The venue management company ASM Global has announced the appointment of a new General Manager for Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB).
Convention industry specialist Alan Pryor took over as General Manager of Exhibition World Bahrain on 13 October 2024. He brings over 40 years of experience in international convention and hotel management, including as General Manager for the ASM Global-operated Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia.
Under Alan’s leadership, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre became Asia’s first International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) Gold Standard Venue. With more than 28.6 million visitors annually, the centre is now a trusted hub for world-class events and hospitality. Alan has also spent a significant part of his earlier career in convention centres and hotels in London and South Africa.
ASM Global (APAC and MENA) Chairman and Chief Executive, Harvey Lister AM, believes the Middle East’s newest and largest exhibition and convention centre will benefit from Alan’s appointment, “It’s powerful when we can leverage our collective experience from across the ASM Global family combining people and skills to deliver continued success in Bahrain. Alan is a strong, experienced global exhibition and convention leader and he is ideal to drive the next phase of growth for Exhibition World Bahrain.”
Alan Pryor said he was excited to be trusted by ASM Global to run the spectacular Exhibition World Bahrain project in its next phase: “Exhibition World Bahrain is a stunning new venue and presents an extraordinary opportunity to build an environment that is unique and a world-class experience for all – guests, clients, delegates and our own ASM Global team. I am looking forward to generating a long-term legacy for the Kingdom of Bahrain and working closely with our partners Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and all the local teams to create a diverse, inclusive team which will lead the venue into the future.”
Harvey Lister thanked Dr Debbie Kristiansen who served as General Manager of Exhibition World Bahrain after delivering a successful opening of the centre last year, and who is now stepping down to take a well-earned break with her family. Dr Debbie Kristiansen said: “I am deeply honoured and proud to have led the development and opening of Exhibition World Bahrain. It has been a privilege to mentor and work alongside an exceptional team of young Bahraini professionals, and I take immense pride in the lasting legacy we have created together over the past three and a half years.”
ASM Global has also announced that Tina Eggers, Deputy Director of Business Development (APAC and MENA) will spend several months in Bahrain providing support for the new team helping to drive the strategic direction of attracting new business, clients and visitors to Bahrain.
Tina’s strong experience working with passionate local teams across the Asia Pacific and the Middle East will greatly assist Alan’s plan to attract and secure local, regional and international conferences, meetings and events for Bahrain. She sees the connection between the investment in Exhibition World Bahrain and the future of the country: “This is an amazing platform for clients, delegates, visitors and guests to enjoy a glimpse of Bahrain’s warm, welcoming, and authentic Arabic hospitality.”
