KUWAIT CITY- Visitors to The Big 5 Kuwait will get more than they bargained for at a typical trade show, thanks to a host of new educational features introduced by the organizer, dmg events Middle East.
Working in conjunction with its local partner, Kuwait International Fairs, the company has added three knowledge events to its show programme, including a day-long FM congress, in addition to certified workshops.
“The Big 5 in Dubai is the largest and best attended construction exhibition in the MENA region,” explained Patrick Gedeon, project manager for the event. “It’s our second edition in Kuwait and this year we are concentrating on educational features, as well as bringing more international pavilions.”
The 200-plus exhibitors and dozen country pavilions – including pavilions from Italy, Turkey, Germany and Spain – have been attracted to Kuwait by the country’s growing construction opportunities.
According to Gedeon, the Kuwait market has seen a surge in growth over recent years, with combined construction contract values rising from $9.8 billion in 2011, to an expected $17.5 billion by the end of 2014.
“Kuwait is a great market for local and international businesses and this year we will see growth not only in the products we bring, but in the educational features as well,” he said.
There are likely to be thousands of local and international construction products on display and being demonstrated around the show. Key construction sectors that are featured include building materials, HVAC equipment and a selection of plant, machinery and vehicles.
“It’s a great opportunity for local companies to get an idea of the latest products available from around the world,” explained Gedeon. “We’ve really been able to build on the success of the show’s debut in 2013 and we’re very proud of the new educational and interactive features that will kick off the show, on day one of the three-day event, on September 22.”
First up will be the Facilities Management (FM) Congress. The congress, set to be chaired by Mick Dalton from the IFMA Foundation, will include a keynote address from the Kuwait Ministry of Public Works. Local and international speakers will be drawn from leading companies in the sector, who will also present a range of case studies, including one on the US$6.3 billion Sabah Al Salem University mega project.
Day two will see the start of the free-to-attend certified workshops. Led by a selection of expert speakers, these are aimed at visitors who want to improve their industry credentials and boost their professional development.
“The two-day programme will include the hugely popular Project Management workshop, as well as an Introduction to LEED,” explained Gedeon.
While these events are free to attend, places are limited so potential participants must register beforehand at www.big5kuwait.com/reg.
A new interactive feature titled the ‘Round Table Zone’ will host open-forum sessions that will allow visitors to discuss Kuwait’s hottest construction topics, while networking with industry peers and mentors.
Issues on the agenda include the building standards and regulations in the region should be applicable to the Kuwait construction market; new opportunities in the industrial sector; and the effective outsourcing of FM contracts.
The Big 5 Kuwait will run from 22-24 September at Kuwait International Fair.