Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has signed an agreement with INCON, a global network of conference and association management companies, to enhance education and cooperation within the MICE sector.
During the three-year partnership, ADCEB will host INCON’s high-level education programme, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange and mutual growth among local and regional MICE operators in the emirate, while also showcasing Abu Dhabi’s excellence as a destination to leaders from the international meetings and events industry.
The collaboration will run from 2025 to 2027, with the first milestone being the hosting of the INCON University in Abu Dhabi next year, serving as a key platform for fostering innovation, facilitating learning, and driving partnerships within the sector.
Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Mubarak Al Shamsi, said, “As Abu Dhabi continues to gain prominence as a premier destination for global conferences and events, we believe that collaboration is key to enhancing the emirate’s MICE sector. Through our partnership with INCON, events such as the INCON University in 2025 will enable participants to connect with global industry leaders, forge new partnerships, and engage in meaningful learning that will positively impact the industry. It also gives us the opportunity to highlight Abu Dhabi’s capabilities as a leading host of world-class business events, in line with the goals laid out in our Tourism Strategy 2030.”
CEO of Arinex, Nicole Walker, said, “As Co-Chair of INCON, I am thrilled to see this collaboration take shape. Our partnership with ADCEB will not only empower local event professionals with cutting-edge education but will also position Abu Dhabi as a leading global player in the meetings industry. Together, we are setting the stage for success in the years to come.”
Chairman of ICOM Group and INCON Dean, Dr Ahmed El Shal, said, “This partnership with Abu Dhabi reflects our shared commitment to excellence in the meetings industry. Through this collaboration, we will be able to provide transformative learning experiences that will raise the bar for conference and event management across the region. Our goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem of highly skilled professionals who can compete on the global stage.”
The ADCEB-INCON partnership is designed to elevate the capabilities of Abu Dhabi’s local and regional MICE ecosystem, enhancing the world-class services and experiences it provides.
INCON will offer customised educational programmes, advisory meetings, and in-person workshops aimed at upskilling the industry in critical areas such as international conference bidding, financial management, and operational excellence.
The INCON University, scheduled for 2025, is a premier educational programme developed by industry leaders such as Dr Ahmed El Shal, Chair of ICOM; Nicole Walker, CEO of Arinex; and Nicola McGrane, CEO of Conference Partners International.
Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and practical exercises, participants will gain insights into managing conferences efficiently while driving both operational and financial success.
Over the course of the three-year partnership, ADCEB will tap into a wealth of global expertise and thought leadership, while INCON partners and their teams from around the world will have the opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi as a prime MICE destination, driving business development and growth opportunities for ADCEB and its partners.
This partnership aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi's vision to drive growth and support the goals of the Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to boost visitor numbers from nearly 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030, while creating approximately 178,000 new jobs in the sector.
