Going Back 10 Years, What Can You Say About The First Edition Of Project Qatar In 2004?
What a long way we have come! Thinking of some of the new features we are launching in 2013, such as a ground- breaking business-to-business matchmaking platform and prestigious discussion forums with world class engineers and architects, I can say that I am proud of what we’ve done and optimistic about the future.
How Was The First Exhibition Organized In A Country That Was New To IFP?
It was both challenging and promising; challenging in the sense that we were in a new environment with a mighty task ahead of us and promising because we found strong partners in Qatar from the beginning. There was a sense early on that Project Qatar was not a one hit wonder – rather one that was here to stay and would evolve and grow over time as the market grew.
Can You Give Us The Synopsis Of 10 Years Of A Success Story?
In brief, Project Qatar has become an institution in Qatar’s and the GCC’s construction, building materials, equipment, and environmental technology sectors. For 10 years now, buyers, suppliers and decision makers have met at Project Qatar to network, share knowledge, negotiate, and forge deals. Each day, Qatar takes another step toward its vision of a knowledge-based, innovative, and diversified economy. By empowering SMEs to grow their business and share knowledge, Project Qatar is proud to be a partner in that effort.
Can You Quantitatively Demonstrate The Growth Of The Show In Terms Of Exhibitors, Exhibition Space And Visitors?
Project Qatar has seen the number of exhibitors more than double since 2010, reaching 2,083 exhibitors from 48 countries in 2012. 550 more international exhibitors came in 2012 than in 2011. Project Qatar added 10,000 m2 of exhibition space in 2012 from the previous year. We set a new record in 2012 with 45,995 total visitors.
Now, 10 Years After, What Can You Say About Your Achievements And Disappointments, If Any?
We started with a trade show and turned it into something much greater. Project Qatar is now a complete marketplace and platform for knowledge sharing and partnership building in the construction technology, building materials, equipment, and environmental technology sectors. I have but a few disappointments.
Project Qatar Has Become Synonymous With IFP Qatar, A Success Story That Is Repeated Every Year. What Are The Reasons For Your Success?
In the nine previous editions of Project Qatar, IFP has perfected the art of creating a unique and dynamic industry-wide platform for buyers, suppliers and decision-makers to network, negotiate and drive progress in the market.
What Can You Say About The Construction Sector In Qatar And How This Sector Is Evolving With Project Qatar?
The construction sector in Qatar is obviously booming, but it’s also growing in its sophistication. One of the things we’re particularly proud of at Project Qatar is that exhibitors are always debuting new and more sophisticated products to meet this demand. Heavy Max 2013 – an event which runs concurrently with Project Qatar –shines as one piece of Project Qatar that is constantly bringing equipment to meet ever-changing market demands while reducing costs. This kind of innovation sets us apart from other trade shows.
What Are The Expected Number Of Exhibitors And Visitors This Year?
Visitors will be in the tens of thousands but it’s hard to say until after the show. What I can tell you is that we are already expecting 70,000 m2 of exhibition space and 2,500 exhibitors – both dramatic increases from last year.
What Is The Program Of The 10th Anniversary Of This Prestigious Event?
This year, Project Qatar 2013 will bring back popular segments such as Stone Tech, Energy Qatar, and Heavy Max. However we’ll also unveil an advanced matchmaking platform for businesses and (we) will launch FMQ Facility Management Qatar – the country’s first facilities management conference for a sector valued at $892 billion in the GCC alone. Additionally, the Man and Architecture (M&A) conference, a prestigious knowledge- sharing platform for the architectural and engineering industry, will take place during Project Qatar 2013.
What Are Your Expectations for This Year’s Edition of PQ?
The numbers will grow. Attendance, exhibition space, international exhibitors are all expected to increase. In addition to Project Qatar growing in scale, it is also growing in scope. This year we expect some big names – particularly from the world of engineering and architecture – who will elevate the discussion and take the knowledge-sharing aspect of Project Qatar to new heights.
A Final Word Addressed To The Exhibitors And The Visitors Alike?
Thank you. Let’s break records together at Project Qatar 2013!
WhyQatar Magazine
8 May
