The International Private Schools Education Forum (IPSEF) Middle East conference has been touted as the key event for schools and education investors in the Middle Eastern region and beyond.
Held recently at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai, delegates enjoyed lively presentations, networking opportunities and interacted with exhibitors throughout the day.
A unique feature of the three day event is the schools visit, held on the Day 3, which allows interested delegates to have hands on experience at specially selected new and innovative schools in Dubai.
Organisers included a new element this year with the introduction of IPSEF Design & Build. This was essentially to meet the growing demand for specialist information on school design and build. IPSEF Design & Build session were carried out in parallel with the Forums.
IPSEF is an important platform for experts in education to share practical and insightful information aimed at guiding schools and investors planning to open new operations in education develop strategies for success.
This year’s impressive roster of speakers included Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai, Jonathan Dey, Principal/CEO, GEMS Wellington, Qatar, Ros Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, Taaleem, Dubai, John C. Yiannoudis, Co-Founder, Owner & Director, Dorothy Snot Pre-School & Kindergarten, Greece and a host of other experts from Finland, UK, Qatar, Hong Kong, etc.
Some of the core topics covered at the event:
- Dubai school market as viewed by the KHDA, and opportunities for investors and schools
- Teacher recruitment and retention
- Understanding the role of the regulator, and securing your operation license
- Financial models
- Assessment, school management
- Curriculum options
- Market trends and more
According to Mark Roelofsen, Co-Founder, IPSEF, this year’s event delivered on the fundamentals that IPSEF is known for – an unrivalled blend of speakers, exhibitors and delegates who benefit from a unique platform for anyone establishing or developing a school in the Middle East.
