The meeting reviewed Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority’s operational performance during the preceding months of 2011, the exhibitions and conferences programme for the 1st half of 2012 and other initiatives directed towards a continued development of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions industry.
The Minister highlighted the importance of achieving developments to address the demand for a bigger event space and promote the country as a destination of choice for events, exhibitions and conferences. As part of the National Economic Strategy 2030, a new Expo City is planned to be constructed in the vicinity of the Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir Area in 2012. This unique landmark will consist of state-of-the-art facilities for exhibition and convention with Phase 1 projected to be completed in 2015.
A vibrant 2012 is expected by Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority with an increasing number of specialised international business-to-business exhibitions and major international events already booked as of to-date. For the first half of 2012, major events lined up to be held at the Exhibition Centre include Arabian Mechanical, Engineering & Plumbing (MEP), Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS), International Autumn Fair, Gulf Industry, Food and Hospitality Exhibition, 10th Middle East Geosciences Conference and Exhibition, Bahrain 1st Green Tech Expo, Education and Training International Exhibition (EDUTEX), 15th International Book Fair, Bahrain Information Technology Exhibition (BITEX), The 2nd Expo Science Asia, Health and Wellness Expo, Gulf Bid & Gulf Interiors, 8th Middle East Refining and Petrochemicals Conference and Exhibition (ME Petrotech), and Aircon Exhibition.
Other highlights include the Best Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Destination in the Middle East for 2011 Award given to Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority by the Business Destination Travel Awards 2011 organized annually by Business Destinations of United Kingdom for the Authority’s contribution to the development of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) and reflects the prominent position of Kingdom of Bahrain as the ideal venue of events, exhibitions and conventions where Bahrain’s well-developed and expanding infrastructure, friendly trade and business environment, world-class lifestyle facilities, multi-cultured community and a steady economy contributed largely in making Bahrain a key and strategic location for businesses and investments in the region. Completed developments in the Exhibition Centre include upgrade of communication and video equipment systems, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems and renovation of VIP Majlises and Centre’s main entrance.