DUBAI (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Jackie Wartanian, Managing Director of Center Stage Management, was awarded for her "Outstanding Contribution to the Middle East Events Industry" with the launch of the Middle East Event Awards at Event 360 on Sunday 27th April 2008. Having organized numerous events since 1999, Jackie Wartanian is known for her annual music festivals including Urban Desert, Dubai Desert Rhythm and Dubai Desert Rock, which just celebrated its fifth anniversary.
The regional events industry now has its own ceremony with the new Middle East Event Awards at Event 360, "a dedicated vertical show for event organizers and suppliers", held at the PALME Middle East 2008 exhibition.
"It is the Oscars for the industry professionals who actually organize and manage these types of events, in essence the people behind the headlines – the unsung heroes," claimed Exhibition Director Alex Heuff.
The "Outstanding Contribution to the Middle East Events Industry" is one of the two highest accolades in the Middle East events industry that recognizes significant personal achievement in the region, the other one being the "Lifetime Achievement Award".
"Of the numerous live concerts and events held in Dubai, we often only hear horror stories of things that went wrong. What about events that went right? The awards will help to bring out the success stories as well" said Neil Hickman, group exhibitions director, IIR exhibitions, organizers of Event 360.
The judging panel was made of internationally recognized figures from a variety of sectors and disciplines.
"It was a thrilling surprise, a well kept secret from my staff!” explains Jackie Wartanian. “I dedicate it to my father, Zohrab Teperdjian, for all the knowledge and support he has given me, as well as teaching me to pursue your dreams. I also dedicate it to the team behind me for sharing the same vision for the future of Center Stage Management and its events". – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
