Guest Interview: Paul D’Arcy of QNCC

Q: What challenges have you faced marketing a new centre in a relatively new meetings destination in today’s economic climate? 


A: With Qatar’s vibrant economy still growing at 9.2% per annum in 2009 and expected to reach a staggering 24.5% in 2010 we have not faced the same challenges as other parts of the world.

Infrastructure projects such as the new Doha International Airport, with stage one to be operational in 2012, and the building of many new hotels have continued at breakneck speed.

Their scheduled completion will coincide with the Centre’s opening in 2011.

Meeting planners can also be assured that Doha can deliver the support services required.

The city has successfully hosted 13,000 Athletes from 45 nations during the 2006 Asian Games and the World Petroleum Council will hold their prestigious congress during our opening year with around 5,000 attendees.

Now that our “Marketing Platform” is complete with the finalisation of our new website, brochure and other e-marketing tools the response from the market continues to be very positive.

Q: What green or sustainability initiatives have been implemented in the Centre’s design? 


QNCC is the first convention and exhibition centre of its kind to be built to the premium standard of the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.

It is an internationally recognised benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance.

From design stage, we placed a great deal of importance on sustainability. It is a key issue in the industry today and we are committed to ensuring targets are met in areas such as water savings, energy efficiency and indoor environment quality.

For example, the Centre will house 12,000 sqft of solar panels that occupy 23,000 sqft of roof area to produce 12.5% of the buildings total electrical requirement.

With technology moving at such a rapid pace, how do know what will be required in 2011? 


Simply put, we don’t. However, the building has been designed with the very latest technology infrastructure which will allow us to “hang” the most up-to-date technology off it.

We will include systems such as Cisco Tele Presence in the belief that this technology will support our industry rather than detract from it.

Other initiatives include interactive LCD screens for public use measuring 5m long by 2m high, Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) for tracking of delegates as well as building assets and a totally wireless conference management system.

What do you believe will be the most important factors in determining your company’s success in 2010?


QNCC is a member of Qatar Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. The foundation has a conviction to create Qatar’s legacy of educational and scientific achievement.

More than 30 elite institutions are also members including top American universities such as Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, Northwestern, Texas A&M, Virginia Commonwealth and Weill Cornell.

In partnership, we will encourage these leaders to bid for international conventions to expose their research activities to the world.

If you could influence the industry, what would your legacy be and why?


The first would be the eradication of the acronym “MICE” from our industry. Whilst not prevalent in North America, it is in this region and Asia Pacific. My view is that we are in the ‘Meetings’ or ‘Business Events’ industry.

The second would be to influence the industry to be more cohesive so that we could clearly enunciate to the world (governments, cities etc) the true value of our business.