|
|
|
Return to Bulletin Home - May 2007 |
Dubai Keeps On Growing ICEF workshops are always infused by the energy of the city in which they take place. This year's Middle East Workshop was no exception: it was located in Dubai, UAE, a cosmopolitan business hub renowned for its growth, ambition, and international atmosphere. Dubai is an increasingly important world destination for the education and IT sectors, making it a great fit for ICEF's Middle East Workshop, held this year at the five-star deluxe Jumeirah Emirates Towers in February 2007.
The ICEF Middle East Workshop. Dubai, February 2007. The Middle East Workshop is the region's only annual networking venue for student recruitment professionals active in this high-potential market. This year marked the fourth installment of the workshop, and it was the largest to date: 293 participants attended, representing 213 organisations from 42 countries, reflecting 13% growth over the 2006 event. Many attendees were first-timers new to ICEF and the market. "ICEF has provided a great platform for me to meet and familiarise myself with education agents from the Middle East under one single roof," said Shashank Vuppala of Ozford College, Australia. "The appointment management system was of great help in setting up the appointments appropriately."
A highlight of the workshops's market intelligence seminars was a presentation for agents given by Andy Nicol (Coventry University, UK) and Chris Price (London IBT Ltd, UK) called "How to Work Successfully with Universities." The presentation covered the whole gamut of the agent/university relationship from the perspective of agents, from selecting appropriate educational providers and pitching them, to compensation and contractual issues, to strengthening the agent/provider bond, and communicating effectively.
A key piece of advice Nicol and Price reiterated to agents was to take every opportunity to differentiate from the competition on the basis of service. "Really knowing your market, and proving you can provide valuable market intelligence is a fantastic way to improve your relationship with education providers—and strengthen their loyalty to you." Nicol and Price also emphasised the importance of clarifying expectations, and not over-promising. "The best agents work at securing a long-term relationship, so clear communication lines and mutual understanding of what will be delivered is crucial." An extensive photo gallery from Dubai is now available on the ICEF website, as is a video from this year's Middle East Workshop. The next Middle East Workshop will occur in Dubai, February 3 to 5, 2008.
|
|
The ICEF Bulletin is published periodically throughout the year. This email was sent to you by bulletin@icef.com. |
|
