QMDI Appoints Qataris in Events Industry Internship Program to Nurture Local Talent

Doha - 18th October 2008 - Qatar MICE Development Institute (QMDI) has announced that the first Qatari graduate trainees have been appointed to join QMDI as part of a year long program to help prepare them for a career in the conference, exhibition and events industry. The internship comprises of 'on-the-job-training' complimented with attaining international professional event industry qualifications.

The six successful candidates have been recruited through the support and assistance of Qatar Foundation's National Development Program, whose primary role is to facilitate the selection and development of Qatari high school and fresh university graduates within Qatar Foundation, its Centers and Affiliates.

Mohammed Jassim Al Naama, Deputy CEO, QMDI said: "It is our hope and intention that these young individuals will develop the necessary skills to embark on a successful career in the events sector." Al Naama furthered "By investing in people and giving them the tools to succeed, we can nurture local talent and help them to become Qatar's future leaders." QMDI is a Qatari based events company offering international expertise to run and organize specialist and large scale event programs.

During their time working in QMDI, the graduates will receive 'hands-on' experience in running and organizing different types of events, including conferences, exhibitions, award ceremonies, product launches and gala dinners to large scale outdoor festivals, sporting fixtures and live events.

In addition to this, they also learn about international standards and the different aspects of business, covering areas such as logistics and operations, marketing, program development and management by working alongside QMDI's in-house team of event professionals.

"I am really pleased to have been given this unique opportunity to learn and work in the events industry." commented Fatma Khalil Al-Boinin, a university graduate appointed under the QMDI graduate trainee program. "I am looking forward to the challenge of such a fast paced environment where I can apply my organizational and creative skills." she furthered.

Faisal Ahmed Al Mohannadi, another Qatari graduate training on the program said: "I am looking forward to learning about the different types of events such as conferences, exhibitions; but in particular, how to organize outdoor festivals, concerts, live events and sporting fixtures. I share the same vision with QMDI to help bring more world-class events to my country."

As part of their skill development program, the Qatari graduates have also been secured places on the 'industry essential' Global Certificate in Meeting Operations 1 (GCMO1) training program by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) which takes place this November this. MPI is the world's number 1 globally recognized organization for certified events training, with 24 thousand members in 80 countries.

The GCMO1 takes place 9th-13thNovember in Qatar. The delegate fee of $2500 is inclusive of the 5 day training program, course material and student assessment. The program is open to all individuals and professionals wishing to obtain an international qualification in event organizing and managing events.