features: personality profiles: Creating a global venue network
Creating a global venue network
Simon Horgan, CEO, ADNEC, talks to meetme about the Abu Dhabi venue’s business impact on the city, success in 2009, and expansion plans for 2010 and beyond
How many events did ADNEC host in 2009? How did this compare with 2008?
In 2009, we had our busiest year since we opened hosting over 100 live events and receiving around 1.8 million visitors, registering a growth of approximately 20 percent over 2008 in terms of visitor numbers. Contrast this with just 14 events that were staged in 2005 and our growing impact is clear.
We already host some of the region’s most acclaimed events including the World Future Energy Summit, the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC), Cityscape Abu Dhabi, Gastech and ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition).
What has been the most memorable event held at ADNEC in the past 12 months?
IDEX 2009, which we organised in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ in February of last year, was an unqualified success allowing us to showcase the professionalism and dedication of our team as well as the flexibility and the world-class standards of our venue. With substantial enhancements to the venue in 2009, ADNEC has become one of the few venues in the world capable of staging major indoor, outdoor and marine events simultaneously.
How is ADNEC involved in the bidding process for large-scale association conventions? What conventions are on the cards for the years to come?
We work closely with Abu Dhabi government authorities as well as with key stakeholders from the private sector to present Abu Dhabi’s compelling value proposition as a leading destination for events of every nature. Abu Dhabi follows a well-rounded approach that has been successful in attracting large congresses such as the World Ophthalmology Congress, which is expected to receive over 12,000 delegates, and the Routes – The World Route Development Forum, both of which will be held in Abu Dhabi in 2012. These are just two of the several important events that will be hosted by Abu Dhabi in the coming years.
You refitted Hall 12 to turn it into an Auditorium in 2009. What events have been held there? And what do you think is the potential for this flexible space?
The recently concluded World Future Energy Summit 2010 made extensive use of the enhanced infrastructure at Hall 12 hosting both the opening and closing ceremonies as well as all the plenaries. The enhancements we undertook have transformed the 7,920-square-metre hall into one of the UAE’s largest indoor single-hall auditoriums capable of seating up to 5,700 seated spectators. We’ve installed a fully-automated retractable tiered seating system making it one of the most flexible event spaces in the world. Besides being used as an exhibition and wedding hall, Hall 12 can now also host a range of live events including international association conferences, sports events, concerts and other entertainment events, in a fully air conditioned environment.
With the addition of the Marina Zone and the Auditorium, ADNEC is a very unique offering in the Middle East. How are you promoting the many facets of what you offer? How has the Aloft opening boosted the venue?
ADNEC’s business impact as an economic engine for Abu Dhabi is far reaching. Among the key developments we have undertaken recently include the 19,500-square-metre quayside waterfront area opposite to the exhibition centre grandstand, the construction of a 250-metre quay wall, the dredging of the canal to a depth of six metres, the new bridge constructed to link the marine space with the exhibition centre, as well as the enhancements to Hall 12.
The ADNEC-owned Aloft Hotel, operated by Starwood Hotels, opened its doors to guests last year. The hotel is inter-connected with the exhibition centre and thereby provides fantastic convenience for visitors to our venue.
ADNEC is not finished in terms of its investment in exhibition and event facilities, we are re-doubling our efforts on our main Abu Dhabi site, we are making good progress on Al Ain Convention Centre, Phase 2 of ExCeL will open in 2010 and we are actively looking for new markets where we can take our business. Event organisers have come to appreciate our solid track-record and commitment to the sector and are firmly behind us, at every stage.
Capital Gate has topped out. What will this project mean for ADNEC and the surrounding area of Abu Dhabi in terms of business revitalisation?
Capital Gate will provide many opportunities for Abu Dhabi. It will house Abu Dhabi's first Hyatt hotel - Hyatt at Capital Centre, a unique five-star property with 189 hotel rooms. It will also offer the most exclusive office space in the capital.
Capital Gate forms the focal point of Capital Centre, the world’s first exhibitions lifestyle destination, comprising 23 towers including branded hotels, commercial buildings, residential and serviced apartment complexes and developments for mixed use, located in close proximity to ADNEC. The towers at the Capital Centre development will open in the coming years and will assist in the ongoing transformation of the Capital Centre district into a thriving destination.
What is the status update on the Al Ain Convention Centre?
Covering an area of 275,000 square metres, the Al Ain Convention Centre district represents the first-of-its-kind, mixed use, land sale in the city, with a focus on economic development. The overall developments costs for this project have been estimated at AED3.5 billion (US$950 million). The project will feature a cultural centre, a four-star hotel and a conference centre. Construction to double the capacity of the wedding hall is ongoing. We expect to commence construction on the other areas of the development in 2010, once necessary approvals are granted.
How is work progressing on the ExCeL expansion? When is that scheduled for completion?
ADNEC acquired ExCel London in May 2008 and has invested in ExCel’s operations and its people to ensure ExCel continues to grow and develop. Currently, ExCel is in the midst of a significant venue expansion that will see venue facilities almost double in size to 100,000 square metres in 2010, including the creation of a purpose-built convention centre - ICC London ExCeL.
What about your plans for international expansion?
ADNEC is looking to create an international network of world-class business destinations in emerging markets such as India, South East Asia as well as emerging European destinations in the coming years. The advantages that accrue for international organisers from this strategy is fairly straight-forward; by establishing a network of venues, organisers are able to benefit from a combination of operational efficiencies and common business systems and practices, thus ensuring that ADNEC venues are the first choice for new events.
ADNEC’s value proposition is built on providing consistently high standards of venue facilities and management while capitalising on the synergies that exist within a global venue network.
