Bill Ernest, CEO, Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) will be the keynote speaker at the 3rd edition of the ‘Leisure, Entertainment and Attractions’ (LEA) 2019 conference. This conference in being organised by MENALAC - the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council in association with DEAL 2019.
Bill Ernest leads and manages all facets of SEVEN, and the execution of the company’s commitment to maximize its investments in the entertainment sector’s infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Ernest brings an extensive multi-country; region experience for almost 25 years as a senior executive with - The Walt Disney Company. Ernest also launched the first two ships in the fleet for Disney Cruise Line and the related ports of call with those first two ships as Vice President of Operations.
“We are delighted to host the top industry leaders at the conference and gain from their wealth of industry experience. We are delighted to have Bill amidst us, and I am sure the industry will be waiting to listen to his viewpoints with regard to the future potential of our industry within the MENA landscape. Our conference is an ideal platform to meet, learn and interact with leisure industry experts and gain valuable insights on the best processes being adopted by the industry leaders. It goes beyond doubt that it is definitely a conference by the industry for the industry,” said Prakash Vivekanand, MENALAC spokesperson.
Bill’s background encompasses expertise in hotel and leisure resort management most significantly the Disney Parks and Resorts in Orlando and Asia where he led the launch of new and innovative tourism and entertainment projects.
MENALAC brings together the leading companies within the region’s entertainment industry, including the FECs, theme parks, visitor attractions, water park and family entertainment centre companies. The organization aims at transmitting the message of safety in outdoor and indoor leisure facilities in the MENA region. The speakers and panelists at the conference would comprise of business owners, CEOs, industry professionals and representatives from key regulatory bodies.
The ‘Leisure, Entertainment and Attractions’ (LEA) conference will be held at the NOVOTEL World Trade Centre on the 24th and the 25th of March. The first day will focus on the status of the MENA leisure industry where as the second day will focus on safety for themeparks, waterparks, FEC’s and play areas. Several CEOs and industry stakeholders from across the globe are participating within this conference. The conference will include several roundtable discussions on major subjects that impacts the industry.
MENALAC is a not for profit trade council that has been registered under the aegis of Dubai Association Centre and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“MENALAC aims to further strengthen the leisure and amusement industry in the region and promote safety standards for amusement operations. In addition, it will concentrate on bringing forward industry forums, seminars and educational programmes aimed at further upgrading the quality of amusement operations across the region,” added Prakash.
The LEA conference is being held in conjunction with the DEAL show. DEAL is the region's most anticipated and leading attraction for global and local stakeholders in the amusement and entertainment industries. International Expo Consults (IEC), part of Falak Holding is the driving force behind the 25-year old ‘DEAL show’, which is the most anticipated event of the year in the region for exhibitors and visitors in the attractions vertical.
The primary objective of MENALAC is to ensure uniform safety standards within FECs, themeparks and amusement industries across the Middle East region. This council of industry operators will also aim to educate the stakeholders with regard to the latest technology and innovation. The key objective is to promote safe operations, regional development, professional growth and commercial success of the amusement industry. The council will also aim to serve as a credible resource for industry data and statistics.