ASM Global announces new General Manager for Exhibition World Bahrain

Leading venue management company and producer of live experiences, ASM Global, has appointed convention industry specialist, Alan Pryor as their new General Manager for Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB). 

Pryor’s role as General Manager of Exhibition World Bahrain was effective 13th October 2024.

Pryor brings more than 40 years’ experience in international convention and hotel management, including as General Manager for the ASM Global operated Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia.  

Under Pryor’s leadership the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre became Asia's first International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) Gold Standard Venue. With more than 28.6 million visitors annually, the centre is now a trusted hub for world-class events and hospitality.

Pryor has also spent a significant part of his earlier career in both convention centres and hotels in London and South Africa.   

The 95,000 square metre Exhibition World Bahrain is the largest exhibition centre in the Middle East and represents a milestone in the Kingdom’s economic development - expected to play a key role in advancing the economic competitiveness and positioning of Bahrain as a major global destination for regional and international conventions.

Exhibition World Bahrain’s spacious design enables it to host a number of events simultaneously, making it an attractive location for local, regional and international exhibitions, conventions, galas, weddings, concerts, sports, and live entertainment events.

ASM Global (APAC and MENA) Chairman and Chief Executive, Harvey Lister AM, believes the Middle East’s newest and largest exhibition and convention centre will benefit from Pryor’s appointment and notes “It’s powerful when we can leverage our collective experience from across the ASM Global family combining people and skills to deliver continued success in Bahrain.  

“Alan is a strong, experienced global exhibition and convention leader and he is ideal to drive the next phase of growth for Exhibition World Bahrain.” 

Pryor said he was excited to be trusted by ASM Global to run the spectacular Exhibition World Bahrain project in its next phase and shared “Exhibition World Bahrain is a stunning new venue and presents an extraordinary opportunity to build an environment that is unique and a world class experience for all – guests, clients, delegates and our own ASM Global team.

“I am looking forward to generating a long-term legacy for the Kingdom of Bahrain and working closely with our partners Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and all the local teams to create a diverse, inclusive team which will lead the venue into the future.”

Lister thanked Dr. Debbie Kristiansen who served as General Manager of Exhibition World Bahrain after delivering a successful opening of the centre last year and who is stepping down to take a well-earned break with her family.  

Dr Kristiansen added “I am deeply honoured and proud to have led the development and opening of Exhibition World Bahrain. It has been a privilege to mentor and work alongside an exceptional team of young Bahraini professionals, and I take immense pride in the lasting legacy we have created together over the past three and a half years.”

ASM Global has also announced that Tina Eggers, Deputy Director of Business Development (APAC and MENA) will spend several months in Bahrain providing support for the new team helping to drive the strategic direction of attracting new business, clients and visitors to Bahrain.

Eggers’s strong experience working with passionate local teams across the Asia Pacific and the Middle East will greatly assist Pryor’s plan to attract and secure local, regional and international conferences, meetings and events for Bahrain.

Eggers sees the connection between the investment in Exhibition World Bahrain and the future of the country and adds “this is an amazing platform for clients, delegates, visitors and guests to enjoy a glimpse of Bahrain’s warm, welcoming, and authentic Arabic hospitality. ‘