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Discover boundless networking opportunities at the upcoming edition of Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East, the dedicated trade show for gifting, lifestyle and baby products.

The Hub

The Hub Forum – where learning meets inspiration

Experience the ultimate industry gathering at The Hub Forum, where you can meet with industry experts, thought leaders, and key players in the Paper, Stationery, Office Supply & Gift sector. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to be part of impactful discussions on E-commerce, digital, and sustainable trends shaping the industry's future.

Our carefully curated lineup of industry-renowned speakers and thought leaders will share their expertise, while valuable sessions and discussions will provide actionable insights for your business. This exclusive event serves as a platform for forging meaningful connections with like-minded professionals, exploring innovative ideas, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving marketplace.

2023 Conference Agenda

Tuesday, 21 November 2023

Over the past few years, the paper and stationery industry has witnessed an increase in demand for personalized and customized innovative stationery supplies. By 2027, the Middle East office stationery supplies and services market size is estimated to increase by USD 725.04 million.

Join our expert panelists who will examine state-of-the-art measuring methodologies, and share insights in the rising interest in the middle east using innovative eco-friendly paper and stationery products, whereby discussing the latest trends, and challenges faced in a highly competitive market in the region.

Moderator: 
Ritesh Gupta, Sales and Marketing Manager, Ittihad Paper Mills

Speakers:
Nobel Ninan. Founder, Pencil Office Supplies
Ali Haider, CEO, Capital Envelops
Chandan Singh, CEO, Dhofar Global
Murli Ema, CEO, Ali Mohd Trading
Samer Sabri Abdelqader, Managing Director, Bolough Almaram Stationary Trading & Al Jazeera Almotakamela

Design facilitates customization and personalization options for stationery, allowing consumers to choose designs, colors, and patterns that resonate with their preferences. Personalized stationery enhances consumer engagement and satisfaction.

Moderator:
Laura Naylor, TV, Radio, Live Events Presenter & Host

Speakers:
Hala Gebran, Designer and Founder, Printworks
Dina Bin Masoud, CEO, Totes and Tokens
Natasha Mahajan, Founder, Mr. Blue Fish

Step into the future of stationery and office supplies at our Executive Think Tank. Join top-level executives from industry-leading brands as they delve into business processes, share their rich history, and unveil upcoming markets and shifting trends. Gain insights from the best in the business, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of the stationery and office supply world. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity!

Moderator:
Fadi Baaklini, Chairman, MEPCO

Speakers:
Parvesh Kapoor, Sales & Marketing Director, Alia Mohd
Maher Saad, CEO, Murex Trading
Green Jose, General Manager, Double A

Join us for a visionary discussion on "Green Initiatives in the Paper Industry." Our expert panel features representatives from top paper manufacturers, sharing insights on eco-friendly processes and their pivotal role in reshaping the paper industry. Discover how sustainability takes center stage and why it's crucial for a greener tomorrow. Be part of the movement towards a more environmentally conscious paper and stationery world.

Moderator:
Marat Smrinov, Market Development Manager, FSC International

Speakers:
Marcel Mhanna - General Manager, MEPCO
Tomasz Skowronski - Business Area Manager Eastern Europe and Middle East, Avery GmbH
Wojciech Zukowski - Sales and Marketing Director, WZ Eurocopert
Naynesh Pasari, CEO, SKPM

Wednesday, 22nd November 2023

Alexandra Topalian, MC and Moderator

Education is key. Our leading experts from the educational institutes will highlight the importance of creating healthy and sustainable practices in the education sector. They will put forth best practices in building and managing environmentally friendly sustainable schools and environment. The importance of educating children from a younger age to be creative and inspiring, and making sustainability a part of fun learning curriculum, this session will focus on from ‘teaching’ to ‘learning’, and creating a balance for the future generation.

Moderator:
Purva Grover, Journalist and Author

Speakers:
Sudha Bhatia, Academic Advisor, Rochester Institute of Technology
Grace Karim, Co-founder, Bookends

This topic delves into the fascinating intersection of licensed products and the thriving pop culture phenomenon in the Middle East. The region is experiencing a unique blend of traditional values and a growing fascination with global pop culture trends, creating opportunities for businesses. The study focuses on understanding the latest trends in licensing, merchandising, and franchising and how these strategies align with the vibrant pop culture scene in the Middle East. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing these trends and their potential for businesses seeking to expand in the region. The panel aims to provide actionable insights for those looking to navigate and capitalize on the dynamic Middle Eastern market.

Moderator:
Alexandra Topalian, MC and Moderator

Speakers:
Sarina Mirchandani, Manager, Marss Trading and Consulting

Jitin Jaggi, Director – Product Sourcing & Licensing, Fan Mania
Charles Nahhas, Managing Director, Montegrappa

With the industry constantly evolving, this panel will explore the emerging trends, concepts, new technology, and use and importance of digitalization.

Living in a digital age, the session will highlight the importance of paper production, while achieving carbon reduction goals, and mega trends related to globalization.

Moderator:
Alexandra Topalian, MC and Moderator

Speakers:
Riya Jadhav - Director eCommerce, iDigitalise.com
Vibhor Khandelwal - Managing Director, Business Head, Expand My Business

Join the mission of Forest Stewardship Council! Trusted by top brands worldwide, FSC leads the charge in sustainable forestry across 80 countries. Elevate your brand with the gold standard and promote your responsibility. Be part of the change!

Speakers:
Marat Smrinov, Market Development Manager, FSC International

Unlock the secrets of Middle East gifting culture and its transformative influence on corporate behavior, featuring experts from corporate and customized gifting companies. Discover how corporations have embraced employee hospitality and branded gifting to boost morale and foster positive corporate cultures. Gain insights into evolving trends and learn how to navigate this unique cultural landscape. Don't miss out on this illuminating conversation!

Moderator:
John Achkar - Co-Founder, Everythink

Speakers:
Mohammed Alayat - CEO, Alpha Arts
Sam Haghi - General manager, Magic Trading
Pawan Punjabi - CEO, Krossover
Mahmoud Al Bakri - Partner, High Seven General Trading

 

"First impression is the last impression!" It is essential for businesses to be creative and have well-designed brands to stand out from others in this competitive industry. Our expert panelists will discuss how designing allows one to make a positive first impression on potential customers using stylish, innovative, credible and attractive designing.

Moderator:
Alexandra Topalian, MC and Moderator

Speakers:

Reesha Almeida Coutinho, Founder, Pret aPapier
Hala Gebran - Designer and Founder, Printworks
Moomal Nirwan - Founder & CEO, The Keen Company
Riya Jadhav - Director eCommerce, iDigitalise.com

 

Join us for The Writing Instrument Symposium, where industry leaders converge to discuss the future of writing instruments. Explore supply chain innovations, current trends, and the sustainable practices shaping the pen and pencil industry. Discover eco-friendly manufacturing processes and witness the evolution of this timeless craft. Don't miss out on this interactive panel of brands and manufacturers driving the writing instrument market forward.

Moderator:
Sakina Esufally, Head of International Business,  Atlas Axillia

Speakers:
Justin Abraham, Brand Manager, Gigis
Sherif Elhoseny, Regional Manager, Erich Krause
Rajiv Mansharamani, Managing partner, Writepik

Our finale panel includes key industry leaders to share their closing thoughts and views overall on the paper and stationery industry in the present, the technological solutions for achieve product quality and business generation future of the paper industry.

Moderator:
Alexandra Topalian, MC and Moderator

Speakers:
Parvesh Kapoor, Sales & Marketing Director, Alia Mohd Trading
Ritesh Gupta, Marketing, Ittihad Paper Mills
Ali Haider, CEO, Capital Envelopes
Fadi Baaklini, Chairman, MEPCO

2023 Speakers