The conference will tackle various food safety challenges and the latest issues facing the food industry during and post-Covid-19 (coronavirus pandemic).
It will also focus on topics related to local, regional, and international regulations and global standards which aim to strengthen food safety standard implementation in the country.
Rawad Sleem, co-founder and general manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences, said: “Digicon is an innovative platform that enables participants to meet and discuss themes of common interests.”
“Moreover, it provides the latest virtual communication technologies with interactive windows that mimic the face-to-face traditional exhibitions with customised features like exchanging agreements between participating companies, having private meetings and live broadcasts, creating user-friendly clients’ lists, in addition to easy access to digital content from anywhere,” he added.
He said registration to the conference is free on the digicon platform.
Registered attendees will enjoy free access to the virtual platform and access the conference's sessions and exhibitors, while also receiving a CPD (continuing professional development) certificate.
The event will feature more than 20 experts in the food safety sector around the world to discuss the latest trends, developments, and best practices in the industry.
Additionally, more than 500 participants and key players in the food industry will be brought together in the conference to discuss over 30 topics related to food safety policies and regulations.
Sleem noted that Qatar HR Conference 2021, which was organised by NeXTfairs via digicon platform earlier, was a success.
He said: “The success of our first virtual Qatar HR Conference is proof that the business events industry is heading towards the virtual world in light of the coronavirus pandemic, depending on electronic platforms and modern technological developments, which enhances business continuity and stimulates the growth of economic sectors.”
Citing the latest available data from Qatar Development Bank, Qatar’s F&B sector has 2,950 operational outlets with an estimated cumulative revenue of about QR7bn.
Total revenues generated by the sector are expected to grow to about QR14.2bn by 2026 at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7.4% compared to 2016.
Sleem added: “The F&B industry in Qatar is gaining momentum based on the current benchmarks of population and the development of the 2022 FIFA World Cup facilities, which will represent important outlets promoting the growth of the industry.
“Moreover, inaugurating new malls and hotels will greatly drive the set-up of new food and beverage services outlets, such as fine dining outlets, casual dining outlets, quick service restaurants, beverage serving outlets, and cafes.”
