Hannah Connolley
Couture Events Worldwide / Couture Proposals / The WedEd
Hannah Connolley LinkedIn | Couture Events Worldwide | Couture Proposals | The WedEd
Hannah Connolley, entrepreneur and CEO of Couture Events Worldwide and Couture Proposals, is renowned for orchestrating unforgettable events for high-profile weddings and prestigious brands such as Emirates, Vogue, Tommy Hilfiger and Atlantis the Royal.
This year, her commitment extends beyond luxury events with the launch of her groundbreaking educational platform, The WedEd. With a dedication to innovation, Hannah is committed to empowering aspiring individuals to thrive in the dynamic world of weddings, shaping the future of wedding professionals globally.
Company Profile
Couture Events is a luxury event management company that handles everything from innovative concept development to expert planning and delivery. Founded in Dubai in 2004, the business has established a reputation for organising high-profile weddings, elegant corporate events, and memorable social occasions across the MENA region.
Couture Events has worked with hundreds of high-profile names, including Vogue, Emirates, Tommy Hilfiger and BMW, plus renowned hotel brands, such as Atlantis the Royal, Four Seasons, and Waldorf Astoria.
Marinda Malan
Business Growth Strategist
www.marindamalan.com | Marinda Malan Linkedin
Marinda is an accomplished leader with 20+ years of international experience across three continents, specialising in strategic marketing and commercial strategy. She is known for driving growth especially in the technology and telecom sectors and most notably held commercial leadership positions in MTN South Africa, and Etisalat UAE. She is seasoned in developing and executing market-entry strategies, overseeing large-scale product launches, and driving integrated programs to enhance customer value and revenue growth, while being particularly passionate about technology and its role in business.
Her expertise encompasses a broad spectrum, including business and marketing strategy, product marketing, go-to-market strategy and execution, revenue management, and customer marketing. She places a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and specialises in B2C subscription-based businesses.
In her consulting business, Marinda is empowers businesses to realise their potential through identifying their most profitable growth drivers, guides them towards excellence in operational execution.
She holds a B Com Marketing (Honours), a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business, a Professional Certification in Digital Marketing as well as a Professional Certification in AI in Business.
Thierry Louesse
Fractal Systems
Thierry Louesse LinkedIn | Fractal Systems UAE LinkedIn | Fractal Systems UAE
Thierry spent the first 20 years of his career in leadership roles at international blue-chip companies. Fifteen years ago, he founded Fractal Systems in Dubai, a company focused on event technologies. Today, Fractal has broadened its services to offer solutions in Event Management, Film & TV Production, Facade Lighting, Structural Design & Engineering, and Water Sports among others, with multiple business units across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Thierry is a strong advocate for Artificial Intelligence and ensures that his company and team remain at the forefronts of exploring, developing, and utilizing new AI-powered tools and experiences.
Company Profile
As the leading hub of innovative technologies with more than a decade of experience, Fractal Systems strive to redefine how your events are organized, executed, and experienced. With constant innovation and unparalleled expertise, we strive to enrich every moment, enable opportunities and engage your customers like never before. We specialize in Custom Display Solutions, Ai-powered Experiences, Immersive Rooms, Mechatronic Systems and much more. From complex engineering designs to Facade Lighting and interactive games, all under one-roof.
Laila Suhail
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Entities
www.visitdubai.com | @thedubaiwedding | @visit.dubai
Laila Mohammed Suhail is the Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Alliances and
Partnerships Sector at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the
principal authority responsible for positioning the emirate as a major hub for global
economy and tourism, and boosting the city’s competitiveness indicators.
In her current role, Laila is responsible for leading the rollout of new opportunities for
all strategic alliances, partnerships and sponsorships for DET and its entities – Dubai
Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and
Retail Establishment (DFRE), and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) – in addition to
developing and strengthening existing partnerships.
With a focus on contributing towards growth in the tourism sector, Laila is currently
leveraging her expertise by spearheading various initiatives designed to position
Dubai as a leading city for destination weddings. Laila works closely with partners
and stakeholders to ensure they build on the city’s diverse destination proposition by
developing tailored offerings for couples seeking a memorable and flawless
celebration.
Company Profile
With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and further consolidate Dubai’s
position as a leading global city for business and leisure.
Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to visit, live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding
quality of life, overall. DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The DET portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Licence Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).