The event, organised by fischerAppelt Qatar in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, will be held from May 26 to 28 at Qatar National Convention Centre.

Opportunities for investment in and to capitalise on the rapidly developing Qatar market will be the focus of Qitcom 2014 as it attracts progressive businesses, innovators and industry leaders as well as ICT professionals, consumers, entrepreneurs, students and enthusiasts to see how technological developments globally can help shape Qatar of the future.

According to the organisers, there are 12 reasons to take part in Qitcom 2014. To begin with, it will offer “unrivalled networking opportunities” by attracting international decision-makers and global ICT leaders and entrepreneurs from industry, government and business and providing the public with opportunities to attend lectures and seminars by 45 local and international speakers, as well as the opportunity to connect with, share and learn about the latest technological developments with over 150 exhibitors representing more than 15 countries. More than 11,000 delegates and visitors are expected to attend.

Another reason is “identifying future trends and needs”. Qitcom 2014 will attract all sectors – from businesspeople and investors to developers, cloud computing specialists, ICT experts, and leaders in network development and broadband, allowing participants to identify the upcoming trends with the industry leaders.

The next factor is “spreading brand awareness” - the event will showcase the latest products and developments from
organisations across the globe.

Anthony Khoury, director of marketing and media at fischerAppelt Qatar, said: “It (Qitcom) provides unrivalled opportunities for collaboration, innovation and further technical advancement, which will further strengthen Qatar’s economic diversification in line with the National Vision.”

“Innovation theatre” is an open platform for entrepreneurs to present their business ideas, future plans and projects.

“Tech zone” will serve as a launchpad for participants to showcase innovative products and services and where exhibitors can explain how their technologies work in the real world.

“B To B matchmaking” offers a focused networking opportunity, linking entrepreneurs with industry leaders to build
connections.

“Qitcom case competitions” present real-world scenarios to university students who work collaboratively to propose ICT-based solutions to the
challenges.

“Qitcom tours” is a comprehensive guided tour of all the products and technologies that are relevant to people’s daily lives, but which may not get the media attention.

“Appathon” brings together app developers and gives them the challenge of developing apps to meet existing needs.

“Corporate treasure hunt” is an interactive three-day team event using a custom-made online interface, where team members can solve puzzles related to the industry and the event.

A “mobile interview team” of photographers and interviewers will tour the event throughout the two days, collecting real-time feedback from delegates and participants and post their views on social media and on the web.

Finally, there is “innovative marketing” - fischerAppelt qatar will use a number of new marketing tools to raise the exposure of participants and delegates and ensure that the event continues to attract the best exhibitors from around the world.