HOW is the response to Project Qatar this year?

This year, with the move to the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), we have had the highest number of enquiries ever received and we were fully booked in less than three months after the launching date of the sales effort. Qatar is at the heart of the growing construction industry in the GCC and internationally. It is the world’s fastest-growing economy with its construction industry valued at $32 billion. In reaction to this growth, we have had a substantial response to Project Qatar 2014; a large number of new exhibitors and new countries will feature for the first time this year.

The international focus on Qatar has increased in anticipation of the Fifa World Cup in 2022 and the scaling up of its investments to deliver the Qatar National Vision 2030. There are also a number of other major initiatives in its lucrative pipeline, including the $5.5-billion deepwater port and a $1-billion transportation corridor in the capital city Doha. New roads, stadiums and facilities will account for a further $140 billion in spending over the coming decade to transform Qatar. Other key projects include the new airport, metro system, the 433,000-sq-m Doha Festival City mall and the Sharq Crossing – Doha Bay crossing worth $5 billion. About $10 billion worth of construction projects are also expected to be awarded in 2014 with nearly $350 billion of projects currently in the planning or construction phase. Alongside the infrastructure and construction markets, around $60 billion to $70 billion are expected to be spent on hotel, leisure, tourism, sports, recreational and infrastructure projects.

• Why was the decision made to stage Project Qatar at the QNCC?

We are excited about our move to the QNCC, given its considerable size and its state-of-the-art technologies. The centre competes with international venues and will provide a superior new experience for our participants and attendees. By offering the latest in communications and technology, spacious areas, and the best hospitality, these facilities will allow us to host a world-class edition of Project Qatar. Let’s not forget that the QNCC was bestowed, among others, the award for the Best Congress and Convention Centre in the Middle East 2012, by Business Destinations Travel Awards, and the Best Events Venue in 2013 by Middle East Event Awards.

• How many exhibitors have booked at the event, how much space has been booked and how many pavilions are there this year?

Over 2,100 companies from 50 countries and 27 pavilions are taking part in the event, covering the centre’s entire 41,500 sq m of indoor and outdoor exhibition space.

• How does this year’s event compare to that of 2013?

Last year, we celebrated our 10th anniversary and we received exceptional feedback from our valued exhibitors and visitors. We successfully connected thousands of investors and organisations with business opportunities to drive real results for their companies. This year, we intend to build on these achievements with an increase in global participation from both visitors and exhibitors. The fact that the exhibition space was fully booked within a short period of time is a testament to Project Qatar’s success and reputation.

Building on previous successes, we expect this year’s 11th edition to be our best exhibition to date. We are introducing exciting and technologically advanced features, including a specialised show planner, a B2B (business-to-business) matchmaking platform for which exhibitors and visitors can register on the Project Qatar website to match their respective profiles and areas of interest, which will lead to subsequent meetings. Visitors and exhibitors will also benefit from an advanced mobile application that will provide information about the event, the exhibitors’ list, the event planner, the location of the venue, links to social media accounts, the online visitor registration form and much more.

We are also delighted to have a number of strategic partnerships with key sponsors, as well as several top-tier media outlets and agents.

In addition, Project Qatar 2014 will feature two specialised exhibitions: Qatar Stone Tech and Heavy Max, as well as a new educational platform, the PQ Conference Series, that will include three specialised conferences: LightingTech Qatar, HVACTech Qatar and Future Interiors Qatar.

• Please elaborate on the two concurrent exhibitions and the conferences, as well as any other events being conducted to add value to Project Qatar 2014.

Qatar Stone Tech 2014 is the third edition of this international stone and stone technology show. Qatar’s need for new and innovative solutions makes it a perfect market to introduce unique products. The size and scope of hundreds of tertiary developments that will pop up to support the infrastructure boom, whether hotels, hospitals, schools, convention centres or otherwise, is an enticing reason for the world’s best stone industry professionals to exhibit in Qatar.

Heavy Max 2014, the 11th international exhibition for heavy machinery, is the leading event for construction equipment, plant, machinery and vehicles. It is a natural complementary event bringing the latest in technological advances and innovative solutions to the construction sites. Exhibitors at Heavy Max praise the quality and expertise of visitors, true representatives of the sector, the number of local companies and the presence of major key players at the show.

IFP Qatar and Advanced Conferences and Meetings is also proud to announce the Project Qatar Conference Series that will include LightingTech Qatar, HVACTech Qatar and Future Interiors Qatar.

Lighting Tech Qatar 2014 is a specialised lighting conference targeting construction professionals and government officials in Qatar. This timely event is brought to Qatar as it readies itself for the extensive 2022 infrastructure requirements, whilst working towards achieving ambitious nation-wide sustainability standards in line with the 2030 Qatar National Vision.

HVAC Tech Qatar 2014 is a forum dedicated to address the latest opportunities and challenges in the HVAC and cooling industries in Qatar. It will bring together private and government project owners, planning bodies, developers, main contractors and consultants, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) contractors and consultants, utility operators and companies, regulators and solution providers and will showcase the latest technology advancements, along with the very latest project case studies demonstrating how these advancements can best be applied to answer the specific requirements and challenges of the construction environment in Qatar.

Project Qatar ... increased international reach.

Future Interiors Qatar will take place in September 2014. It provides the ideal meeting place for project owners, project managers, design professionals, contractors and consultants to stay up to date on industry trends and lucrative business opportunities. It will enable discussions on the advancements in interior design technologies and sustainable design approaches. It will also discuss balancing design, sustainability and innovation throughout the planning, development and fit-out phases to deliver excellence in interior design and construction.

It is an excellent opportunity for industry experts to exchange ideas and best practice as case studies from major projects in Qatar and the GCC will be highlighted, whilst also providing a focused platform for manufacturers, materials suppliers and solution providers to showcase their expertise, products and services.

These high-level events, based on extensive industry research, guided and supplemented by key industry partners and informed by local market expertise, will serve to provide regular business platforms, delivering further competitive advantage to Project Qatar’s clients.

• What can we expect from the exhibition?

This year, again, we expect to break attendance records, exhibitors and visitors alike. Project Qatar will always be a leading trade event for showcasing and introducing new products, and services. However, we are encouraged to see it take on a new role, by providing a strategic hub, empowering local, regional, and international companies to interact with key industry players and obtain potential deals to be signed by the Qatari government during and after the event.

• Please comment on the international reach and scope of the event.

Project Qatar succeeded again, through the efforts of the international marketing and sales (IMS) department of IFP Group, to partner with governmental bodies, supporting agencies and building relationships with a number of prominent international partners.

Last year’s international participation accounted for more than 60 per cent of the total number of exhibitors, with the presence of 27 national pavilions, including Austria, Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, the UAE and the UK, and we expect to sustain this level, if not surpass it.

• What do you attribute the success of the exhibition to?

Our valued exhibitors are enthusiastic experts that have been the major contributors to the success of Project Qatar. The event has increased its international reach and, as the market has become more varied, we have bolstered our scope to include more innovative technologies and services to enhance our visitors’ experience.

IFP Qatar’s relationships with major companies and key decision-makers have been integral to the success of Project Qatar. We would also like to thank the Qatari government for its unlimited support and generosity since the inception of Project Qatar, as well as our numerous and esteemed sponsors for their substantial contributions and efforts that have allowed the making of a very successful event, mainly Al Sraiya Holding Group, Emirates Steel, Oriental Trading Company, Circle Qatar, Airlink, CNBC and The Look Company.

Let’s not forget the dedication of our team in investing its 33 years of experience into providing excellent service and committing to organise this successful exhibition. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved to date and all these factors, coupled with the boom of the Qatar construction sector, have all contributed to Project Qatar’s success.