QITCOM 2014 launches to capitalize on Qatar’s ICT revolution

Qatar’s largest ICT event QITCOM returns on 26th May 2014 at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship and showing how global ICT developments can help drive Qatar’s economic diversification towards a knowledge-based economy, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The three-day event is organised by fischerAppelt Qatar in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR). QITCOM 2014 will be a platform for all aspects of ICT development and innovation in Qatar, the region and internationally. It will feature a conference, exhibition and regional awards program showcasing the growth and aspirations of Qatar’s ICT sector and how these technological developments can play a key role in Qatar. It will attract progressive businesses, innovators and industry leaders as well as ICT professionals, consumers, entrepreneurs, students and enthusiasts.

The third edition of QITCOM, which runs from 26th to 28th May, is expected to attract 11,000 delegates and visitors and will feature 45 speakers and panelists, 200 exhibitors representing 15 countries and 30 international and local partners.

The conference will raise key issues for the ICT sector in Qatar and the region. Panel discussions and keynote addresses will cover topics including global ICT developments, emerging technologies and opportunities for the regional market. The QITCOM exhibition allows the world’s leading companies to showcase their latest products and technologies to an industry undergoing rapid growth, while learning first-hand about new projects.

In addition to the conference and exhibition, the QITCOM Awards will recognize and reward excellence in ICT development, adoption and implementation across the GCC and celebrate the many regional success stories.

QITCOM 2014 will feature a number of new initiatives including a Corporate Treasure Hunt - an interactive three-day team event using a custom-made online interface, where team members can solve puzzles related to the industry and to the event, and a mobile interview team which will collect real-time feedback from event delegates and participants and post their views on social media and on the web.

Other signature events for 2014 will be an innovation theatre – an open platform for entrepreneurs to present their business ideas; a Tech Zone, which will serve as a launch pad for innovative products and services and where exhibitors can show how their technologies work in the real world.

B To B Matchmaking offers an invaluable and focused networking opportunity, linking entrepreneurs with business professionals to build connections.

QITCOM Case Competitions present real-world scenarios to university students who work collaboratively to propose ICT-based solutions to the challenges. The final presentations are made 24 hours after the initial case is shared with the students.

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

QITCOM 2014 launches as the people of Qatar become more connected than ever before. As the average household in Qatar has three mobile phones, two computers and one smartphone, people are using technology to access the internet more than ever. Qatar currently ranks 9th globally on the e-participation index of the United Nations 2012 E-Government Survey, while is ranks 23rd globally in the World Economic Forum’s Network Readiness Index. As such, Qatar is leading the Gulf region for ICT development and it is committed to ensuring widespread public inclusion and participation.

Rinal Chaaban, QITCOM project lead, fischerAppelt, qatar said: “Qatar is on the threshold of an ICT revolution, as more and more of its citizens are connected to the internet and use it across multiple devices and to organize all aspects of their lives. QITCOM 2014 provides a platform for technology pioneers from around the world to come together with leaders of ICT and to learn about the latest developments in technology.

“As Qatar continues to diversify and strengthen its economy, so these technological advances will play a crucial role in the coming years. Through close collaboration, we can create strategic partnerships which will build upon the successes enjoyed by Qatar so far –particularly in e-government - and which will contribute to future achievements in line with the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-16 and the National Vision 2030.”

More details on QITCOM 2014 can be found at www.qitcom.qa