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Mike Champion

CEO of Tahaluf, Co-Creator of the world's most attended tech event LEAP

Professional Background

Mike Champion is a distinguished event director with over 13 years of extensive experience in orchestrating exceptional exhibitions and conferences across diverse sectors, including emerging technology, real estate, beauty and jewellery, consumer fairs, food, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. As a visionary leader, Mike heads the multinational and award-winning team at Tahaluf, where he successfully co-created two of the largest B2B (business-to-business) events in history: Cityscape Global and Leap. Under his leadership, the Tahaluf team has set benchmarks within the event industry, notably with the Black Hat event, recognized as the most attended cyber security event globally.

As a driving force behind significant events in the Middle East, Mike’s career spans critical roles that have shaped the region's event industry. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer at Tahaluf and the Regional Executive Vice President for Informa Markets MEA, where he significantly contributed to scaling operations and achieving remarkable growth. His leadership has transformed Tahaluf into one of the largest and most prestigious event companies in the region.

Throughout his career, Mike has excelled in creating high-impact conferences and exhibitions that seamlessly blend innovation with effective engagement. His portfolio reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence, contributing to both the personal and professional growth of his teammates and the larger event community.

Education and Achievements

Mike holds a foundational knowledge that has propelled his career from King's College London, where he studied War Studies, Social Sciences, and Public Policy. This education has equipped him with the analytical skills and perspectives necessary for navigating the complexities of international events, ensuring they resonate with diverse audiences across cultures and sectors.

His accolades are numerous and highlight his commitment to excellence and innovation in the event industry. Notable awards include:

  • 🏆 Best International Show (Middle East and Africa) for LEAP at the AEO Excellence Awards 2023
  • 🏆 Best International Conference for LEAP - AEO Excellence Awards 2023
  • 🏆 Organiser Team of the Year for Black Hat MEA - AEO Excellence Awards 2023
  • 🏆 Best Marketing Campaign for LEAP - Middle East Event Awards 2023
  • 🏆 Leading The Way - Regional IM Awards Winner 2023
  • 🏆 Moving Mountains Award for KSA Tech - Regional IM Awards Winner 2023
  • A plethora of accolades at the Stevie® Awards in 2022, showcasing his prowess in creating groundbreaking tech events and marketing campaigns.

In addition to these awards, Mike is a certified PRINCE2® Practitioner, demonstrating his dedication to project management excellence, which is critical in the planning and execution of large-scale events.

Career Highlights

Mike's career is marked by significant positions in reputable organizations where he has consistently displayed remarkable leadership and strategic foresight. He has previously held pivotal roles such as:

  • Chief Executive Officer at Tahaluf: Leading one of the largest event companies in the region and steering innovative exhibitions and conferences.
  • Regional Executive Vice President at Informa Markets: Overseeing operations in the Middle East and Africa, driving business growth and success across multiple regions.
  • Director of Exhibitions at Dubai World Trade Centre: Managing high-profile exhibitions that contribute to the UAE's reputation as a global events hub.
  • General Manager - North and West Africa at IQPC: Expanding market presence and fostering relationships with key stakeholders in Africa.
  • Sales and Marketing Director at Neartone Colour Printers: Leading marketing strategies that enhanced brand visibility and market reach.

Questions

  1. How did Mike Champion develop his expertise in orchestrating large-scale tech events like LEAP and Black Hat?
  2. What strategies does Mike Champion implement to ensure the success of his multinational team at Tahaluf?
  3. In what ways has Mike leveraged his educational background at King's College London to influence his career in the events sector?
  4. How does Mike Champion envision the future of B2B events in the rapidly evolving tech landscape?
  5. What are some key lessons Mike has learned in his 13+ years working across the Middle East, North and West Africa?

Highlights

Sep 26 · Gulf Business
Here's how Saudi is emerging as the tech hub of the future - Gulf Business
Aug 26 · Wamda
Saudi Arabia unveils $1.2 billion tech initiatives - Wamda
Mike Champion
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Location

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia