The 40th IAA World Congress: The Opening March 25, 2006
Posted by Farrukh Naeem at copywriterjournalist.com in : Advertising , trackback
The 40th IAA World Congress was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai (picture: in the centre) at the Dubai International Convention Centre on 21 March 2006.
On his behalf, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of the Emirates Group (picture: first from left), welcomed the speakers, delegates and other guests to the event. The inaugural address was given by our very own Joseph Ghossoub (picture: first from right), the new IAA Chairman and World President.
The picture above was taken by me. This is the closest I have ever come to our visionary leader, Sheikh Mohammad. Well, good picture I think – considering I was hesitant to get too close.
Coming back to business. In his speech Sheikh Ahmed said,”There could hardly be a better time or place to address the ‘Challenges of Change’ other than right here in Dubai.”
I found this to be a common feeling across all delegates I met and networked with at the Congress. People were amazed at what they saw across the cfity of the Congress – at the pace of change and development.
“We will not stop building ourselves a truly world-class communications capability to encompass advertising, marketing, branding, public relations and all other related disciplines,” Sheikh Ahmed said.
He praised the current talent pool in our city thus: “Here in Dubai we have access to some of the best and brightest minds in the region, and from around the world.”
“The time is right for us to tap into this creativity, and take up the challenge of growth to create a city that is truly unique in the world: not just a city made of glass, steel and concrete, but a city made of ideas, creativity and opportunity,” he noted.
This was the part of his speech I really liked, and look forward to seeing – not just cold concrete, steel structures but a city buzzing with the warmth of innovation and creativity.
Whatsay you?
Comments»
and other than rubbing shoulders with some of the best advertising/communications minds in the industry, everyone there was either networking or looking for jobs..
And I was there for the cookies and coffee, Mr Anonymous. And of course, for stuff to write about on this cool blog of mine… LOL.
Wow….u got up and close to The Man. Cool! Thanks for blogging all this..gives us non-attendees an inside view.
Wait till I post about the informative talks, Umesh!