Saudi, Simon has had extensive experience in the hospitality tourism industries in Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South-East Asia, and the UAE where he was Head of Operations at dnata Travel (part of the Emirates Group) for the Destination Management brands incorporating the Arabian Adventures, Gulf Ventures and dnata Cruise.

Farah Mohsen
Farah Mohsen is the CEO of 4events, with a pioneering background in the exhibitions and conferences industry. She founded the first company in Saudi Arabia specializing in crowd management, registration systems technology, and database management for this sector.
She introduced an innovative investment model in the exhibitions and conferences field, which significantly advanced the concepts of crowd management and hospitality, leaving a positive impact on the industry. Her efforts have empowered more than 20,000 young men and women to work in the events and exhibitions sector.

Throughout her career, Farah has overseen the execution of over 1,300 projects since 2012 across various cities in Saudi Arabia, solidifying her position as a leader in the field.

 Additionally, she previously served as a member of the National Committee for Exhibitions and Conferences and as the CEO of student clubs at the Preparatory Year at King Saud University.

Dr. Emad Monshi
An academic practitioner in the event industry work more than 20 years of experience in consulting public, private and nonprofit organisations, education and training at a national and international levels.

DANIEL PONZO: Managing Director, Zahid Travel Group
With over three decades of extensive experience in General Management within the global travel industry, Daniel Ponzo, the Managing Director of Zahid Travel Group emerges as a seasoned professional at the helm of a leading travel and destination management company in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, serving as a distinguished partner of Reed&Mackay, a prominent global travel network, his purview extends to steering the strategic direction, overseeing operations, and facilitating growth for the company.

Adept at orchestrating large-scale Digital Transformation (DX) projects, Mr. Daniel Ponzo is at the forefront of developing innovative digital solutions tailored for both B2B and B2C customers. His role encompasses not only envisioning the future trajectory of the company but also ensuring the successful implementation of cutting-edge initiatives.

Beyond his role at Zahid Travel Group, he extends their influence as an Advisory Board Member for two prestigious travel events in the Middle East: The Travel Tech Congress and the MALT- Meetings Arabia Luxury Trave Congress. In these capacities, he generously shares insights, expertise, and a visionary perspective on the latest trends, innovations, and challenges within the travel sector. Committed to fostering the growth of the regional travel community, they actively contribute to the development and enhancement of the industry. Daniel Ponzo is passionate about creating enduring value, elevating customer experience, and catalysing transformation within the travel sector, the Managing Director exemplifies a profound commitment to excellence and leadership in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

The CEO of the Saudi Exhibitions and Marketing Company "SEMARK" since 2012. SEMARK is considered one of the leading exhibitions, conferences and events companies in the Kingdom. It is a Saudi company established in 2009. SEMARK organizes the Saudi International Food, Beverage and Hospitality Exhibition "HORECA" in Riyadh and Jeddah, the "E-Motor Show", the Gardens and cooking Festival, the Salon Du Chocolate et Le Patisserie , and many others.

He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Event Management from the University of Salford in UK, and a certificate in Strategic Development and a certificate in People Management.

Jad has been working in the field of exhibitions, conferences and events since 2006, where he contributed to the establishment and implementation of many exhibitions and conferences in the Kingdom, and he also worked on importing many international exhibitions and events to the Kingdom. He has been a member of the International Exhibitions and Conferences Organization since 2010, and he also contributed to working within the advisory board for the Saudi Exhibitions and Conventions burau from 2015 to 2017.