WATCH THIS SPACE: QNCC CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Excitement is building as the spectacular Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) develops into its final form, its signature sidra tree entrance nearing completion.

The site is a hub of activity with Phase 1 (Convention Centre) now 70% complete and Phase 2 (Exhibition Centre) advanced works 76% and main works 14.5% complete. Hardhat tours are showing guests the foyers and auditoria in various stages of construction.

Solid progress has been made to date to provide a landmark setting for exceptional events.

“This building has an architectural and artistic uniqueness that will put Doha on the map as an extraordinary event destination. It’s uplifting to see it visibly taking shape,” said QNCC General Manager, Paul D’Arcy.

Interior wall finishes in Italian marble are being installed and work has started on the much anticipated
leather feature wall of the lyric style theatre. The timber paneling in the foyers and meeting rooms is made
of ilboca teak.

Two of the three auditoria earmarked for the highest level of global summits are being fitted out. Installation
of luxury Italian leather seating is scheduled to commence this month.

Not since the QNCC construction began, has a car park, now 90% complete, attracted so much attention–
its design rivals that of Beijing’s “Bird Cage” Stadium. Connecting the car park to the main building are
air-conditioned dual direction travellators 275m long and 9m wide, the envy of any major international airport. Sponsorship opportunities abound with plasma screens situated every 2.3m and plenty of banner hanging space.

With approximately 4,500 people working on site, the QNCC is tracking on schedule for its opening in 2011

MEETING THE FUTURE

In a true show of intent to lead industry innovations, Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) has thrown its weight behind Convention 2020, a groundbreaking research initiative analysing the future of meetings, venues and destinations.
 
Martin Sirk, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) expressed his delight that Qatar National Convention Centre has joined Convention 2020 as one of its first platinum sponsors.

“The organisation will be able to turn its engagement into powerful market positioning as a thought leader
and innovator, and will also be wonderfully placed to incorporate the very latest trends and future business opportunities into their own strategic planning process," he said.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events Exhibition (IMEX) Group agreed saying
“We know that QNCC will be in the enviable position of gaining deep insights into the findings directly from
the authors.”

QNCC General Manager Paul D’Arcy pointed out that aside from benefits to be derived by the Centre in terms of fine-tuning its business model, QNCC would always be a staunch supporter of research that will advance the convention industry.

“Given the lack of meaningful research data, we are really looking forward to the insights developed by the study’s learned futurists and technologists,” said Paul D’Arcy.

The strategic foresight study marks a radical departure from traditional industry research.

“The aim is to take a challenging view at the forces, trends and ideas that will shape the industry over the next ten years and to provide practical insights on how to prepare for the changes ahead. We are delighted that Qatar National Convention Centre has given Convention 2020 its wholehearted support,” said Rohit Talwar, CEO of Fast Future Research.

Findings of an initial survey on future scenarios for meetings were recently released. The results highlight
the need for innovation in event design and business models in order to succeed in a hypercompetitive environment.

Outputs from Convention 2020 will feed the educational content at IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany in May 2010 and the ICCA Congress at Hyderabad, India in October 2010.