First MCE Saudi show rescheduled

SAUDI ARABIA: The first Middle East version of the Mostra Convegno Expocomfort show, due to take place in May, has been rescheduled.

Announced last year by the organisers of the successful Milan exhibition, Mostra Convegno, MCE Saudi was due to take place in Riyadh from May 4-6 but has now been put back to early December to avoid a clash with an energy efficiency exhibition.

Reed Exhibitions Italia says the decision has been made in line with new regulations put in place by the Saudi Exhibitions & Convention Bureau (SECB).

A statement from the company says: “Reed Exhibitions has chosen to postpone the MCE Saudi date originally planned for May, a period during which another exhibition dedicated to energy efficiency has already been scheduled.”

MCE Saudi will now take place in the autumn, from November 30 to December 2 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre – RICEC.

Reed describes the move as “an important decision based on a further strategic analysis, and the constant attention to economic, legislative and cultural scenarios. The first edition of MCE Saudi will neither interfere with other trade shows, nor create confusion in the sector; on the contrary, its objective is to enhance the value and the uniqueness of the MCE brand recognised worldwide.”

The Saudi Exhibitions & Convention Bureau was formed at the end of 2013 as the overall governing and developmental organisation for conventions and exhibitions in Saudi Arabia. It oversees the licensing and development of all aspects of the industry including events, venues and event organisers.

The Middle East event will now be preceded by MCE Asia, taking place from September 2-4 at the Marina Bay Sands, in conjunction with Building Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia, south-east Asia’s business-to-business exhibition for cutting-edge technologies in green building design and architecture.