Conference & Meetings World Issue 121 | Page 5

Dubai is busy leveraging its Expo 2020 legacy and pavilions packed with ideas and inovation are now open again to the public .”

Leader

Face-to-face with the future

Managing editor , Paul Colston

A s the debate moves on from meeting again in person and the industry ‘ coming back ’, we look , in this issue , at some destinations striking out for an innovative future offering . Dubai is busy leveraging its Expo 2020 legacy and pavilions packed with ideas and innovation are now open again to the public . No longer is the emirate a glitzy destination for an event , but one that is driving the knowledge agenda in many fields . No wonder many associations are basing their regional HQs in the emirate .

We also explore , with Madrid Convention Bureau , how Spain ’ s capital is adding a big PLUS to planners and organisers wishing to ensure positive environmental impacts from their event . The collaborative approach of
their beskpoke PLUS programme is a great signpost for others to follow .
We also report on big gatherings hosted by industry giants PCMA and IMEX , whose recent events provided global platforms for the latest thinking on a range of topics vital for our industry ’ s progress and success .
There is new industry research from American Express GBT to digest and our international reporter Catie Owen checks out the Icelandic incentives appeal in Reykjavik . As we prepare for new big industry get togethers at IBTM World in Barcelona and the ICCA Congress in Krakow , we know this is no time for simply slapping each other on the back after so long apart face-to-face , but rather we can seize the moment to push on ahead with all the technology now at our disposal and integrate it into a new conference and meetings paradigm where the customer is king and our new world of conferencing is one of collaboration for the common good .
And a final word of personal thanks to all my collaborators and colleagues who have served the CMW cause so well during my recent two-month health sabbatical . Heroic work from you all . Respect .
MANAGING EDITOR PAUL COLSTON pcolston @ mashmedia . net
PORTFOLIO DIRECTOR IAIN STIRLING istirling @ mashmedia . net
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR MERCEDES ALONSO malonso @ mashmedia . net
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARTIN FULLARD mfullard @ mashmedia . net
INTERNATIONAL REPORTER CATIE OWEN Cowen @ mashmedia . net
PRODUCTION CONTROLLER SABRINA BOUCHER
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER ROBERT FLETCHER rfletcher @ mashmedia . net
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