The division, which includes flagship brands INDEX and The Hotel Show, two of Dubai’s most established events, has seen geographic expansion in recent years with geo-adapted shows being launched into Saudi Arabia, Qatar and South Africa.

The division also includes the invite only HI Design Events, a series of unique summits matching buyers and sellers from the hotel interior design sector which take place in Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Americas. 

“It’s an exciting time to return and I look forward to the new challenge of leading an experienced and talented team” said Andy White, “With Expo 2020 kicking off next year and the rapid development of the tourism and hospitality sectors in Saudi Arabia, we have a great opportunity to help our clients capitalise on this by generating new business from a market that promises rapid and sustained growth’’. 

Andy will bring more than 25 years’ experience organising B2B exhibitions to his new role. He has been based in the Middle East since 2010 when he first took on the role of Event Director for The Big 5, the Middle East’s largest construction exhibition. Andy led the team that developed The Big 5 brand throughout the Middle East, Africa & Asia up until 2018. He then went on to join Oman Expo as General Manager where he was responsible for refocusing the business into a solely B2B operation with an increased emphasis on content and visitor development. He returned to dmg events in November 2019 to take up his new position.