Press Release Details

ADNEC Appoints Graham Stephenson Director of Exhibitions

Publication Date: 1 Sep 2016

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), today announced the appointment of Graham Stephenson as its new Director of Exhibitions. Stephenson is set to add value to the leading, diverse and cutting-edge exhibitions team at ADNEC.

The appointment coincides with the announcement of ADNEC’s H1 2016 results that reinforce the strong growth of the organisation and the emirate’s events industry.

Holding more than 20 years of experience in the exhibitions industry, Stephenson joins ADNEC following an extensive career of more than 17 years with the UK’s Business Design Centre. Starting his career handling the operations side of the business, Graham Stephenson was quickly promoted to manage the commercial activities of the venue and the wider group in his capacity as Chief Operating Officer.

Speaking on his new role at ADNEC, Stephenson said: “From a career that started in Sydney and Brisbane Exhibition Centres, to moving on to the UK – I believe the winning formula in this unique industry is to seamlessly handle change and ensure sustained benefits. I look forward to my new adventure with ADNEC that is a household name in the event industry and an outstanding example of fundamental business innovation.”

Stephenson has served two tenures as Chair of the Association of Event Venues (AEV). The AEV is a trade association representing the interests of UK-based and international event venues. His instrumental role in helping to ensure a successful launch and hosting of the inaugural AEV Conference at the Business Design Centre, brings enhanced productivity and opportunity for ADNEC.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Acting Group CEO of ADNEC, said: “We are pleased with the appointment of Graham Stephenson to lead our exceptional exhibitions team. I look forward to a period of sustained, long-term growth for the company as well as the industry at large – translating a significant direct and indirect impact on the emirate’s GDP.” 

ADNEC offers 133,000 sq m of inter-connected floor space to match the expectations of a wide variety of events and exhibitions. Equipped with modern facilities and built to international standards, the venue attracted 1.8 million people across 369 events in 2015.