ASM Global appoints events expert to grow Middle East venues

16.10.2024

ASM Global has announced the appointment of events industry specialist Martin McGougan as the group’s regional director Business Development for the Middle East North Africa (MENA) Region.

McGougan is a strategic events specialist with over 20 years in the business across the Middle East and Scotland. For the last ten years, Martin has been based at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) helping to deliver the government’s Economic Vision 2030 through the development of core markets and the establishment of key business events.

As head of sales for ADNEC, Martin led the exhibition sales team to deliver outstanding results while also leading business strategy and strategic partnerships with government entities to deliver and support new markets. Martin has developed key relationships with some of the largest event organisers in the world such as Reed, Informa and DMG to help them deliver their world class events in the MENA region.

Prior to moving to Abu Dhabi, McGougan was the business development manager for Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campu, (SEC). At SEC Martin developed new events and new clients that also aligned to the strategy of the city to ensure the delivery of key strategic events for Glasgow and Scotland. In his new role at ASM Global, Martin will be based in Riyadh and will identify potential venue management opportunities across the region and be an integral part of the mobilisation team as new venues are secured.

Martin will support venue general managers and their business development teams to deliver conference and exhibition growth across the region. ASM global executive vice president, Asia & The MENA Region, Paul Sergeant said Martin’s international experience in driving economic growth through events is vital to his new role. “Part of Martin’s success over the past 20 years has been driven through a strategic alignment, and deep understanding, of how events can help grow not only a venue, but a city, country and region.”

Martin said he was excited about the potential for growth across the Middle East and North Africa and being able to welcome new venues to the ASM Global family. "I am thrilled my Middle East adventure continues with this move to Riyadh and delivering the very best in events for clients and visitors alike across a growing portfolio of ASM Global venues in the region.”