POST SHOW REPORT
26 - 29 January 2010 Riyadh International Exhibition CentER
http://iehe.mohe.gov.sa Organized by:
Diamond Sponsor:
The International Exhibition for Higher Education was held under the Auspices of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
IEHE 2010, the very first edition of the International Exhibition for Higher Education and the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Saudi Arabia, opened its doors in the bustling capital Riyadh on January 26th, 2010 after a remarkable opening ceremony inaugurated by Dr. Khalid Al Angari, Minister of Higher Education. The inaugural program commenced with a speech by Dr. Al Angari and several VIP speakers in the main auditorium of the new Riyadh International Exhibition Center. Over 1500 VIP guests, Ambassadors, and foreign diplomats attended the speech which was then followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and a visit to the various sections of the exhibition which consumed the entire covered area of the brand new facility.
Right from the early morning opening hours of the first day, thousands upon thousands of students and visitor delegations flocked into the exhibition halls in an unprecedented scene.
Record participation at IEHE 2010 beats all expectations Right from its first edition, the International Exhibition for Higher Education, IEHE 2010, achieved record participation levels that beat all expectations. Held at the modern Riyadh International Exhibition Center located in the heart of the bustling Saudi capital Riyadh, IEHE 2010 welcomed over 300 leading universities and colleges from more than 30 countries. They were joined by the entire Saudi higher education spectrum represented through 39 universities from all over the Kingdom, and tens of higher education organizations and associations from all over the world. In addition, more than 35 local and international exhibitors participated under the educational technologies section of the show which was filled to maximum capacity.
More than 250,000 visitors in just 4 days‌
In an unprecedented turnout, IEHE 2010 welcomed more than 250,000 visitors in just 4 days. Visitors came from all over Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf States and included students, parents, academics, diplomats, foreign delegations, top executives and officials who flocked to attend this first of its kind event in the Kingdom. IEHE 2010 was indeed a historic landmark in the higher education sector that allowed visitors to network with the largest gathering ever of institutions from around the world. The event and its accompanying program of meetings, workshops, and presentations, had no trouble attracting a non stop flow of visitors throughout the entire working hours. For students seeking undergraduate and graduate programs and specialty fields, IEHE 2010 offered a wealth of opportunity for exploring the various programs presented by participating universities and institutions, and drastically cut down months of waiting and correspondence.
Visitor Statistics Report
12% 13%
75% The show welcomed a total of 250,184 visitors 75% of the visitors came from Saudi Arabia, 12% from GCC countries and 13% were international visitors.
Success at all levels Never before in the history of fairs in the Kingdom or elsewhere across the region, has any event picked up so much publicity and media coverage especially when being held for the first time. Public contentment with the event reached unmatched levels, and the event was hailed at the highest government ranks. Exhibitors in all sections of the show reported hundreds of serious inquiries that will inevitably translate into student recruitment, cooperation agreements among institutions, as well as business transactions and technology transfer. In brief, IEHE 2010 was a resounding success at all levels.
Date
Visitors
Day 1 - (Jan. 26):
e 68,120
Day 2 - (Jan. 27):
e 71,561
Day 3 - (Jan. 28):
e 62,147
Day 4 - (Jan. 29):
e 48,356
TOTAL
e 250,184
Exhibitors Survey
Compared to other international events you’ve attended, how do you rate the standard of IEHE 2010?
10%
3%
25%
62% BETTER SAME LESS UNDECIDED
57% EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR UNDECIDED
46.5% 46.5%
34%
26%
73% YES UNDECIDED NO
What is your overall evaluation of the exhibition services rendered by the IEHE 2010 organizers?
1%
7%
Will you participate in IEHE 2011?
7%
EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR
How do you rate the quality of exhibitors and visitors at IEHE 2010?
2%
What is your overall evaluation of IEHE 2010?
6%
46% 48% EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR UNDECIDED
1%
Academic Cooperation Agreements signed between Saudi and International Universities at IEHE 2010
During the IEHE, more than 45 Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) and Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) on academic cooperation were signed between Saudi and International universities, some of which are: 1. MOA between Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University and the University of Newcastle (Australia). 2. MOA between King Saud University and Yale University (USA). 3. MOA between Taibah University and Dankook University (Korea). 4. MOU between Jazan University and Tokai University (Japan). 5. MOA between the University of Hail and TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany). 6. MOA between Al Baha University and the University of Vienna (Austria). 7. MOU between Princess Norah University and British Columbia Institute of Technology (Canada). 8. MOU between Qassim University and Xingjiang Medical University (China). 9. MOU between Shagra University and Boston University (USA). 10. MOU between Almajmaah University and the University of Monash (Australia). 11. MOU between Dammam University and the University of Monash (Australia).
Tens of seminars & workshops, 55 renowned speakers from 26 countries took part in IEHE Forum and side events
In parallel with the show, a forum was held at the exhibition center’s state-of-the-art main auditorium featuring 55 prominent speakers and education experts from more than 26 countries. Topics varied from “Internationalization of Higher Education”, to “Socio-Economic Impact of Higher Education”, and “Transforming into a Knowledge Society”, to name a few. Other seminars and workshops were held in private meeting rooms by international delegations and local institutions and tackled topics varying from entrance exams, to international academic cooperation, partnership programs, acceptance criteria, and degree programs.
IEHE 2010 FACTS & FIGURES
Visitor Survey
(400 exhibitors from 34 countries)
2010 Postshow Statistics How do you rate the general standard and quality of IEHE?
Total number of exhibitors: e 400
10%
15%
42%
33%
EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR
Total number of international universities and other educational institutions and associations: e 317 Total number of local universities and other entities: e 43
How do you rate the diversity of participating institutions?
15%
5%
59%
21%
EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR
How do you rate the quality of participating institutions?
11%
5%
58%
26%
EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR
Diamond Sponsor
Technology Provider & Support
Technical Sponsor
Total number of exhibitors in educational technologies section: (40) Local: e 23 International: e 17 Total gross exhibition space: (14,600 sqm.) Local: e 7,900 sqm International: e 6,700 sqm Total net exhibition space: (7,124 sqm.) Local: e 2,786 sqm International: e 3,147 sqm Educational Tech.: e 1,191 sqm
Exhibitor Testimonials IEHE 2010 Interviews
Netherlands ”A brilliant future awaits Saudi Arabia, higher education is so essential for developing a country. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wants to open up and will do very well with such a highly organized event. I am so impressed because of the way and the determination in making this a top international event in a conservative country like Saudi Arabia. Very impressed with the show and the details. Congratulations”. Jo Ritzen, PhD., MSc President, Minister of Education in Netherlands in the 1990‘s Maastricht University, Netherlands ”This exhibition is extremely well organized. I’ve been to education fairs for more than 20 years and this is the best I’ve ever been to. The quality of booths is so good. Top universities from all over the world that I don’t usually see in other fairs are here”. Simon J. Van Der Wal International Marketing Manager University of Groningen, Netherlands
Argentina ”This is the biggest exhibition I’ve ever been to. Very surprised, found a lot of people coming from different countries. The only thing I can say about the organization is that it’s excellent. We feel like we’re in our own home”. Marcelo Tobin Under-Secretary of International Relations University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mexico ”We are very pleased. We have been guided all the way. We are very pleased with the organization, and the members.
Everything has developed very easily, organizers did a great job. Very thankful. Congratulating everyone”. Martha Navarro-Albo, Ph.D. Vice-Provost for International Affairs Universidad Nacional Autonoma, Mexico
Switzerland ”Very impressed by the number of people that are interested in education. The organization was very well, everything was exceptionally organized. Very high standards. Very positive evaluation of the organization. Great success for all the organization to put up such a successful event”. Dr. Stephane Berthet Secretaire General Universite de Geneve, Switzerland
Japan ”Very wide range of students. Impressed with the organizers’ efforts. Very satisfied with the event. Impressed by the quality of the universities that were present”. Shuzo Nishimura, PhD Professor Emeritus Kyoto University, Japan
Ireland “I’ve been attending education fairs for the past 12 years and have never seen anything as magnificent as this one. Its fantastic. Size, organization, have been phenomenal. Spaces are good, structure is good. Facilities have been excellent. - The students that we’ve met have been fantastic. Lovely mix of undergrad and post grad, men and women. Been very good. Very positive”. Josephine Page Manager of the Int’l. Education Office University of Limerick, Ireland Irish Universities Association (IUA)
UK ”I couldn’t believe there were so many people and so many British universities in one place! It’s bigger than I thought. I think the organization was very good, knowing how difficult it was to handle. It’s difficult to think what more the organizers could have done! “ Prof. D. A. Cardwell Professor of Superconducting Engineering University of Cambridge, UK
“The quality of the exhibitors is very strong, first time I’ve been in an exhibition with oxford and Cambridge and Yale. Very nice venue, the layout is very good. Very good experience.” Rolf Jespersen Senior International Officer City University London, UK
”The exhibitors are very impressive from all around the world. Been a really good show. The venue is quite outstanding. Organizers are fantastic and have done a very good job. Everything promised has been here on time”. Matthew Elliott International Officer The University of Nottingham, UK
Australia “Everyone is pleased. Very pleased with the facilities and how helpful the organizers have been. The venue is high standard, very new venue. All facilities have been great. Surely Australia will be present in the future.“ Stephen Garrett Consul – Education Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Australian Education Int’l. (AEI), Australia
USA ”Great exhibitors, very excited about the visitors. Lovely venue, setup and operation of booth just wonderful. Couldn’t be more pleased”. Dr. Kathryn Mitchell Napper Executive Dean George Washington University, USA
Germany ”Very high quality event. Given the short time the organizers had to prepare for this event, it was marvelous and fulfilled all of our expectations. I can only say this is top level. I hope you can keep the top level for the next event in 2011”. Dr. Carsten Walbiner International Relations German Academic Exchange Service DAAD, Germany
France ”Really impressed by the quality of the organization, the people and the other exhibitors. Really impressive. Feel like we’re in a club of institutions, excellent criteria to be present. No comment. Meaning highly positive. Very happy”. Carole Des-Camps Head of international development HEC Paris, France
“Quite surprised there are more than 300 universities. Among the French ones, HEC, Grenoble and Pierre et Marie Curie, amongst the best French universities. The organization is really good, it was great working with the organizers’ team. I’m sure next year will be bigger than today.” Pierre Vincent Campus France, France
Canada
Spain
“I think it’s been fantastic to look at the number of the exhibitors, and amazing to see the quality of the Saudi Arabian universities. Amazing opportunity for us to see where there might be areas for collaboration.
“We are very impressed by the great number of people that have joined the exhibition, all the seminars.
I think the booths are excellent, the space for people to walk around in is simply unmatched”.
Antonio Gil Giménez Head Office of the Economic Development University of Barcelona, Spain
Lorna Wright Associate Vice-President International York University, Canada
“The magnitude is very big. Did not expect this. The diversity of people is very big. People from different backgrounds. Logistics and booth very well done. The venue is very good, people very helpful, very well organized. World class”. Mr. Mourad el Gamal Advisor to the Vice-Principal McGill University, Canada
Finland ”Very well organized. Great to see how many universities are involved. Splendid platform for cooperation. I have enjoyed everything. All is working well, very good service everywhere. Very well organized”. Markus Laitinen Head of International Affairs University of Helsinki, Finland
China “The exhibition has very high standards. Good chance to exchange with other universities. The quality of the venue and organization is perfect. The booth is very beautiful.” Li Yanguang Director of the Division of International Student Affairs CSC (China Scholarship Council)
Its impressing how the organization has managed to give service to such a big number of visitors.”
“I am really very impressed with the high quality of the event. I’m used to attending international fairs, and this is by far one of the best, as far as organization, quality of the stands. Very impressed by the high level of the whole event itself. Everything was perfectly organized. Quality of services, etc. Totally impressed and I have very positive feedback and very happy to have come to Riyadh for this occasion.” Mr. Cézar Alvarez Head of Promotion Foundation Universidad.es, Spain
IEHE 2010 was recognized by the following International organizations and associations Australian Education Int’l. AUSTRALIA
International Exhibition for Higher Education (IEHE) was held at the new World-Class Riyadh International Exhibition Center. The venue combines flexibility & functionality and was welcomed by exhibitors and visitors.
Government of Canada Canada
China Education Association for Int’l. Exchange (CEAIE) - China China Scholarship Council China
Campus France France
Int’l. Association of Universities (IAU) France
DAAD-German Academic Exchange Service Germany
Edcil (India) Limited India
Irish Universities Association Ireland
Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) - Korea National Institute for Int’l. Education (NIIED) Korea
Fundación Universidad.es Spain
British Council UK
EducationUSA USA
NAFSA (Association of Int’l. Educators) USA
Book your space now... Saudi Arabia’s Premier Event for Higher Education Be part of the largest multinational gathering of higher education institutions and professionals across the Middle East, book your exhibition space now at IEHE 2011
IEHE 2011 PARTNER COUNTRY Starting in 2011, IEHE will introduce the Partner Country status for international country groups. The criteria required to earn the Partner Country status and the benefits attached to it will be announced in due time.
19 - 22, April 2011 Riyadh International Exhibition Center Organized by: The Organizing Committee of IEHE 2626 Al Olaya Street, Al Wouroud District, Sector No. 1 Riyadh, 6555 – 12251 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Tel.: +966 1 4194425 • Fax: +966 1 4194451 / 4194425 Ext.: 333 E-mail: info@iehe.mohe.gov.sa • Website: http://iehe.mohe.gov.sa
Executed by:
P.O. Box 56010, Riyadh 11554, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Tel.: +966 1 2295604 • Fax: +966 1 2295612 E-mail: info@recexpo.com • Website: www.recexpo.com