The International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) is giving its worldwide backing to Event 360 – the Middle East only dedicated show for event organisers and suppliers.

The association has become a strategic partner of Event 360 which runs in parallel with the Palme Middle East Exhibition taking place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from April 27 to 29, 2008.

Founded in 1956 in the US, IFEA is today the premier association for festival and event professionals with over 2000 members and organisations in 40 countries worldwide.  The association’s primary focus is identifying and providing access to professional resources and networks.

There are IFEA affiliates throughout the world including IFEA Middle East which was set up by president of Centre Stage Management, organisers of the upcoming Dubai Desert Rock Festival, hosting a line-up of 13 international bands, Jackie Wartanian.

“It is an integral part of IFEA’s strategy to support professional events such as Event 360 which will actively promote the association’s aims in the Middle East,” said Wartanian.

IFEA’s World President and CEO Steven Wood Schmader is also expected to fully participate in Event 360 – delivering the keynote speech at the Strategic Event Management Conference and by joining the panel of judges for the Event 360 awards ceremony.

“This is a strategic alliance benefiting both Event 360 and the International Festivals and Events Association,” said exhibition director Alex Heuff. “Event 360 provides the perfect stage to bring regional and international industry professionals together under one roof.”

The Event 360 conference includes regional and international event organisers. The five-day forum will incorporate 30 presentations and keynote addresses, along with networking sessions and three post-conference workshops, covering topics such as event security and licences through to legal responsibilities and insurance.

The regional events industry also has its own “Oscars” with the Middle East Event Awards at Event 360. The awards, hosted by meeting and events industry publication meetme (Meet Middle East) magazine, will take place on April 27 and are open to companies who plan, manage, supply or service exhibitions; consumer, corporate and public events; weddings, parties, concerts, venues and theatres. – TradeArabia News Service