Match-making of meeting planners and local business

DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) recently hosted a match-making session between meeting planners for international associations and local industry representatives aimed at introducing event planners to potential hosts.
The planners represented UK-based and international associations, including World Petroleum Council, International News Media Association, and the International Artist Managers Association.
The match-making session took place at Qatar National Convention Centre, enabling planners to witness a sample of the country’s state-of-the art conference facilities, and meet local industry leaders such as Qatar Petroleum, Northwestern University in Qatar, and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
“We are delighted to introduce global associations to representatives of institutions that make up Qatar’s key sectors, including education, oil and gas, environment, science and research, sports, and music,” said Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Exhibitions at QTA.
“Our leadership’s investment in these sectors and the ongoing efforts to diversify Qatar’s economy are reflected in the year-round local, regional and international events being held here, attracting a substantial number of the country’s visitors.”
Al Obaidli added that QTA’s strategy to attract 7 million visitors by 2030 relies heavily on business events. QTA’s work to achieve this target involves continuous sessions to introduce planners to local stakeholders, as well as empowering Qatar-based organisations to bid for and host global events. “This visit has been a real eye-opener for me, and I am excited about conveying Qatar’s potential to my board. There is no question in my mind about Qatar’s capacity, infrastructure and the support from the local community for hosting large-scale events,” said Mark Challinor, President of International News Media Association (INMA).The Peninsula