Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residence
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Featured Speakers
2019 Speaker Line-up




















Souffiane Houti
Founder and COO @ VIAFONE Technologies
Head of Loyalty & Customer Experience @CELS Group, VIAFONE TECHNOLOGIES LLC part of CELS Group







Featured Speakers
CEO, Entourage
As a career entrepreneur, Mohammed Tayem has always seen opportunities for value creation when others planned an exit strategy. Mohammed established live communication agency entourage during the global financial crisis in 2008 at a time when international networks were closing. The idea was to partner with brands and tell their story going beyond the SLA model. Today entourage serves Google, LinkedIn, Prime Minister’s Office of the UAE and more, with dozens of industry accolades over the decade. The success of entourage inspired expansion into different industries: f&b, production solutions, outdoor media locations supply, education and digital publishing.
GM Operations, Modelcraft
Helen Bourke is a highly experienced major event manager and producer, having worked for or been an adviser on a number of international major events and summits such as G20 (Australia, Argentina, Saudi Arabia), ASEAN, APEC and World Youth Day. Helen’s areas of expertise include strategic event and program planning, integration planning, stakeholder engagement, event logistics, venue operations, hospitality and catering, simultaneous interpretation services, accommodation planning, delegate end-to-end services, liaison and protocol services and showcasing and cultural events.
Founder & CEO, Cerimonia Weddings and Events
Mutaib Alruhaimi began 10 years back as an event planner, structuring and executing some small to stunning occasions. Through sheer interest, Mutaib moved its concentration to weddings, and over the last recent years, he proudly established the company "Cerimonia".
Mutaib Alruhaimi’s achievements would not be possible without all its wonderful partners. He also, have built a team of the best professionals in the industry, who work together to create weddings and events successful.
Mutaib and the team Cerimonia, where energy meets planning.
Founder / CEO, Plan b Group
A respected and dynamic business leader both in and outside the UAE, he is also regarded as an integral and inspirational part of the Indian community in the UAE as well as the Sikh fraternity globally. He is the winner of several accolades and recognitions for his professional and philanthropic achievements.
Harmeek Singh has been trying to break stereotypes and has become the first Expatriate to represent UAE in the Sports world as the Marketing and Strategy Director (Global).
He is a board member for Sikh Channel (UK), SNF (Special Needs Friends-Charity for special needs children), Box Of Hope (Platform for supporting blue collared workers), First Patron for Asian Football Championship to take 10,000 workers to watch a match for the first time in a stadium.
His determination and relentless hard work paved the way for the eight-entity strong Plan b empire over a short span of 14 years and his humility and service towards society gained him the adoration of his people and peers.
President ILEA Middle East & CEO Arena Group Middle East & Asia
Paul Berger has been working in the Middle East and Asia since 1993. He started his career in Dubai with the OMNICOM Group, as a lead Account Director on Emirates Airline, Pepsi Cola and General Motors. In 1997, Paul moved into the sports event management sector, by launching the first leisure motor sport tracks in the region. Indoor Karting, Outdoor Karting, the Dubai Autodrome FIA Circuit and local motor racing championships.
In 2009, he became CEO of Harlequin and subsequently sold the company to the Arena Group. In 2010, he became CEO of the Middle East and Asia Division for the Arena Group, launching the company in Singapore and Malaysia. Paul has subsequently expanded the division to Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Korea and now Japan. The division has grown from a US$6m business in 2009 to over US$30m in 2017, with over 180 employees. Paul sits on global executive board of the ARENA Group PLC and is one of the largest individual shareholders in the Group.
CEO, Option 1 Event Services LLC
Sujoy Cherian has always been immensely passionate about innovation & the future. His ardent desire to incorporate cutting-edge technology on each of his projects and his everyday life; has indeed paved the way for him to be known as one of the leading event technologists in markets he serves.
As a young entrepreneur, his first business venture in 1997 was an audio-visual and special effects rental company called Soundwaves rapidly creating a niche in the Asian entertainment and events industry. Truly inspired & backed by his visionary father who was a pioneer in the field of manufacturing audio solutions since 1985.
Over the past two decades Sujoy has grown the companies he leads into globally renowned event technology, production & content development verticals with headquarters now based in Dubai and liaison offices worldwide; rebranded as Option 1 Events. Content. Technology.
Founder and COO @ VIAFONE Technologies
Head of Loyalty & Customer Experience @CELS Group, VIAFONE TECHNOLOGIES LLC part of CELS Group
CEO, Entourage
As a career entrepreneur, Mohammed Tayem has always seen opportunities for value creation when others planned an exit strategy. Mohammed established live communication agency entourage during the global financial crisis in 2008 at a time when international networks were closing. The idea was to partner with brands and tell their story going beyond the SLA model. Today entourage serves Google, LinkedIn, Prime Minister’s Office of the UAE and more, with dozens of industry accolades over the decade. The success of entourage inspired expansion into different industries: f&b, production solutions, outdoor media locations supply, education and digital publishing.
GM Operations, Modelcraft
Helen Bourke is a highly experienced major event manager and producer, having worked for or been an adviser on a number of international major events and summits such as G20 (Australia, Argentina, Saudi Arabia), ASEAN, APEC and World Youth Day. Helen’s areas of expertise include strategic event and program planning, integration planning, stakeholder engagement, event logistics, venue operations, hospitality and catering, simultaneous interpretation services, accommodation planning, delegate end-to-end services, liaison and protocol services and showcasing and cultural events.
Founder & CEO, Cerimonia Weddings and Events
Mutaib Alruhaimi began 10 years back as an event planner, structuring and executing some small to stunning occasions. Through sheer interest, Mutaib moved its concentration to weddings, and over the last recent years, he proudly established the company "Cerimonia".
Mutaib Alruhaimi’s achievements would not be possible without all its wonderful partners. He also, have built a team of the best professionals in the industry, who work together to create weddings and events successful.
Mutaib and the team Cerimonia, where energy meets planning.
Director, TEC Worldwide
Initially, starting on her own in 2008, today Natalie has grown TEC to a full-service events agency that operates throughout the MENA region. The company, with head office in Dubai now employs a team of 24 event planners and managers and has a 5000 sq. ft. warehouse in Dubai. TEC is the trusted partner of clients such as HSBC, Visa, Sephora, Cisco, DHL and others.
Natalie's career highlights include working with a host of well-known personalities including Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Formula One Champion Lewis Hamilton, former Mayor of New York Mike Bloomberg and International band The Rolling Stones. This year Natalie and her team executed events such as Rihanna’s visit to Sephora Dubai Mall, HSBC’s Economist roadshow across all GCC countries, Visa’s MENA client forum in Rome, DHL’s internal event in Malta and several conferences for Cisco and Facebook.
Natalie is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the events industry and has lectured at various universities and industry conferences in both Europe and the Middle East.
CEO, Cheesecake Digital
Philip has 18 years’ experience in esports that includes managing the world’s best esports teams, organising online and offline tournament events, working for EA SPORTS on the FIFA videogame and delivering marketing campaigns for brands including Microsoft and Telefonica. He is the CEO of Cheesecake Digital, a specialist marketing and events agency dedicated to esports. Philip been in the Middle East since 2015 and is currently working on projects related to SAFEIS, the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sports, the General Sports Authority and the General Entertainment Authority.
CEO, Option 1 Event Services LLC
Sujoy has always been immensely passionate about innovation & the future. His ardent desire to incorporate cutting-edge technology on each of his projects and his everyday life; has indeed paved the way for him to be known as one of the leading event technologists in markets he serves.
As a young entrepreneur, his first business venture in 1997 was an audio-visual and special effects rental company called Soundwaves rapidly creating a niche in the Asian entertainment and events industry. Since then Sujoy has grown the companies he leads into globally renowned event technology, production & content development verticals. He has spearheaded several business verticals to compliments the content & technology integration services; catering to the corporate, retail, television & government sector across the Middle East, Asian & European markets.
His vision is to create a network of business verticals that would complement each other In solutions that will raise the bar in linking future technology in the event space with sustainable platforms that will make a huge impact to the global environment challenges.
Director
AiTech4U
Dr. Essam Mitwally obtained PhD in Telecommunication from Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm-Sweden. Before founding AiTech4U, he was the Quanergy Director, driving the embrace of LiDAR sensors in MEA, enabling Ai applications like Autonomous Cars and automated Security. Previously, he worked at STC Engineering, Operations and Regulations, and was cofounder of STC R&D Department. As Chief-Engineering Switching Design for 15 years at Bell Canada International and STC, he was key for the introduction of new networks and services in KSA.
Fawaz is an active business professional with an international background of 15+ years in SME, Technology, Consulting, Sales, Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation leadership roles across USA, Turkey, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
With 2 MBA's and a Software undergrad, Fawaz brings knowledge into a wide range of experiences. From consulting roles to founding tech & retail startups, ending with senior sales roles in the biggest software firms in the world.
Commerce Proposition, Geidea
Laurent Dhaeyer brings 15 years of extensive experience in international payment strategy and product management. He is currently building a remote commerce proposition for Geidea in order to offer merchants and banks multi-channel payment acceptance.
Previous positions include Managing Director for Securetrading in London, Managing Director for Ogone-Ingenico Asia Pacific region, founding member of Rakuten Europe Bank and Director Strategy and Business Development at Asiapay.
Laurent holds an MBA from HEC Paris and various professional certifications from Harvard and MIT.
Founder & CEO, Entertainment Tracks (Xitmnt)
After 22 years of serving in the Military, Basim Almohammadi decided to retire as a Navy Captain and start his entrepreneurship journey. He started Entertainment Tracks (Xitmnt), a company specialized in Virtual Reality games and Video games provided in a unique games truck that considered one of the largest in the world. Basim believes in non-traditional activities and added value products. As a high skilled leader Basim was able to create a great team and partners which in turn managed to hold more the successful 30 events such as team building activities for corporate and government entities in the three cities in less than a year. After one year of providing elite services and different products such as Laser Tags and Carnival Games, he decided to expand his business by jumping in the world of E-Sport.
Sales Director, Albaddad
Sameh Mohsen is the Sales Director at Al Baddad. He is responsible for overseeing and managing a large team of Branch Managers and Sales Executives across the 6 branches in UAE. He has extensive working experience with different multinational companies in Egypt and UAE. He worked with Al- Hazem Group, Egypt as Sales Manager from June 2009 to April 2012 and United Arab for Engineering & Steel Work, Egypt as Sales Manager from September 2005 to May 2009 before Joining Al Baddad. He holds a Degree in Bachelor of Commerce & Administration from Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. His hobbies are listening/playing music and reading books. He has received multiple awards and accolades for outstanding performance Sales Manager and Sales Director.
Founder / CEO, Dan Bolton Agency
Dan Bolton is an artistic director and creative producer with over 21 years experience and an extensive global network in the live events, entertainment and performance industry.
Specializing in artist management and the conceptualization, creation and delivery of live performances, Dan’s career has taken him to the four corners of the globe haven taken leading roles in the successful delivery of projects such as the Inauguration of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the recent opening & closing ceremonies of the 2018 Jakarta Palembang Asian Games.
After a successful career as a performance artist, Dan moved to the Middle East over a decade ago and has contributed greatly to developing the regions performance industry. His company is responsible for shows at some of the region’s most prestigious events including the Abu Dhabi F1, Special Olympics Closing Ceremony, Expo site launch and many more. Dan is also immediate past president of the Middle East chapter of the International Live Events Association.
CEO, Takamul Smart Technology KSA
Basil Al-Dossary is the Founder and CEO of Takamul Smart Technology. Member of ICT committee for Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce. He has been recognized and rewarded for his expertise and influence in the digital space in the Kingdom and abroad.
Basil’s success is due in part to a diverse professional background in digital transformation and product management as well as digital product development. Takamul Smart Technology developed a corporate event management platform that helps companies get the most out of their events. Thanks to his digital experience and product development know-how.
Project Director – Formula E ADR ePrix 2019, Stamina Productions LLC
John Jossifakis, CSEP has over 20 years of experience in large scale event management, production management, festival and event operations. He holds a Master’s degree in Events Management from Leeds Beckett University and a Diploma from the Harvard Business School. He is a Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) and also acts as an CSEP external examiner. John has been a guest lecturer at Leeds Becket University and Edinburgh Napier University. His major achievement was his role in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Ceremonies and his consultancy to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Ceremonies. He is STAMINA Production’s, Director of Production & Project Director for the Formula E Race in Ad Diriyadh, KSA. With over 2,000 Events in every continent except Antarctica, John brings a plethora of knowledge and has a simple way of breaking down complex topics for the people that have just joined the industry. John has mentored over 250 students and actively lectures in Dubai, UAE and Riyadh, KSA.
President ILEA Middle East & CEO Arena Group Middle East & Asia
Paul Berger has been working in the Middle East and Asia since 1993. He started his career in Dubai with the OMNICOM Group, as a lead Account Director on Emirates Airline, Pepsi Cola and General Motors. In 1997, Paul moved into the sports event management sector, by launching the first leisure motor sport tracks in the region. Indoor Karting, Outdoor Karting, the Dubai Autodrome FIA Circuit and local motor racing championships.
In 2009, he became CEO of Harlequin and subsequently sold the company to the Arena Group. In 2010, he became CEO of the Middle East and Asia Division for the Arena Group, launching the company in Singapore and Malaysia. Paul has subsequently expanded the division to Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Korea and now Japan. The division has grown from a US$6m business in 2009 to over US$30m in 2017, with over 180 employees. Paul sits on global executive board of the ARENA Group PLC and is one of the largest individual shareholders in the Group.
Entertainment Director, Diriyah Gate Development Authority
A major player in the development of the live entertainment industry in the Middle East during the past 19 years, Thomas Ovesen brings a wealth of experience stemming from his tenure at 117Live, Done Events and AEG Ogden. During his career, Thomas has won more awards than any other promoter in the region – from Best Comedy Show through to Best Concert Awards numerous times as well as awards for most of his festival properties, bringing in diverse superstar talents from the likes of Prince, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, One Direction, Eric Clapton and Jennifer Lopez.
Thomas is currently with the DGDA, as Entertainment Director, to develop and support Event and Concert Promotions, Talent, Show and Event Programming.
Founder / CEO, Plan b Group
A respected and dynamic business leader both in and outside the UAE, he is also regarded as an integral and inspirational part of the Indian community in the UAE as well as the Sikh fraternity globally. He is the winner of several accolades and recognitions for his professional and philanthropic achievements.
Harmeek Singh has been trying to break stereotypes and has become the first Expatriate to represent UAE in the Sports world as the Marketing and Strategy Director (Global).
He is a board member for Sikh Channel (UK), SNF (Special Needs Friends-Charity for special needs children), Box Of Hope (Platform for supporting blue collared workers), First Patron for Asian Football Championship to take 10,000 workers to watch a match for the first time in a stadium.
His determination and relentless hard work paved the way for the eight-entity strong Plan b empire over a short span of 14 years and his humility and service towards society gained him the adoration of his people and peers.
Group COO, All Entertainment Group
Mark Satchell is Group Chief Operating Officer of All Entertainment Group (AEG) and is an accomplished Senior Executive with a demonstrable record of achievement in the theatrical, events, festival and venue management sectors. Previous to working within AEG, Mark was Chief Executive Officer of Squares Event and regional General Manager of Live Nation Middle East, predominantly focusing on venue development and venue management within the Middle East. After working in London’s West End Theatres for many years, Mark had the opportunity to come to the middle east to join a creative team as Operations and Programs Director for the iThra Knowledge program for Saudi Aramco.
Now in his seventh year working in the Middle East, Mark’s mission is to ensure AEG plays a significant part in the growth and success story of Saudi Arabia, and its ambitious vision 2030. In particular transferring knowledge to a new generation of young and talented Saudi Nationals. Building a bright and sustainable future within the entertainment and events industry.
Founder and CEO, CELS Group
Alessandro Gaffuri is a leader in Leisure and Retail strategy. A specialist with international experience (across Europe and the Middle East). With a background which has included a radio station, night clubs, Arena’s cinema’s and theme parks, he has a wealth of knowledge to share with the events industry. Following global market trends, today’s event management strategy involves the study of each touch point with visitors, thanks to multidisciplinary methods and a full range of tools which Alessandro is delighted to share at the Saudi Event Show.
Founder and COO @ VIAFONE Technologies and Head of Loyalty & Customer Experience @ CELS
Artificial intelligence, in the event industry, refers to technology that can understand and engage using words, syntax, and smart learning. According to Forbes Magazine, Event Coordinator was the 5th most stressful job in America in 2017. There are so many moving parts that go into planning a conference, tradeshow, or event, so the more you can streamline the process, the better.
Souffiane Houti, Founder & COO @ VIAFONE Technologies LLC, is recognised as a pioneer in the field of Artificial Intelligence Chatbot and Deep Learning Predictive Analytics. He believes that the world of Event based customer relations needs a new model that is data driven, contextual, with a personalized interactive CRM system. Simultaneously, he now heads the Digital and Loyalty Solutions of CELS Group, tying in the digital aspect of the consumer’s holistic journey.
Sr. Analyst, Events & Exhibitions, SABIC
Tariq Basakran, I’ve been with SABIC for 8 years now, walking my way through the Events, Gifts and protocols departments to the executive’s VIP Protocols and eventually to the Global events and Exhibitions Department, where I’m assigned recently and proudly to one of SABIC mega projects.
Managing Director, PRO4
A Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) from the Events Industry Council, Emad holds a certificate in Professional Event Management and a certificate in Professional Destination Management from George Washington University. He is also a certified Event management trainer from George Washington University. Emad founded his first events company in year 2000, and he moved to Saudi in 2014 to help starting up and spearheading PRO4 a Saudi Boutique Event Management Agency serving International brands in Saudi Arabia such as Google, YouTube, Berkeley Group, Deezer and more. In his 20 years of experience, Emad managed and led various teams to organize and produce hundreds of events from corporate meetings and conferences to major festivals and mega events.
Managing Director, LINKVIVA
Alex Bendiouis is the Managing Director of a multi-award-winning experiential event agency LINKVIVA who are headquartered in the UAE and with branch offices and partners globally. A serial entrepreneur, having co-owned a multimedia agency that delivered events and media across the GCC. He has written, consulted and advised on boards with global NGOs such as UNESCO, as well as Government entities Enterprise & SME’s.
Among his most recent achievements are winning Experiential Agency of the Year, Employer of the year and Being ranked as one of the TOP 50 Event Companies in the world. He is a popular team motivator, brand strategist and is currently writing a book titled ‘Winning through Authenticity.’ He lives in Dubai, with his wife, Sherine, and 2 children.
Director of Partnerships, LINKVIVA
Nowshir Engineer is an industry veteran with over 15 years of UAE experience and one of the most respected event professionals. Recognized as a pioneer in the Event and Entertainment education industry – he established the global institution EMDI which trained over 1500 students annually across 3 countries and 16 centers/franchises.
He currently serves on the leadership team of LINKVIVA as Director of Partnerships and handles special projects for the organization. He was Project Director for the award-winning Dubai Festival City Pirates Activation, RTA Public Transport Day, Expo Volunteer Ceremony, HCT 30th Anniversary Celebration besides leading partner strategy for the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Abu Dhabi Summer Surprise, Zayed Sports Tournament, Dubai Modest Fashion Week, & Dubai City Quest Challenge amongst others.
Nowshir was also the founder in establishing India’s premier most Experiential Marketing Platform – www.eventfaqs.com – which today is the premier source of information and owner of IP’s.Director, The Fridge Entertainment
As a Director, Shelley Frost has a strong understanding of the entertainment subtleties of the Middle East, and holds a steadfast belief in the importance of fostering a vibrant and culturally inclusive platform for the performing arts. She has more than twenty years’ experience working with local talent and her work is collaborative and highly influenced by contemporary cultural references.
Chief Business Officer, Cerimonia Events
Noornabi Zarief is a Riyadh, Saudi Arabian based brand consultant who routinely travels the globe documenting and branding corporate movies for high profile clients and wedding for discerning couples. He has a Bachelor’s Degree on Business Information Technology from University of Greenwich, London. Noor have worked primarily as a director, architectural photographer, drone pilot and cinematographer. Currently he is serving as a business officer in Cerimonia events while also building brands to promote and also give back to the Saudi economy.
While Noor continually develop his own passion projects, he also spend much of his time assisting other filmmakers in the creation of their films or cinematography. Through his production company with the support of Cerimonia studios, The Idea Factory Films (www.ideafactory-films.com). Noor have been fortunate to have taken part in the completion of innumerable corporate films, architectural documentation cinematography, broadcast content, weddings and commercials. At the moment, his time is split between Cerimonia events and his passion to film making.
What excites Noor most about filmmaking today is that the filmmakers have the ability to create exceptionally high quality content without the need for huge budgets – simply by harnessing the power of the tools we have at hand, and gaining the knowledge we need to make the most of them. Great films at their core are simply great stories, no matter how large or small their budgets are. With today’s tools and resources at our fingertips, the potential for telling moving stories is limitless.
Sales & Marketing Director, D2i Systems
Matthew is the Sales & Marketing Director for D2i Systems, an award-winning specialist software house that provides event technology, consultancy and registration services to event organisers. Matthew advises customers from a position of experience having worked for Tarsus Group, UBM and Informa selling bespoke marketing solutions for a number of exhibitions, awards and conferences. Since joining D2i Matthew has spent four years working with organisers to help improve their performance in the areas of sales, marketing and operational delivery via the successful adoption of #eventtech working with customers such as Clarion, Messe Frankfurt, NHS, UCAS and the Chelsea Flower Show.