As the dust begins to settle, there is now an opportunity to look back at the third instalment of RLI Connect. The world's only global retail & leisure property deal-making forum took place on the 1st and 2nd June, and for the first time it was held outside of London in the picturesque setting of Dubai, within the grounds of the Meydan Racecourse.
The response we have had since we announced RLI Connect would take place in Dubai has been fantastic. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our event sponsors, beginning with our continuous Headline Sponsor for RLI Connect, Sands Retail, part of Las Vegas Sands Corporation and a world leader in the development of integrated resort destinations. I would also like to thank the Gold Sponsor Place Vendome, Qatar along with the Silver Sponsor Red Sea Mall, Saudi Arabia who continued their association with the event by also sponsoring for the third successive year.
I set off for Dubai on the 22nd May to assist with the on-site preparations, with the rest of the RLI Connect and Awards teams flying out on the 29th. With time over the weekend to set-up the venue, we were all ready for the largest RLI Connect so far...
With over 300 people confirmed to attend, we were ready for the fast start on Monday 1st June. It commenced with an early breakfast and introductory networking session before the copious amount of meetings commenced. With 27 individual Meeting Rooms over two floors of the Meydan Racecourse, dedicated Networking Lounge, RLI Showcase area and the World Franchise Associates lounge, people were never far from a new contact, an introduction or that all important meeting.
A more prominent factor this year was the amount of additional people who arrived at the event on the first morning wanting to register for the event, enabling additional networking opportunities for those already registered. This was never more evident than during lunch as the main networking lounge was bristling with people eager to make new connections and explore future opportunities.
Additional meetings and networking opportunities continued well into the afternoon. As the first day of RLI Connect began to draw to a close, all attendees were invited to the Cocktail & Networking Party, in association with Brands International, which took place on the floor above RLI Connect in the Sky Bubble Lounge. Canapés, a complimentary bar and a terrace setting with stunning views of the Dubai skyline as the daylight faded, changed the ambiance of the event to allow a more relaxed networking atmosphere. The setting offered people the chance to strike up fresh connections after a day of pre-planned meetings with targeted companies and attendees.
With thanks again to our Party Sponsor, Brands International, the evening was concluded with the first day closing speech and a free prize draw. Ten lucky winners were chosen to receive a free outfit at any Brands International store.
The second day began in very similar fashion to the first, with people meeting up at breakfast and networking before scheduled meetings began. Once again there were people who had heard about the event and turned up on the day to sample what RLI Connect can offer, an unparalleled mix of networking and meetings with top names in the industry in a high-intensity environment within a unique setting.
RLI has grown from a one day event in its first year, to 1 1/2 days in year two, to 2 full days in this its 3rd year and it is something we are looking at continuing next year. Meetings and networking sessions continued to run throughout the day and very few people left before the event concluded as opportunities continued to arise. (A group of three people even turned up half an hour after the event closing time looking to register.)
As we packed up at the end of a successful two days, albeit tired, we all felt invigorated with new ideas and strategies to take the event forward and to continue to improve and expand RLI Connect globally... we hope you will join us for the next edition.
Additional meetings and networking opportunities continued well into the afternoon. As the first day of RLI Connect began to draw to a close, all attendees were invited to the Cocktail & Networking Party, in association with Brands International, which took place on the floor above RLI Connect in the Sky Bubble Lounge. Canapés, a complimentary bar and a terrace setting with stunning views of the Dubai skyline as the daylight faded, changed the ambiance of the event to allow a more relaxed networking atmosphere. The setting offered people the chance to strike up fresh connections after a day of pre-planned meetings with targeted companies and attendees.
With thanks again to our Party Sponsor, Brands International, the evening was concluded with the first day closing speech and a free prize draw. Ten lucky winners were chosen to receive a free outfit at any Brands International store.
The second day began in very similar fashion to the first, with people meeting up at breakfast and networking before scheduled meetings began. Once again there were people who had heard about the event and turned up on the day to sample what RLI Connect can offer, an unparalleled mix of networking and meetings with top names in the industry in a high-intensity environment within a unique setting.
RLI has grown from a one day event in its first year, to 1 1/2 days in year two, to 2 full days in this its 3rd year and it is something we are looking at continuing next year. Meetings and networking sessions continued to run throughout the day and very few people left before the event concluded as opportunities continued to arise. (A group of three people even turned up half an hour after the event closing time looking to register.)
As we packed up at the end of a successful two days, albeit tired, we all felt invigorated with new ideas and strategies to take the event forward and to continue to improve and expand RLI Connect globally... we hope you will join us for the next edition.
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