Events hit as UAE records heaviest rain in 75 years

Sweeping floods disrupted event operations as the UAE grappled with the most severe rainfall in nearly 75 years.

The deluge led to several cancellations and postponements even as authorities acted to restore normalcy. That’s the main event story – read more about it below.

Here are the full headlines of this week’s event news updates:

• Events impacted as UAE hit by heaviest rains in 75 years
• EIC signs new partnership to support sustainable event venues
• ExCeL visitors are eco-sensitive, keen on tech and Insta-friendly content: survey  
• Lori Hoinkes appointed new Manchester Central CEO
• AEO launches new networking event for members

ExpoPlatform has introduced new powerful features to supercharge the attendee experience at IMEX Frankfurt in May. Read all about it here

Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️

Events impacted as UAE hit by heaviest rains in 75 years

Events were cancelled and organizers left reeling after devastating floods hit the UAE. 

Dubai was the most severely impacted as the Emirates recorded the heaviest rain in 75 years.

For instance, Middle East Energy was entirely scrapped by Informa Markets due to the adverse weather conditions.A few crypto conferences were also cancelled as flights were delayed or rescheduled and refunds issued for tickets.

It is understood several organizers in the region have had their day-to-day operations significantly affected.

Many eventprofs could not be reached for an update even as authorities scrambled to restore normalcy amid the torrential floods.

Dawoud Al Hajri, director general of Dubai Municipality, said: “Our teams have been operating non-stop, executing comprehensive strategies across all areas and coordinating closely with our strategic partners.”

.@rta_dubai and @DMunicipality intensify field operations to restore full normalcy in the emirate following severe weather conditions. #Dubai https://t.co/noE0AF3lpp pic.twitter.com/fQsgIYrWVo

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 19, 2024

Mattar Al Tayer, director general of RTA Dubai, said: “RTA has proactively developed an integrated plan to address potential weather-related disruptions. ”

Leading organizers like Dubai World Trade Centre later issued a statement announcing the resumption of operations.

This week saw unexpected weather in Dubai, but despite challenges, DWTC is now fully operational thanks to our dedicated team. We look forward to hosting events next week, starting with Petworld Arabia on Monday at 10 am. Explore our calendar at https://t.co/ch7PRjRzd9 pic.twitter.com/nGpgyu6M6N

— Dubai World Trade Centre (@DWTCOfficial) April 19, 2024

EIC signs new partnership to support sustainable event venues

The Events Industry Council (EIC) has entered a new partnership to advance and develop sustainable event venues. 

Breaking – EIC announces new strategic partnership with Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in sustainable venue operations. https://t.co/x2JdVkwl8f#sustainablevents #SEPC #businessevents #EventProfs #EIC75 pic.twitter.com/KBwxqJP5JE

— Events Industry Council (@Events_Council) April 15, 2024

The alliance with Oak View Group (OVG) – one of the largest in scale – enables OVG to enhance its sustainability efforts and facilitate eco-friendly events for clients and partners across its portfolio.

OVG aims to certify over 60 venues, such as Chicago’s McCormick Place and the Miami Beach Convention Center, in a phased strategy.

EIC CEO Amy Calvert said: “The partnership is grounded in our shared goals of promoting event industry excellence, advancing uniform standards of practice, and setting the highest standards for professional and personal growth for those in our industry.

“We are thrilled to work with Oak View Group to certify their convention centers to EIC’s Sustainable Events Standards. This work will benefit our industry and the countless event professionals we serve.”

Greg O’Dell, president of venue management, OVG: “Oak View Group is excited about this partnership because it provides real resources and support to our convention centers.

“These include opportunities to be recognized for their individual sustainability efforts, and professional education to equip convention centers with sustainability support.”

ExCeL visitors are eco-sensitive, keen on tech and Insta-friendly content: survey  

A new study has revealed ExCeL London visitors are predominantly tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z who prioritize sustainability and prefer Instagrammable content.

This information comes from a partnership with YouGov, a leading data analytics firm, to study the behaviors of ExCeL’s four million yearly guests.

Here are some highlights:

• Two-thirds are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products and believe electric vehicles are the future.
• Highly active on social media, many even create their own content.
• More than half stated they are frequently the initial adopters of new tech products

Jonathan Neill, partnerships director at ExCeL, said: “As the home of world-leading events, ExCeL attracts millions of visitors every year to London to attend events varying from cutting-edge technology and innovation, in-depth medical congresses, to immersive entertainment experiences.

“By working with YouGov we can become data driven and insight led, helping us to better define and engage with our audience for ourselves, our clients, and our partners.”

He added: “This year is an exciting time for ExCeL with the opening of our new 25,000sqm expansion in Q4, together with our redeveloped waterfront opening in the summer.

“As a result, we will have even more visitors through our doors, who we can deeply understand – providing great opportunities for like-minded brands to positively engage our visitors, and ultimately meet their brand and business objectives.”

ExCeL has leveraged YouGov Profiles for in-depth attendee insights.

The daily data from 17 million+ members in 49 markets provides an updated picture of visitor demographics, behaviour and attitudes.

Lori Hoinkes appointed new Manchester Central CEO

The Manchester Central Convention Centre has named Lori Hoinkes to replace outgoing CEO Shaun Hinds.

Lori will join Manchester Central in May to enhance its international stature, seize market opportunities and strengthen its economic influence in the region.

A new chapter ?

We're thrilled to announce that Lori Hoinkes will take on the role of Manchester Central CEO in May.

Lori has over fifteen years’ experience in leading strategic growth initiatives across the UK and globally, most recently as Chief Growth Officer at Montgomery… pic.twitter.com/Z1A2f6b6Qc

— Manchester Central (@mcr_central) April 17, 2024

Her role also includes optimizing operational performance and positioning it as a top event hub that drives Greater Manchester’s economic and cultural progress.

In addition, she will also supervise the launch of the new Junction venue, slated to open this year.

Lori said: “I am thrilled to be stepping into the position to lead Manchester Central, a venue with a storied history and a bright future.

“My immediate goal is to build on the solid foundation laid by my predecessor, ensuring a smooth transition that maintains our commitment to excellence in hosting world-class events.

“We are at a critical juncture as we look to not only continue welcoming visitors from across the globe but also to innovate and set new benchmarks for the industry.

“I am eager to work with the team, our partners, and the community to propel Manchester Central to even greater heights.”

AEO launches new networking event for members

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has announced a new knowledge and networking event for its members.

‘AEO Marketing Social’ is led by Chloe Monina and Jessica Hockman, marketing directors at Professional Beauty Group and Informa Markets, respectively.

The event will take place on May 21 2024 at Informa Markets’ London office and connect nearly 50 marketing professionals from different industries.

Activities include networking and an icebreaker, followed by expert-led roundtables (10 attendees each) on key topics: AI, social media, efficiency, data management and MarTech.

Chloe said: “The marketing working group was formed just under a year ago, and I’m really pleased that one of the key objectives derived from the meeting, which was increasing members’ connections within the industry, has resulted in the launch of a face-to-face marketing event.

“The AEO Marketing Social will allow attendees to expand their network, grow their knowledge, and take actionable insight and ideas back to their teams.”

Jessica added: “After the success of the roundtables at the AEO Forums earlier this year, I am excited to see their evolvement with the AEO Marketing Social.

“This is a great opportunity for our marketing teams to build new connections and glean ideas and innovations from peers who are all striving to meet similar objectives and experiencing comparable challenges.”

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