Middle East International Entertainment Forum

The Middle East International Entertainment Forum was hosted in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on March 7, 2023, and lasted for two days. It was organized by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) in partnership with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The forum brought together entertainment sector investors from within the Kingdom and forty other countries, including leaders in the entertainment industry, experts, and professionals in the field.

The forum was held with the aim of exploring global innovations in the entertainment industry, the latest developments in the field. It also focused on methods and tools for measuring the success of entertainment events, addressing the challenges facing the sector, and developing appropriate plans to overcome them. The forum also aimed to facilitate the exchange of expertise between entertainment industry leaders and experts, equip professionals with the necessary skills to succeed in their roles, enhance the performance of initiatives, and support the sector’s strategies in the Kingdom by training its leaders.

Eight panel sessions were held during the forum, featuring presentations on entertainment destinations in the Kingdom, their potential, and attractive new projects. The sessions also discussed the future of entertainment cities.

The forum discussed mechanisms for designing and managing large-scale amusement operations, as well as creating plans to develop successful entertainment activities that achieve their objectives by engaging the community and meeting its needs and standards. The forum reviewed methods for developing work plans and setting budgets to bring entertainment creators' ideas to life, ensuring the availability of essential operating costs for projects. It also highlighted the importance of innovation and creativity, emphasizing the need to rely on teams that are committed to the significance of these projects and are focused on implementing them in the most effective and appropriate ways for the future of entertainment facilities. The forum also discussed visitor relations, safety aspects, and the central market for major entertainment projects in the Kingdom.

On the sidelines of the forum, an exhibition showcasing the latest developments in entertainment with participation from local and international companies, as well as specialized entities. These companies presented their products and services catering to the entertainment industry and offered a range of opportunities to engage with experts to gain insights. Additionally, there were field trips to 'Boulevard Riyadh City' and 'Boulevard World.'

A professional development program, presented by the Institute for Attractions Managers (IAM), was held at the forum. The program aimed to share best practices through projects executed by specialized global companies in the entertainment sector. The program included training courses delivered by international experts from five countries, targeting decision-makers and executives from companies and organizations operating in the Kingdom’s entertainment sector. Participants received a certificate from IAAPA. The program covered practical topics relevant to thirty entertainment specialists from six countries.

The professional development program for entertainment destination managers included five training modules relevant to the sector. These included: a training course introducing 'Fun World Park,' another on managing operations and safety in entertainment facilities, a course on financial management, training on marketing and public relations, and another on revenue management in entertainment destinations, as well as a course on human resources and leadership. The program concluded with workshops and presentations by the 'FunWorld' team.