The 2^nd Middle East Bitumen Conference (MEB 2011), organized by the Conference Connection Inc,was successfully held on 2-5 May at the Shangri-La DubaiThis event was the Middle East edition of the Asian Bitumen series (AsB) originating in Singapore since its inception in 2004. Click here for more information about our 7^th Asian Bitumen 2011 (AsB 2011) taking place on 19-21 October 2011 in Bangkok and hosted and endorsed by the ThaiOil Group.

MEB 2011 brought together over 120 participants including senior management, business development directors, global bitumen managers, bitumen technical managers, shipping managers, commercial managers, laboratory managers, trading managers and export managers from more than 25 countries.  The attendees and speakers enjoyed the in-depth discussions and the lively interactive exchange of views during the day and come evening, they were treated to a Dhow Dinner Cruise which gave them an opportunity to further make new relationships in a relaxed environment. Click here to view photos on MEB 2011.

• Over 120 participants representing bitumen industry leaders from more than 25 countries attended the 2nd Middle East Bitumen (MEB 2011).
• Participating countries at MEB 2011 included Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Austria, Denmark, France, Switzerland, UK, USA amongst others.
• 18 presentations were featured on the MEB 2011 agenda based on the theme: Opportunities & Challenges in Bitumen Trade & Technology for Middle East, Africa and South-Asia.
• Opening Remarks were delivered by Mr Zakaria Sulaiman, Manager Petroleum Product Sales, International Marketing, The Bahrain Petroleum Company who made an excellent Chair by engaging the audience in lively discussions and providing them with good insights on the distinction between Asphalt versus Bitumen.
• A specially designed networking session - Meet and Greet (M&G) was introduced giving every delegate the best opportunity to meet every conference participant!
• A spectacular Dhow Dinner Cruise was organized as part of the conference program on 3 May 2011 for all delegates where they were greeted with an extensive spread of cuisine, drinks, Arabian music and dance on the majestic water of the Dubai Marina. 
• An optional site visit to Dubai Central Laboratory was also organized as part of the conference program on 5 May 2011 where attendees were treated to a detailed and insightful tour of the impressive Lab facilities.
• Delegate feedback have indicated that the event has provided a wide spread of topics, high calibre speakers, quality presentations and premium networking opportunities. Most have also suggested that we continue to hold the conference on an annual basis. The delegate response rated the speakers and premium networking opportunities as their key reasons for attending.
• Outstanding industry support from corporate sponsors which included Al Jaber Bitumen LLC, Blij Oil Group, Fara Shimi Rooz Co and Elco Richmond.
• Other supporting organizations and Media Sponsors at MEB 2011 included Petrosil/Bitumart.com, Petrofinder, Worldoils, South Africa Bitumen Association (sabita), European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA) and The International Road Federation (IRF).  These companies provided the conference with a good delegate base of senior executives and synergistic client relationships.

We would like to thank all delegates, speakers, sponsors, media sponsors and guests for making our second Middle East Bitumen conference such a great success!  We look forward to seeing you at our 3rd Middle East Bitumen Conference in 2012!

Should you be interested to present a paper, be a sponsor or exhibitor or participant at this conference, please contact us at abby@cconnection.org.
 

MEB 2011 PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

Pre-Conference Workshop: Evolution of Standards &
Specifications of Pavement Mix Design