Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau Signs MoU with INCON to Foster Learning and Innovation in the Middle East Meetings Industry
During the three-year partnership, ADCEB will host INCON’s high-level education programme, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange and mutual growth. The first milestone is the hosting of the INCON University in Abu Dhabi next year, serving as a key platform for fostering innovation and facilitating new partnerships.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 25 November 2024: The Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with INCON, a global network of conference and association management companies, to enhance education and cooperation within the MICE sector in the Middle East.
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 professional conference organisers, meeting planners and professional associations in the Middle East, 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.
Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, commented:“As Abu Dhabi continues to gain prominence as a premier destination for global conferences and meetings, 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 the region’s centre for excellence for education and leading the region in capacity building for the global business events industry which is in line with the goals laid out in our Tourism Strategy 2030.”
Nicole Walker, CEO of Arinex, commented:
“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.”
Dr. Ahmed ElShal, Chairman of ICOM Group and INCON Dean, added:
“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 the local and regional business events 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 ElShal, 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 workshops, 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.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dctabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae
About INCON
INCON is a global partnership of leading companies that deliver conference, event management, and engagement solutions. Leveraging the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared learning ensures the success of our clients. INCON Partners operate in 36 countries across 170 destinations from 81 offices, with a staff of over 3,500 employees spread throughout the world.
INCON press enquiries can be taken as follows:
Angela Guillemet
Executive Director of INCON
T: +353 86 311 40 67
E: angela@incon-pco.com
W: www.incon-pco.com