The Emirates Towers and an International Convention

Before I go into the business side of Mike's trip, I thought you might like to know a little bit more about where he is staying. If you have been to Dubai, then you will know right away where the Emirates Towers are, but if you haven't, here is a small description. The Towers are centrally located on Shaikh Zayed Road, high above the central business and commercial district, set among landscaped gardens, ornamental lakes and waterfalls. It is mostly a business center due to its location, and the towers are a central feature of the Dubai skyline. Mike is staying up on the 42nd floor with an amazing view of the city. Although this isn't his suite, it gives you a little flavor of the unique and beautiful architecture and accomodations that Dubai is known for.

One of the main purposes of Mike's trip to Dubai this time, was to attend ATM, or the Arabian Travel Market, which is a convention/symposia for business and leisure travel suppliers to the Middle East. Mike has coordinated and been involved in conventions for over 30 years, so it was interesting hearing his point of view regarding this one. Here are some of his thoughts:

Representation at ATM consists of major hotel chains, regional travel groups, surrounding countries from Nigeria to Dubai, Kuwait, and suppliers such as Emirates Air and IT suppliers. This years exhibition appears very well attended which is evidentiary of the positive attitude about the destination weathering the current economic turmoil and coming out ahead of the global curve.

So, if there are the usual exhibits and conferences seen at any convention, what makes this unique and worth noting? ......Access to decision makers....... I have been an exhibitor, a participant, a board member of numerous conventions and congresses (which is what they call a convention in Europe). Most of the time you find staffers and company representatives to be either middle management or contract workers. At ATM you will find the very top of the companies not only in attendance but available for meetings. This makes a huge difference when you are trying to make business happen. I am not surprised because that is a common theme we have uncovered when doing business in the Middle East. You don’t have layers of administration and management keeping you from presenting and negotiating your product, process, or service. You speak with decision makers. Then it’s up to you to exhibit competence, capability, integrity, work ethic, and a passion to ultimately seal a deal. We are just neophytes still at doing business here but I already find it very refreshing.