Rebuilding Iraq: Exhibition Industry Shows Potential by Michelle Mackey

How will the exhibition industry fit into the process of assisting Iraq in rebuilding its country and its economy?

In the past, the demand for exhibitions and other events focusing on rebuilding Iraq were held in neighboring countries such as Kuwait, since Iraq did not have the security forces to hold a safe event. However, that is changing.

After years of postponement and rescheduling, the DBX Kurdistan Trade Show and Conference 2005, the first international trade show in free Iraq, was held 15-18 September 2005. It was the first trade show in Iraq since 9 April 2003. After a 15-year embargo, businesses are now able to make their own decisions based on price, quality and terms.

“We were so glad to see a record attendance of 95,460 when we expected only 10,000 at best,” said Raad Ommar, CEO of the Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IACCI).  

The original idea to hold the DBX Expo was made in October 2003 as a way to bring businesses back into Iraq. The marketing plan targeted business owners to promote investment in Iraq businesses. Participants discussed opportunities for investment in industry, trade, tourism, service, technology and construction.

The IACCI began partnering with neighboring countries with the goal to create a safe and secure environment in Iraq for both Iraqi and Western businessmen to meet. The initial date for the show was to be 1-4 April 2004 at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds, however unfortunate security and accommodation- elated incidents caused DBX to delay until finally a decision was made to hold the event in Erbil, Kurdistan, which is in Northern Iraq (an area that is reported as safe and peaceful).

Located about 350 kilometers (217.48 miles) north of Baghdad, Erbil is an area that has been nicknamed the “Gateway to Investment in Iraq,” but is also known to be one of the oldest civilized cities in the world. The challenge with Erbil was that there was not a facility to support this type of exhibition. With the help of the Kurdistan Regional Government, IACCI built an entire exhibition facility from the ground up. 

More than 5,000 security officials were present to protect the exhibition site, conference halls as well as hotels. The facility was surrounded by 870 hotel rooms. For additional accommodations, a nearby university offered housing.  

Members of the IACCI traveled all the way from Baghdad to Atlanta, Ga. to attend Expo! Expo! IAEM’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition on 29 November – 1 December 2005 in hopes to learn how to improve their ability to make better and bigger shows in Iraq. “Our goals were to learn about new products which would enhance our services to our exhibitors and attendees in regards to our trade show in Iraq,” says IACCI’s Z. Melinda Witter.  

IACCI is very optimistic about applying what they have learned. The new government, once in place, will bring security to Iraq helping not only the exhibition industry, but the entire country.  

“In spite of difficulties in Iraq, the Iraqi people are strong and determined,” says Witter. “With U.S. and European support, we are developing a strong foundation of commerce and industry through the private sector.” View photos of the DBX Kurdistan Trade Show Venue being built from the ground up