Katie Goshgarian
Account Executive
The Kellen Company, New York
Event Overview: The Kellen Company is an association management company (AMC) with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C., Beijing and Brussels. Kellen manages approximately 300 meetings, events and trade shows annually. Roughly 20 percent of these meetings are held outside of the U.S., whether from U.S-based organizations traveling abroad or from non-U.S.-based organizations meeting outside the U.S. Kellen manages the APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association), which recently held a two-day educational event in Dubai. The event featured speakers and panelists addressing issues that are key to the airline passenger experience. Nearly 100 APEX members were in attendance at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City.
What are the selling points that make Dubai an ideal place to gather?
Dubai is a city that has demonstrated tremendous growth for our industry and is continuing to develop. As a global organization, we aim to reach our members around the world. Dubai was an easily accessible location to meet and offer benefits to our Middle Eastern members. The APEX president at the time was also located in Dubai (Patrick Brannelly, Emirates).
Did you have any major concerns or misconceptions?
No.
Describe how you planned the event.
Through Kellen Meetings, a division of the Kellen Company, we secured meeting space and rooms with the InterContinental (through our U.S. contact at the hotel). Attendees were responsible for booking their own transportation.
Did you work directly with the Dubai Convention Bureau?
They did assist us with an off-site event, but the majority of the planning was done through Kellen Meetings.
Did you find the customs process efficient?
Yes, customs was fine—no issues and therefore, no suggestions.
Did you encounter any challenges or difficulties?
No, we did not encounter any difficulties. The staff at the venues we utilized was extremely professional and aimed to please. The service was extraordinary.
What did your attendees enjoy the most about Dubai?
The networking event at the base of the Burj Khalifa was breathtaking. It was great to be able to leave the hotel for a networking event that allowed attendees to experience some of the culture and grandiosity Dubai has to offer.
What unique off-site venues did you use for events?
Our evening networking event was at a private outdoor space of the Armani Hotel, at the base of the Burj Khalifa adjacent to the phenomenal water fountains that offered great “complimentary” entertainment for guests. Staff and board members also went on a desert tour, which was very enjoyable as well.
What interesting excursions or activities did you incorporate into the agenda?
Our attendees visited the inflight catering facility of Emirates. Emirates is known for their extraordinary service and amenities, similar to their headquartered city, Dubai. Guests were given a tour of the kitchens, food packaging areas and other spaces Emirates uses to create and deliver their inflight food and beverages.
What advice would you give other planners bringing groups to Dubai?
Utilize the DMC and hotel contacts, and you’ll have a great event.
Would you organize another event in Dubai?
Yes. [It was] an excellent experience.