adnec names uk’s cmp information as foundation partners
Leading organiser generated AED 1.27 billion in revenues in 2006
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has signed a long-term agreement with the UK’s CMP Information (CMPi) to organise a series of exhibitions in Abu Dhabi. The multiple-year deal is designed to provide a boost to the capital’s exhibition industry.
CMP Information have already committed to organising five shows in Abu Dhabi at the capital’s new 57,000 square metre exhibition centre. The innovative 'Foundation Partner' strategy sees the venue and organiser making a mutual commitment to developing shows and Abu Dhabi's exhibition sector, to serve the destination's rapidly emerging markets.
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of ADNEC, said: “The events industry is a powerful medium through which Abu Dhabi can attract the attention of the region and the world. “We encourage organisers such as CMPi to organise top class events in the emirate and stimulate business throughout the region. We recognise the foresight of these exhibition organisers and will support them by providing a world class platform and organisational know-how to develop their shows.”
Chris Fountain, Event Director, CMPi UAE, said; "We are delighted to be one of the 'Foundation Partners' at Abu Dhabi's new world-class exhibition centre, with phase one due to open early next year. This gives CMPi a great opportunity in this exciting and emerging market, further enhancing our ever-growing worldwide portfolio."
Operating internationally, CMPi provides creative professional media solutions to around 20 industry sectors. Its products, including magazines, exhibitions, conferences, awards, information products and websites, are targeted at business professionals across a range of markets; these include Construction & Architecture, Commercial Property, Licensed Trade, Travel, Agriculture and Ingredients. CMPi has around 1,200 employees in the UK, US, Asia, Europe, India and South America and in 2006, generated around AED 1.27 billion (£170m) in revenues.
Mr. Fountain added: “CMPi has evaluated the potential of the Gulf region, and have committed to Abu Dhabi because of its strategic location, it’s strengths as a financial centre; and due to the business opportunities this area offers in terms of emerging markets.
Simon Horgan, ADNEC chief executive, said: “The unprecedented scale of developments currently underway and in the planning stages for Abu Dhabi are driving massive demand for exhibitions to serve that activity. We are delighted to welcome CMPi as one of ADNEC's Foundation Partners and look forward to working together to deliver successful exhibitions.
He noted that Abu Dhabi offers huge potential for the exhibition business and an increasing number of international organisers have committed to making the most of the unrivalled opportunities on offer in the capital.
“Our innovative Foundation Partner concept is a new way of building an exhibition business and symbolises the strongest mutual commitment to working together to maximise the impact of exhibitions,” Mr. Horgan stressed.
The new exhibition complex is already well advanced in its construction with the first phase of the 57,000 square metres of halls opened in 2007. The completed venue features a 21,000 square metre visitor concourse and dedicated conference facilities for 1,200 people.
CMPi’s first event in the Middle East titled Working Buildings Middle East will take place take place from 10-12 December 2007 within the new ADNEC.
