Dubai to host inaugural getaway for association leaders in 10-13 December
Taking place from 10-13 December, it follows the success of the first Dubai Association Conference, held in late 2017, which focused on building a strengthened community and robust ecosystem for associations in the region.
The Getaway is designed to offer a unique platform for networking, trials and discussions, all set amidst immersive experiences and scenic settings around the city.
The four-day event, organised by Dubai Association Centre (DAC), a joint initiative of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), will bring together 60 attendees representing local, regional and international associations in addition to Dubai government representatives, university students and academics plus association volunteer leaders.
The Getaway will support by providing curating themes and topics of interest for the next Dubai Association Conference, set to take place in 2019.
“Following the inaugural Dubai Association Conference last year, the city has witnessed a marked increase in interest from association representatives, both regionally and globally,” Issam Kazim, chief executive of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing said.
“The Getaway is an effort to harness this interest and create a platform for association members to network, share knowledge and best practice in an engaging setting, beyond the confines of meeting rooms.
“We are confident that the Getaway will prove to be an invaluable experience for all attendees, while being a crucial step forward in our city’s evolution.”
Global profile
“By launching this unique event, we are creating a platform for open and constructive dialogue where associations from around the world can discuss important matters and share valuable insights,” said Hassan Al Hashemi, member of the executive committee of Dubai Association Centre and vice president of International Relations at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“These perspectives will help the Dubai Association Centre tailor its activities and agenda to meet the needs of associations.
“We are confident that the event will provide an unforgettable experience for participants and boost Dubai’s global profile as an attractive hub for associations.”
The itinerary features sessions aimed at tackling current themes and trends that impact associations in the region. The inaugural session focuses on the significance of having a ‘global mindset’, where attendees will be encouraged to think global and communicate beyond local or regional borders. A session titled ‘Association Insomnia: What Keeps Association Executives Up at Night?’, is a workshop aimed at identifying workable solutions to overcome current challenges, all in the midst of preparing an authentic Emirati lunch.
The agenda also includes a session on ‘Youth Integration’ as associations are increasingly looking at ways to become more appealing to the next generation. Attendees will also witness a panel discussion on ‘Working Together to Advance Humanity’ which will be led by the Dubai Future Foundation following a tour of the Dubai Future Academy.
The closing session, titled ‘Going Back to Basics: Going Back in Time’, is centred around understanding how Bedouins survived in the past, travelling across the desert with the stars being their sole guide.
The launch of the Association Leaders Getaway comes following the surge in associations building a presence within the city. As of July this year, the Dubai Association Centre had a total of 58 licensed associations, with 16 registrations received in the first half of 2018, reflecting growth of 38 per cent.
