Dubai Business Events (DBE) showed its eagerness to foster education within the meetings industry, when it hosting the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Dubai Meetings Forum.

The convention bureau welcomed 20 global PCMA members to the emirate this week for three days of site inspections, business networking opportunities and educational seminars.

The guests heard from Hassan Al Hashemi, vice-president of International Relations at Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, who gave insights into the industry.

Deborah Sexton, president and CEO, PCMA, commented: “PCMA’s mission is to deliver superior and innovative education, and Dubai is a destination that is determined to advance education within the meetings industry.

"Through this forum, we were able to bring industry experts and thought leaders to Dubai and collectively share insights on what the city has to offer and areas for potential growth, ensuring Dubai is well placed to bring in more business events in the future. We were able to meet with local associations and understand the marketplace in Dubai. This week has both challenged and changed perceptions about the city within the industry and we are excited to continue working together.”

Steen Jakobsen, Dubai Business Events director, said: “We are proud that Dubai set the backdrop for this prestigious event and are delighted with the overwhelmingly positive outcome.

“In January 2015, Dubai Business Events established a strategic partnership with PCMA and the Dubai Meetings Forum marked a key milestone as we continue to invest in education and connecting global industry leaders with our partners in Dubai, showcasing the city’s unique service offering for business events.”