Soufan Foundation & Qatar International Academy for Security Studies
Established in 2018, the Global Security Forumis an annual international gathering bringing together amulti-disciplinary network of experts, practitioners, and policy-makers fromgovernment, security, academia, media, entertainment, internationalorganizations, the humanitarian sector, the private sector and beyond todiscuss the world’s most pressing security issues. This invitation-onlyevent provides a unique platform for international stakeholders to convene andoffer solutions that address the international community’s leadingsecurity challenges.
The 2019 Global Security Forum took place on October15 & 16 at the St. Regis hotel in Doha, Qatar. The two-day conferenceexplored the security challenges posed by the proliferation of moderndisinformation and the serious implications this has on anincreasingly interconnected world.
The nexus between disinformation andtechnological advances has produced an unprecedented threat landscape, whichrequires a whole-of-society approach. The global effects of disinformation –whether via organized campaigns that influence elections or policy decisions,or via misinformation given to individuals or groups engaging in violent actsof perceived retribution – have become common and persistent security threats.All nations are dealing with this phenomenon. Private and non-profitorganizations are dealing with the effects as well. Relying solely ongovernments or the private sector alone to counter disinformation, however,will not work; it is imperative to convene an open dialogue in amulti-stakeholder environment to develop comprehensive solutions.
The 2019 Forum convened officials and expertsfrom across the world, including government, technology platforms, media,advertising & marketing agencies, social media, academia, think tanks, andinternational organizations, among others. The program was opened by HisExcellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister andMinister of Interior for the State of Qatar. Speakers included DefenseMinisters, Ambassadors, legal analysts and news correspondents from over 40countries.
The two days included moderated paneldiscussions, workshops, keynote presentations and fireside chats. Empire wasresponsible for all production support, speaker logistics, speaker, staff &attendee travel & accommodations, food & beverage, credentialing, presssupport, and graphics. The entire conference was webcast on MSNBC and AlJazeera with over 10 news agencies sharing the press platform.
Empire also produced a gala dinner on the firstnight of the conference. The dinner was sponsored by Qatar Airways, with HisExcellency, Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways in attendance. The eveningbegan with a reception that included an Oud player, calligrapher, henna tattooartist, and live falcon. The dinner was a formal 3-course plated dinner, with alive local jazz band.
Empire is a leading producer of internationalconferences and has worked extensively throughout the Middle East and GulfRegion.
Guests received their first taste of technological innovation at registration, where they were welcomed by name on a reactive LED screen installation covering the full width of the entry wall. A large lunch café was created with a décor scheme that incorporated custom-built, ceiling-high steel LED frames draped with foliage to create smaller, intimate restaurant-style spaces that displayed both technology and nature.
A series of breakout sessions presented content targeted to attendees’ varied interests, while imagery displayed throughout the venue showcased real-life applications of how products designed to empower developers help to unleash the power of data and reimagine possibilities that will improve our world.
Every element of Microsoft Connect(); from registration, breakfast and keynote, to lunch and evening cocktails, were custom-designed to communicate exacting brand messaging and to deliver a high-touch guest experience to this important audience. The keynote and breakout sessions were livestreamed through an onsite studio built for this purpose and content was watched online by millions around the world.
Empire is proud to collaborate with Microsoft on this annual, top-tier business communication event.
To view excerpts of Connect(); 2017, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/connectevent
