ES. Info Salons is one of the leading providers of event technology solutions for online and onsite registration for the Exhibition and Events industry. What makes it stand out across from all the other service providers in Dubai?
Vasileios Papadopoulos. We go the extra mile when it comes to data capture online and also when it comes to operate onsite to welcome guests and report that back to organisers in intelligent ways.
ES. Please share with us your role at Info Salons? Tell us about Info Salons’ journey and its major achievements.
Vasileios Papadopoulos. I am the Managing Director for Middle East and North Africa and manage the team in the UAE and partnerships in countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia. We started in 2008 in Dubai and grew rapidly across the GCC countries to become market leader and manage the registration for blockbuster shows in Dubai and leading events in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
ES. Are there any upcoming projects that you are working on that you can disclose at this very moment? Please share some of your major projects handled in 2022.
Vasileios Papadopoulos. We have The Big 5 Global coming up early December which is organised by DMG Events. Dubai World Trade Centre will be packed with exhibitors, conferences and features. Visitors and delegates will come again from all over the world. There is really a V shape recovery in the UAE which is good news for all of us.
ES. Info Salons is a one stop solution -“All your reports in one place; Online, Onsite and Post-Show.” Please elaborate.
Vasileios Papadopoulos. We provide our services across the complete customer journey. From campaigns or show website we are in touch with the visitors and provide them with seamless technology: registration, badge creation, welcoming + access control. We report the insights from the journey back to our organisers.
ES. What is the best part of your job?
Vasileios Papadopoulos. Working with various clients across the whole GCC region with a diverse team and getting any job done!
ES. What are the top three major challenges surrounding the industry?
Vasileios Papadopoulos. Sustainability, Talent and Digital are the main topics that are discussed amongst us and also at events like UFI Global Congress.
ES. Were there any challenges along the way? What were some of them and what were your learnings?
Vasileios Papadopoulos. Covid was a major challenge and keeping colleagues engaged was a hard challenge. Now ramping back up to a high demand is a challenge as well. Furthermore, creating the right partnership in countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia is always tough but we were fortunate finding the right people with an equal mindset.
ES. Please share with us your experience of the most challenging show you have managed in the past?
Vasileios Papadopoulos. The most challenging show was Airshow Dubai in 2021. The very long build-up (6 weeks) and various stakeholders like Dubai Police had high demands to reach to new heights and make that show flying. It was a record edition and 2023 is looking already great as we understood from the organisers.
ES. On another note, what do you enjoy the most about your work? Please share your hobbies, what keeps you busy when you are away from work?
Vasileios Papadopoulos. Out of work we are raising twin boys which is a lot of fun (and hard work, too!). You can also see me fishing to keep calm!
