Company Profile: The Bench

Background

The Bench is a global events services company specializing in organizing influential business forums and conferences across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Founded in 1997, The Bench has established itself as a key player in the hospitality and aviation investment sectors. The company's mission is to facilitate impactful discussions and foster valuable connections among industry leaders, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. Its vision is to inspire transformation and empower communities through its events.

Key Strategic Focus

The Bench's strategic focus centers on hosting prestigious conferences that address the latest trends and challenges in hospitality and aviation investment. Core objectives include:

• Organizing Influential Events: Hosting forums such as the Future Hospitality Summit, Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), AviaDev Africa, and Future Hospitality Summit: World.

• Sustainability and Innovation: Integrating sustainable practices and innovative solutions into event planning and execution.

• Global Expansion: Expanding the reach of its events to various regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

The Bench utilizes digital platforms and virtual events to enhance engagement and accessibility for a global audience.

Financials and Funding

As a privately held company, The Bench has not publicly disclosed detailed financial information or funding history. The company operates on a revenue model that includes event sponsorships, ticket sales, and partnerships.

Pipeline Development

The Bench continually develops its event portfolio to address emerging trends and challenges in the hospitality and aviation sectors. Upcoming events include:

• Future Hospitality Summit: Saudi Arabia: Scheduled for 2023, focusing on the Saudi Arabian hospitality market.

• Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC): An annual event bringing together industry leaders to discuss investment opportunities in the Middle East.

• Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF): A platform for discussing hospitality investment in Africa, with the next forum planned for 2023.

These events aim to provide insights, networking opportunities, and discussions on investment strategies within their respective regions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The Bench leverages digital platforms and virtual event technologies to enhance attendee engagement and accessibility. The company has integrated virtual event capabilities to adapt to global challenges and reach a broader audience. Additionally, The Bench launched the Digital Hospitality Tomorrow Series in April 2020, delivering content to over 6,000 industry delegates worldwide.

Leadership Team

The Bench is led by a team of experienced professionals:

• Jonathan Worsley: Chairman & CEO, co-founder of the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin.

• Matthew Weihs: Commercial Director, responsible for overseeing commercial operations and partnerships.

• Ali Shahid: Marketing Director, leading marketing strategies and brand development.

• Daria Smith: Portfolio Director, managing the company's portfolio of events and conferences.

• Jon Howell: CEO and Founder of AviaDev, a subsidiary of The Bench focusing on aviation investment events.

• Sally Marwaha: Operations Director, overseeing event operations and logistics.

• Mala Patel: Event Director – Africa, responsible for organizing events in the African region.

• Tanja Millner: Production Director, managing event production and execution.

• Marina Franolic: Finance Manager, handling financial operations and planning.

• Graciana Garcia Iribarne: Strategic Advisor, providing strategic guidance and insights.

This leadership team brings a wealth of experience and expertise to The Bench, driving its mission and strategic objectives.

Market Insights and Dynamics

The events services industry, particularly in the hospitality and aviation sectors, is characterized by:

• Growing Demand for Specialized Conferences: An increasing need for platforms that address specific industry challenges and opportunities.

• Emphasis on Sustainability: A strong focus on sustainable practices in event planning and execution.

• Digital Transformation: The integration of virtual and hybrid event formats to reach a global audience.

Competitor Analysis

The Bench faces competition from various organizations in the events services sector, including:

• International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF): A leading event for the global hotel investment community.

• World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC): Hosts events focusing on travel and tourism investment.

• Aviation Industry Events: Various forums and conferences dedicated to aviation investment and development.

These competitors offer similar platforms for industry leaders to discuss trends, challenges, and investment opportunities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Bench has established strategic partnerships to enhance its event offerings:

• G20 Secretariat: Collaborated on the Future Hospitality Hybrid Summit in 2020.

• DUR Hospitality: Hosted the Saudi Arabia Hospitality Investment Conference in 2018.

• Al Khozama: Hosted the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia in 2023.

These collaborations strengthen The Bench's market position and expand its event portfolio.

Operational Insights

The Bench differentiates itself through:

• Specialized Focus: Concentrating on hospitality and aviation investment sectors.

• Global Reach: Hosting events across multiple continents.

• Sustainability Commitment: Integrating sustainable practices into event planning.

These factors contribute to The Bench's competitive advantage in the industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The Bench's strategic roadmap includes:

• Expanding Event Portfolio: Introducing new conferences addressing emerging industry trends.

• Enhancing Digital Engagement: Leveraging virtual and hybrid event formats to reach a broader audience.

• Strengthening Partnerships: Building alliances with industry leaders to enhance event offerings.

These initiatives position The Bench to achieve its future objectives and maintain its leadership in the events services sector.