Congress and convention association to meet in UAE in August

The association is busy organising its first forum in Dubai, taking place from 25-27 August.The new ICCA Middle East Research, Sales & Marketing Programme will feature educational sessions and workshops on research, sales and marketing topics, which will give local professionals a fresh perspective on meetings management and the industry, enhance their professional skills and provide connections and networkswith colleagues in the region.

"The number of ICCA members in the Gulf and the Middle East region has grown from four members in 2000 to 14 in 2007, and we expect to have 20 members in the region in 2008. These members are demanding an education session which guarantees their long term success in the marketplace," said Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA.

Rob Davidson, one of Europe's leading academic authorities on conference and incentive travel and senior lecturer in Business Travel and Tourism at the University of Westminster, will be the moderator of this new event.