The 6^th edition of the annual ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference commenced with a day of insightful dialogues and expert discussions, setting the tone for a transformative event in the realm of hospitality and tourism. The opening addresses by Mona Faraj, Managing Director of HSMAI Middle East, and Bob Gilbert, President & CEO of HSMAI, welcomed a diverse assembly of industry professionals, setting the stage for a day packed with knowledge-sharing and innovation.

The plenary sessions began with a captivating talk by Steven van Belleghem, a Customer Experience Enthusiast, who outlined the journey from customer service aspiration to actualization, likening companies to ‘Diamonds in the Rough’ striving for CX excellence.

Following was a spirited panel discussion on Destination Marketing, moderated by Iva Skrlec, Hilton’s Director of Destination Marketing for MEA & Turkey. Panelists, including Liam Findlay of Miral Destinations, Nicholas Hall of the Digital Tourism Think Tank, and Alka Winter from Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, explored the critical role tourism boards play in molding destination narratives and driving demand.

Marie-Louise Ek, Hilton’s VP of Human Resources MEA, shed light on the ‘Crafting Essential Leadership for Modern Work Realities,’ addressing the megatrends influencing hospitality leadership. The conference then delved into the interconnectedness of commercial decisions and asset value, with a discussion led by Omar Eltahry, a seasoned Hospitality Advisor, and panelists from Accor, United Hospitality Management, and Mashreq, who shared real-world insights on revenue enhancement and asset management.

Mona Faraj, Managing Director of the Middle East chapter of HSMAI said, “As we celebrate the opening of 6th annual ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference, we use this opportunity to chart the future of our industry together with hospitality pioneers from this region.This is a gathering of commercial thought leaders from sales, marketing, revenue management, distribution, hotel brands, and owner groups gathered to share current and future trends. We look forward to covering a wide range of topics, discussions, and best practices, led by world-class regional and international experts in our industry and use this event as a platform to share common goals and achieve greater results as tourism gathers momentum over the coming months.”

Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), commented: “Events like the annual ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference further highlights Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure in line with the goals of the visionary Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. It also showcases the collaborative efforts between the government and private sectors to bolster the city’s tourism industry, as well as drawing attention to the multifaceted destination proposition that forms the cornerstone of Dubai’s ambition to become the best city in the world to visit, live and work in. The insights we gather here from industry experts reflect the broader strategy of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism to shape the future of the hospitality industry and further accelerate momentum across the tourism sector.”

The day’s sessions continued with a range of roundtables, leadership hubs, and partner insights, covering topics from F&B revenue optimization, the influence of technology in hospitality, the transformative impact of Generative AI, to the significance of a robust commercial strategy in today’s dynamic environment. The day concluded with thought-provoking sessions on sustainability in the hospitality industry, emphasizing its impact on profitability and hotel rates.

As the conference progresses, ROC Middle East continues to spark conversations and collaborations that are set to redefine commercial strategies in the hospitality sector. Tomorrow, the ROC Star Awards Ceremony will be recognizing top talent who’ve made a difference in the hotel industry.

HSMAI strongly advocates the importance of sharing best practices as a means to enhance performance in the industry and region and ROC Stars represent the exceptional individuals within the hospitality industry who have made a significant impact. The conference serves as the prestigious platform for presenting winners who have the chance to showcase their hotel’s creativity, exchange ideas, and proudly highlight their talents.

With the finest leading industry leaders under one roof, this year’s conference aims to take the Middle East hospitality sector to the next level where attendees can expand their network by connecting with trailblazers and peers, gain insights from seasoned professionals and learn about the latest trends and strategies.

The event is being organized in partnership with key organizations including Atomize, Fornova, AlMosafer, IDeaS, FLYR for Hospitality, and 20+ other sponsors. As the hospitality sector in the Middle East region expands rapidly and evolves constantly, the conference will provide timely insights to hotel professionals.

The 6th Edition of META Cinema Forum, the largest and most influential cinema convention in emerging markets, commenced with great anticipation today, on November 7th, 2023, at the prestigious Grand Hyatt in Dubai. With the cinema market size forecasted to increase by USD 660.48 million by 2027, this year’s META Cinema Forum promises to be a pivotal event for the industry.

Over the years, META Cinema Forum has evolved into a pivotal gathering for cinema industry leaders, expanding its reach to encompass more regions, projects, and partnerships. It stands as the premier platform for the exchange of ideas, strategies, and innovations that are shaping the cinema sector in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region and at this year’s edition, there is a special focus on Women in Cinema.

The session with female panelists is a round table discussion on the business side of the film industry titled ‘Beyond the Glitz’. Panelists include Nancy Paton, Founder, Desert Rose Films and President of WIFTGCC,
Charlotte Louise Sutcliffe, Entertainment Lawyer, Associate at CWB and Head of Events at WIFTGCC, Ozge Conduroglu, Acquisition & Distribution Lead, The Plot Pictures MENA
and Ashleigh Potts, Marketing Director, Studio Distribution, Majid Al Futtaim LLC.

The Forum’s program is extensive, featuring a convention and tradeshow, conference sessions, product presentations, special screenings, premieres, workshops, masterclasses, a Black-tie awards ceremony, networking reception, meetings areas, and content and cinema construction breakout sessions.

Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner, Great Mind Events Management, remarked, “The success of the 6th META Cinema Forum reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing the cinematic landscape in emerging markets. This year’s event has reinforced our belief in the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared experiences within the industry. We are excited about the future possibilities and the role META Cinema Forum will continue to play in shaping the cinema sector in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region.”

Tony El Massih from Vox Cinemas commented, “The META Cinema Forum is a remarkable event that brings together industry visionaries and thought leaders to chart the future of cinema in emerging markets. It’s where ideas come to life, where trends are set, and where the future of cinema is defined. Today’s success is a testament to the Forum’s significance that it continues to evolve and grow, fostering innovation and collaboration across regions. We’re excited to be part of this transformative journey.”

Serge Plasch, Chief Commercial Officer, Cinionic said, “It is great to be back at the META Cinema Forum and connecting with the industry. As the leading cinema partner Cinionic, founded in the heritage of Barco, offers exhibitors ways to laser that is set to WOW moviegoers time over time, and we are excited to share this with the visitors attending the forum.”

The theme for the 2023 edition is “Growing the region’s cinema share,” reflecting a commitment to foster growth and innovation in the industry. Discussions, presentations, and workshops will revolve around the industry’s challenges, solutions, and the current market situation. Topics covered include Regional Content Production and International Collaboration, Cinemas of the Future, and an in-depth look at emerging cinema trends and technologies with key cinema statistics and case studies on Rewarding Patrons and Effective Pricing Strategies.

On day two, there is a panel discussion on successful movie marketing for the region and a panel discussion on ‘Elevating the Experiential Elements of Cinemas’. Leaders in cinema design, technology, and hospitality will discuss strategies for enhancing the cinema-going experience.

The META Cinema Awards and Gala Reception is a night of celebration recognizing outstanding achievements in the cinema industry. The awards will be presented by Nathan Gilligan, Senior Operations Manager, Comscore and Nena Loncar, Client Insights Manager, Comscore.

Recipients of the prestigious accolades include:

Best Cinemas 10 screens & above – VOX Mall of the Emirates
Best cinema 10 screens & below – AMC Stars Avenue
Highest grossing distributor of the year – Majid Al Futtaim Distribution
Best Film – English – Universal Pictures International for Oppenheimer
Best Film – Indian – Yash Raj Films for Jawan
Best Film – Arabic – Majid Al Futtaim Distribution for Go Media (Licensor) and Vox (Distributor)
Best Film – African – Film One for Orisa
Outstanding Contribution to Emerging Markets – Sattar for Frontrow

Organized by GM Events, the META Cinema Forum guarantees a two-day immersion in priceless knowledge, networking prospects, and a sneak peek into the future of cinema.

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Perridon Holdings Announce Exclusive Polo Season Opening Cup

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club (DPEC), in an exclusive partnership with Perridon Holdings, a pioneering conglomerate known for its ultra-luxurious real estate ventures and their highly-anticipated Bugatti museum, is excited to announce the season-opening Polo Cup Final, taking place on 11th November 2023.

Michel J.C.W Perridon, Founder & Chairman of Perridon Holdings, seeks to bridge the rich history of polo with the inspiration derived from Bugatti – a brand rooted in equestrian beginnings. Signifying Perridon Holdings’ commitment to tradition, luxury, and innovation, this highly anticipated event will feature four competitive teams and will serve as a celebration of the brand’s enduring partnership with Emaar, a conglomerate that continues to shape Dubai’s landscape.

Mr. Michel Perridon stated, “Our journey with Emaar has been nothing short of remarkable and we feel this is only the beginning of an even more symbiotic partnership. I have always been enamoured by the power and elegance of Bugatti, a brand that traces its origins back to the world of horses. I see polo as the perfect confluence of horsepower and heritage, a reflection of Bugatti’s transition from one horsepower to a staggering 1,600, marking the pinnacle and evolution of combustion engines. Through our sponsorship of this new polo season, Perridon Holdings aims to celebrate this blend of tradition and innovation, horsepower and agility, in a sport that resonates with our own ethos. After all, the essence of horsepower has evolved, but its spirit remains unchanged, be it in the world’s fastest cars or on the polo field.”

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, a part of Emaar Hospitality Group, is honoured to host this event, and Emaar Spokesperson emphasised the significance of this partnership. “We are immensely proud to collaborate with Perridon Holdings for this year’s season-opening Polo Cup Final. This partnership is a tribute to the tradition and elegance that polo embodies. Together, we’re elevating the game to new heights of luxury and innovation, offering our spectators an unparalleled experience deeply rooted in history. At DPEC, partnering with distinguished brands for our season opener has been a hallmark for years, and this collaboration with Perridon Holdings continues that legacy of excellence.”

Ms. Lisa Matthews, General Manager of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “The collaboration with Perridon Holdings for our season-opening Polo Cup Final is a partnership that not only honours the sport’s rich history but also unites polo teams from across the UAE in a singular, grand sporting event. The meticulous preparation of our horses and facilities is second to none, ensuring that our members and guests will experience another exhilarating polo season.”

On the day of the final, DPEC will offer the general public an opportunity to experience the ultimate Polo Cup of the month with a brunch priced at AED 179 per adult, available only at the Dubai Polo Bar. Private bookings can be made through the Lifestyle and Events team at the club.

The season-opening Perridon Holdings Polo tournament promises to be a groundbreaking event, uniting tradition, luxury, and innovation. With a shared vision, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Perridon Holdings are set to offer an unparalleled experience to polo enthusiasts, truly encapsulating the ethos of ‘The Sport of Kings’ in the modern age.

The 6th Edition of META Cinema Forum, the largest and most influential cinema convention in emerging markets, is back for its highly anticipated 6th edition on November 7-8, 2023, at the prestigious Grand Hyatt in Dubai.

Over the years, the META Cinema Forum has evolved into a pivotal gathering for cinema industry leaders, expanding its reach to encompass more regions, projects, and partnerships. It stands as the premier platform for the exchange of ideas, strategies, and innovations that are shaping the cinema sector in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region.

The Forum will have a convention and tradeshow, conference sessions, product presentations, special screenings and premieres, workshops, masterclasses, Black Tie Awards Ceremony, networking reception, meetings areas, content and cinema construction breakout sessions.

Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner, Great Mind Events Management said, “As we celebrate the 6th edition of the META Cinema Forum, I am proud it has evolved into something truly remarkable. This year’s META Cinema Forum reiterates Dubai’s position as a global entertainment hub as the forum started as a regional gathering and evolved into becoming the heartbeat of the global cinema sector. We are thrilled to welcome a diverse array of cinema stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region, along with studios and solution providers from around the world.”

“The META Cinema Forum is not just a convention; it’s a dynamic platform where connections are forged, ideas are sparked, and the future of cinema unfolds. It’s a testament to the growing importance of emerging markets in the cinematic landscape. We look forward to another exciting edition and to seeing you there, “she added.

The theme for the 2023 edition is “Growing the region’s cinema Share,” reflecting a commitment to foster growth and innovation in the industry and offer industry insights and growth strategies. Discussions, presentations and workshops will revolve around the industry’s challenges, solutions and the current market situation.

Sanjay Patney, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said, “As a long-standing supporter of the regional cinema industry, VOX Cinemas is proud to sponsor the META Cinema Forum once again. Events such as this provide a dynamic platform for industry stakeholders to come together, be inspired and exchange ideas, which is essential for the continued growth and innovation of the cinema industry.”

Topics covered include Regional Content Production and International Collaboration, Cinemas of the Future and an in-depth look at emerging cinema trends and technologies with key cinema statistics and case studies on Rewarding Patrons and Effective Pricing Strategies.

On day two, there will be a panel discussion on successful movie marketing for the region and a panel discussion on ‘Elevating the Experiential Elements of Cinemas’. Leaders in cinema design, technology, and hospitality will discuss strategies for enhancing the cinema-going experience.

The META Cinema Awards and Gala Reception will be a night of celebration recognizing outstanding achievements in the cinema industry. Organised by GM Events, the META Cinema Forum guarantees a two-day immersion in priceless knowledge, networking prospects, and a sneak peek into the future of cinema.

Organised by Great Minds Event Management, the forum is poised to establish Dubai as a thriving hub for filmmakers and creatives to convene, exchange insights, and showcase their own and fellow artists’ works.