A new meeting space concept called the Hive has been unveiled by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC).
Opening at the tail end of 2018, the Hive was created to meet the demands of event organisers seeking a flexible space for meetings, said an ADNEC spokesperson. It is designed to encourage participation amongst delegates.
“We decided that the time is right to adapt to the requirements of the international event community and create meeting spaces of the future.
“The idea of collaborative meeting spaces is fast gaining traction as being crucial to the success of an event or a conference,” Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC, said.
ADNEC conducted research with their client base for the Hive and incorporated the feedback into their design plans. One of the main goals was to focus on breaking away from the traditional concept of being a provider of blank canvas spaces.
Digital screens were viewed by respondents as a distraction for delegates. Instead, the Hive has concentrated on creating aesthetically pleasing spaces as well as offering appetising food and beverages. This has created a “stylistic, customisable, next-generation meeting area which will maximise the participation and learning from those in attendance,” added Al Dhaheri.
The Hive has a boutique auditorium designed along similar lines to an amphitheatre, encouraging face-to-face participation.
The layout also offers a more relaxed and flexible seating plans so that attendees can work collaboratively in smaller groups.
Breakout areas and pods are also part of the Hive’s scheme to facilitate more intimate conversations. There will also be serviced offices, boardrooms, pods and desks to allow for more formal settings if required.
The Hive will allow participants to “engage in productive conversation and experimentation and to get into much closer proximity with thought leaders.” Al Dhaheri added.
ADNEC owns and operates the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the largest exhibition venue in the Middle East and North Africa region, as well as ExCeL London.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
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