Thank you again for everyone who participated in the 19th Annual IAOM Mideast & Africa District Conference & Expo held in Arusha, Tanzania and a special thank you for the conference host Said Salim Bakhresa & Company Ltd. and Ricky Vohora in Arusha!

The overall interest to participate in the conference and expo was greater than previous years and the targeted participant number was reached long before the registration deadline. Returning to East Africa after many years ensured that many colleagues from the region that are new to the IAOM events joined us this year. In addition to these, the district’s positive development is shown on the high increase in IAOM memberships from the region in the past year.

In total, there were delegates from 49 countries participated in conference and expo (including 57 exhibiting companies from 21 countries) and the feedback from them was largely positive. The exciting conference program with the close proximity to the expo site made the event a great success. Appreciated by many delegates were also the district’s centralized conference organization, the thrilling cultural programs during the dinners and beauty of the location, Arusha.

As we hope to further develop the Mideast & Africa district events and educational material, the IAOM Mideast & Africa district staff is anytime available for suggestions or questions at info@iaom-mea.com. As a new feature on the website we will start publishing press releases from our members on the district news page. Please make also sure you have given your comments about the 2008 conference and expo in the evaluation form.

I would be pleased to see you all again in the 20th Annual IAOM Mideast & Africa District Conference & Expo in Antalya, Turkey on October 23–26, 2009.

Merzad Jamshidi
IAOM Mideast & Africa District Director