What to expect from ABC Expo
As two of the region’s most famous exhibitions join forces, managing director of Cityscape, Rohan Marwaha, explains why collaboration is what the industry needs
Within days of the doors closing on the second Citybuild exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Informa Exhibitions and Clarion Events Middle East released a joint statement announcing Citybuild and Arabian Construction Week are to merge.
From April 2012, ABC Expo will provide a combined platform for the targeted audiences of both events and networking and collaboration platforms the organisers say will “rival any other event in the sector”.
Despite both events addressing different topics — with ACW delivering the BuildSmart conference and Citybuild focussing on construction — Cityscape managing director Rohan Marwaha says that combining these two models is what the market is demanding.
Calling it an event that will “truly reflect the market”, Marwaha comments: “Until this point the market has been split to some degree, but now we want to develop a platform that will allow companies to tap the region’s potential.”
In addition, ABC Expo will also feature a “very strong sustainability component”, in response to changing demands within the industry for sustainable solutions, and the evolving expectations of industry managers.
“ABC Expo will differentiate itself from the other shows in the region by developing free content for the delegates and a platform that will allow companies to discuss their innovations and initiatives,” Marwaha says, adding that conference programmes will be developed over the coming year, and based on market research to be conducted over the same period.
“We have some unique plans to position the event through content delivery, sharing best practice and providing a learning experience, as well as showcasing the most innovative building material and construction companies in the exhibition,” he adds.
Until this point the market has been split to some degree, but now we want to develop a platform that will allow companies to tap the potential in the region”
Joined up thinking
Maintaining that growth has been “encouraging” since the shows began, Marwaha says he has witnessed similar collaborations between other show organisers prove successful.
“Sometimes when developing something specific to industry it is best achieved through awards functions or high-level networking, but this model is for conferences which provide a platform for both speakers and delegates to come and discuss their operations,” Marwaha explains, adding: “The model with which we see the greatest success, involves holding conferences on the show floor, so people can talk about initiatives they have under taken.”
The new format will further be strengthened by Abu Dhabi’s reputation, which according to Marwaha even rivals that of Saudi Arabia. Citing government support and the volume of projects in the emirate, he credits Abu Dhabi’s prestige in the region as a key component of the current shows’ success to date.
In their joint statement, Informa Exhibitions, ADNEC and Clarion Events also say the merged show will “enhance the business proposition” for stakeholders.
“This new joint venture between two of the world’s leading exhibition and conference organisers aims to provide the region with a new construction industry sourcing and knowledge platform for the billions of dollars committed to major construction projects within Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region,” says Christopher Hudson, managing director of Clarion Events Middle East.
“We are delighted to be working with our partners at ADNEC, key stakeholders from across the region, and our colleagues and partners at Informa,” he adds.
Clarion Events Middle East
Clarion Events Middle East has offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and in 2009, over 800,000 people visited their 200 exhibitions, conferences and seated events across Britain, Europe, North and South America, Africa, Middle East and Asia. The business-to-business and businessto-consumer shows serve 15 market sectors including; Defence, Energy, Construction, Retail, Leisure, Entertainment, Finance and Life Sciences.
Informa Exhibitions
Operating around 100 trade and consumer events in over 35 cities worldwide, Informa Exhibitions bring together approximately one million professionals at networking and business events in healthcare, real estate, energy, fashion, construction, finance and other sectors. Primary offices are located in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Singapore and Beijing.
Clarion Events Middle East has offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and in 2009, over 800,000 people visited their 200 exhibitions, conferences and seated events across Britain, Europe, North and South America, Africa, Middle East and Asia.
The business-to-business and businessto-consumer shows serve 15 market sectors including; Defence, Energy, Construction, Retail, Leisure, Entertainment, Finance and Life Sciences.
