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Muscat- In a major boost to Oman's growing exhibition industry, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), in association with the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), launched the first Exhibition Management Degree program in the sultanate.
Called UFI-EMD, this intensive course is seeing the attendance of several organizers, suppliers and venues working in the exhibition industry.
The learning program's foundation is based on UFI's reputation for excellence and tailored to cover the vital aspects of running a successful exhibition in theory and in practice. The course in Oman is targeted at businesspersons, government officials, citizens, expatriates, individuals as well as companies connected with the exhibitions industry.
Hosted by OCEC, the UFI-EMD program consists of four modules and total of 150 hours of on-site courses and e-learning sessions delivered by a group of internationally renowned instructors and exhibition industry experts.
Commenting on the program, Said al Shanfari, CEO, OCEC said, “The UFI-EMD course has been introduced at the right time, when Oman is seeing a big switch towards diversifying its economy. Oman has proved that it has resources, the beauty, the infrastructure, government support and of course, the talent to become an events and exhibitions hub. As the sultanate brings more events and tradeshows home, it is vital that its talent is also honed to meet the requirements that these opportunities bring along. This exhibition management program is hence a vital tool for everyone related to this industry and for boosting in-country value. We at OCEC are proud to be hosts for this program and are certain that its results will be seen in the many successful events that Oman will host in the future.”
While Module 1 is on-site training, other modules are e-learning segments. The three-day onsite Module 1 was held from January 26 – 29 and introduced participants to the meetings industry and covered Project Management for Exhibitions, Exhibition Marketing and Sales Management, Risk Management and Joint Projects. Module 2 (E-Learning) – to be held in Feb-March this year - is Advanced Studies in Exhibition Management 1 to be held in Feb – Mar 2020 covering topics like Intercultural Management, Participation in Exhibitions – the Exhibitor View, Special Event Marketing, Service Strategy and Organization, Catering + Stand Building, Information Management, Venue Management I and Joint Project.
Module 3 is also an e-learning segment titled Advanced Studies in Exhibition Management II (April-May). This module covers topics like Controlling, Finance + Accountancy + Treasury, Market Research, E-marketing – Social Media + Public Relations, Agencies (Promotion, Incentive; Event, Travel), Congress Management + Interpretation, Venue Management II, Joint Project.
Module 4 (E-Learning) is Advanced Studies in Exhibition Management III (May-June) and includes Strategic Management, Customer Relationship Management, Sponsoring, Special Event Management, Exhibition Logistics.
Participants receive a certification upon completing all four modules. The course offers important insights into the exhibitions business and is a helpful tool for upgrading management standards, improving customer satisfaction and strengthening the planning and production of trade shows, conventions and events.
Over 500 graduates from 30-plus countries hold the UFI-Exhibition Management Degree. “Earning my UFI Exhibition Management Degree has helped me to better understand current trends that affect my business. Having in-classroom discussions with different participants was a value lesson for communication and offered plenty of time for networking,” said the general manager of ZZICEC in Zhengzhou, China.
“For me the UFI-EMD program was a great experience. The program offered an extensive education of high-quality, including all important topics that are unique for the exhibition and event industry. The knowledge and experience gained during the program has helped me greatly when dealing with both practical as well as strategic challenges. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to gain strategic insights and knowledge in the exhibition and event industry,” said a project manager for AD Forum Ab, Finland.
About OCEC
The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is located in its own fully integrated precinct only four kilometers from Muscat International Airport.
The design of the Centre ensures a flow of the meeting spaces to suit the most discerning conference and exhibition organizers. It also incorporates expansive concourse areas to enable ease of large delegations with floor to ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and
water features. The Centre features the Madinat Al Irfan Theatre which seats 3,200 and 456 Auditorium, while the five exhibition halls feature 22,396 square meters of column-free exhibition space. Hall 1 acts as a multi-purpose space for plenary sessions, concerts, performances and gala dinners on a larger scale. Halls 1 & 2 combined can seat over 10,000 seated in theatre-style.
The Centre also includes an additional 20 meeting rooms for 25-360 delegates, the Grand Ballroom seats up to 1,100 guests in banquet style, the Junior Ballroom seats up to 540 guests for a banquet, 10 hospitality suites, and a VIP Pavilion. In total the Centre offers over 55 meeting space options plus a multi-storey car park with a capacity for 4,000 vehicles.
The Precinct provides the infrastructure necessary to host successful international, regional and local events and is there for the enjoyment of delegates, visitors and the local community. The precinct includes a JW Marriott Hotel (five star) linked to the Convention Centre, Crowne Plaza
Hotel (four star). A business park, surrounded by a nature reserve, which is a haven for Oman’s exotic birdlife, together with parklands and a wadi (valley), are also part of this picturesque precinct.
About OMRAN
Oman Tourism Development Company SAOC (Omran) drives the investment, growth and development of the rapidly growing tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The company is the master developer of major tourism, heritage, urban and mixed-use projects, delivering some of
nation’s most visionary and iconic destinations. As the leading executive government arm for tourism development, Omran has a proven track record of delivering tourism and related projects to a world-class standard, due to our core philosophy of sustainability, transparency and
partnering with renowned regional and international investors.
Importantly, by working in close collaboration with the local communities, as well as the public and private sector, sustainability is built into every project. The company’s portfolio of projects, asset management expertise and investment experience embraces the unique aspects of Oman’s
culture and heritage, while safeguarding the natural beauty of the country for the future generations.
For press inquiries and image requests, please contact:
Manal Al Kiyumi
Marketing & Communications Manager
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre
Telephone: +968 9258 5501
Email: malkiyumi@ocec.om
Mohamed Al Salmi
The Story Teller
Telephone: +96899879879
Email: Mohamed.salmi@tst.om
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