JEDDAH — Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal will inaugurate the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions Forum (SCEF) on Nov. 3-4 at Jeddah Hilton. The event, researched and developed by the International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC) and spearheaded by the Saudi Commission of Tourism and Antiquities, is supported by a host of government departments and private sector organizations. The supporters include the ministries of interior, commerce and industry and foreign affairs, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, the Council of Saudi Chambers, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Saudi Exhibition and Conventions Bureau. Speaking on the importance of the event, Symon Rubens, regional managing director for IQPC Middle East, said: "The potential for the Saudi MICE (meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition market) industry is huge and this is evidenced by the support that we have received from the SCTA and the various ministries and chambers of commerce involved in this event. “A strong MICE industry can only benefit the Kingdom as a whole.” The SCEF aims at achieving a number of objectives like taking advantage of international and local expertise for the benefit of the development of the MICE industry in Saudi Arabia and highlighting the importance of the industry and its role in the development of the economy in general and tourism in particular. Also, it aims at increasing communication between all stakeholders in the industry, spreading awareness across the Kingdom about the benefits of this robust field and increasing investment in related projects. Government officials, leading businessmen and international experts will be participating and speaking at the event. Among them are Dr. Abdulrahman Bin Abdullah Al-Zamil, chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Sheikh Saleh Kamel, chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Hussain Bin Saad Al-Faraj, head of the national exhibitions committee at the Saudi Council of Chambers; Hugo Slimbrouck , director, MCI Group; and Cathy Breden, chief operating officer at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. The event has attracted a number of biggest companies in the field as sponsors, including ITL World as official travel partner, Budget Car Rental, Al-Jawlah and Zahid Travel Group.
