As the events industry races to match recruitment to exponential demand, Trivandi, a global leader in major event delivery has introduced Major Events 101, the first module of its newly launched Trivandi Academy. Developed by industry experts and academics, this certified training programme has been designed to equip participants with practical skills to help execute complex and world-class events, thereby aiming to strengthen the Middle East's event sector.
The company has a track record that includes Olympics and Paralympics, World Expos, Commonwealth Games, Super Bowl 50, F1 Grand Prix’s, COP 28 and 29, Music Festivals, and the FIFA World Cup. Trivandi's expertise is already embedded in the region’s iconic giga regional projects, supporting clients such as Zayed Sports City, Riyadh's Qiddiya entertainment district, the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and the Pyramids of Giza.
The Major Events 101 programme reflects Trivandi's commitment to fostering a robust regional events ecosystem and empowering a new generation of event leaders to deliver high-impact projects, with lasting economic benefits.
James Bulley, CEO of Trivandi, said: "The Trivandi Academy is integral to our mission of raising the quality, standards, and sustainability of major event delivery, reflecting the region's aspirations to lead in the global events landscape. By leveraging our experience of over 260 global events and the expertise of more than 2,000 industry specialists, we're committed to equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver complex, world-class events.
Our UAE-based projects integrate ESG principles by prioritising ethical practices, transparency, and long-term positive impact and measuring success through contributions to the UAE’s sustainability goals
– James Bulley
“As the region continues its transition away from oil dependency, initiatives like this will play a vital role in building a skilled talent pool capable of creating impactful experiences that strengthen the region's reputation and meet the growing demand for high-calibre event professionals."
The UAE's strategic investments in world-class infrastructure and innovation-driven policies have cemented its role as a global events hub. Prominent events like the Expo 2020 Dubai which attracted over 24 million visitors, Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix, and COP 28 UAE position it as a leading destination, offering unparalleled global exposure and world-class experiences.
“These events strengthen opportunities for international partnerships and collaborations,” Bulley explains in an interview. “They align with the UAE’s Vision 2030 goal, serving as key drivers of innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification. The region’s dynamic approach to event management sets global benchmarks for high-profile, culturally rich experiences, enhancing its global standing as a premier event destination.”
Dubai's event industry is estimated to be worth $44.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25 per cent from 2023 to 2027, according to Observer Dubai.
The exponential growth projection has not sidelined sustainability, which is central to the UAE’s event industry, reflecting national priorities like the UAE Green Agenda 2030 and its Net Zero 2050 target, says Bulley.
Trivandi supports these goals by embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across every event planning stage, from concept to completion, Bulley tells us. The recent acquisition of The Bulb, a global leader in sustainability consultancy, enables Trivandi to establish a dedicated advisory, ensuring that environmental and social impact is integral to each phase of event delivery, setting the bar higher for responsible event delivery.
“A notable example,” says the CEO, “is the sustainability strategy for the Eid Al Etihad 53 Celebration, where ESG benchmarks were set from the outset, earning the event ISO 20121:2024 certification. Using an event-specific carbon calculator, Trivandi tracked environmental impact while measuring social outcomes such as economic contributions, local talent recruitment, and sustainability training—ensuring long-term positive effects aligned with national ambitions.
“Our UAE-based projects integrate ESG principles by prioritising ethical practices, transparency, and long-term positive impact and measuring success through contributions to the UAE’s sustainability goals.”
In fact, Trivandi prioritises legacy planning from the outset of major event bids, aligning them with host city development goals, the CEO says. The focus is very much on creating lasting social and economic impact by training local teams, fostering collaboration and implementing sustainable practices. By measuring impact throughout the process, Trivandi ensures events leave a positive and enduring legacy for the host community.
“The Middle East’s events industry is set to thrive, driven by technological advancements, sustainability and strategic investments. The UAE’s infrastructure development and national initiatives strengthen its position as a global events hub. Technology will play a pivotal role in transforming event delivery, by embracing innovation to enhance experiences and utilising AI-driven data insights to enable more tailored audience engagement,” Bulley says.