DMG World Exhibition director Maggie Moore hits Hotelier Middle East’s Power 50 in joint position at number 50. Here, she reveals a little more about why The Hotel Show has been so successful and shares the story of her career so far.
Can you summarise your career background?
The hotel/hospitality industry is where I started many years ago and where it seems I have ended up as well! Before leaving the UK to follow my husband working overseas, I worked for Thistle Hotels in London as front office manager, then banqueting and finally training and personnel manager.
After that I worked for Cunard Hotels for seven years, where I spent two years at The Cunard International, a 650-bedroom hotel in London as personnel and training manager and the last five years at The Ritz, London as personnel and training manager and senior assistant manager.
How long have you been in your current role?
I have been event director for The Hotel Show for the last six years.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievements in this post?
The fact we have kept the show very focused, while still bringing something new every year has meant that we have developed the product and maintained its relevance to the exhibiting and visiting audience.
What impact has your company had on the Middle East’s hospitality sector?
We have brought new products and technologies to the region through our exhibitors and we have played some part in bringing new industry trends to the region through both the Seven Star Conference and now the Middle East Spa Summit.
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What makes a successful exhibition director?
Attention to detail is very important, as is the ability to delegate and motivate your staff, as truly, no one can do it all themselves! You also need to be able to listen to your exhibitors and visitors and responsive to their ideas and opinions/requests. It is a real help if you are self motivated and keen to try new things. Obviously other management skills such as understanding finance and marketing are important but I have taken that as a given.
What are your priorities and ambitions?
My priority is my family, but in terms of work I would like to further develop the show so that it maintains its position as the most important in the region and becomes the ‘can’t miss’ event for the industry in the region and beyond!
Who has been your inspiration in the industry?
As an exhibition director, I’d have to say Bernard Walsh, our managing director, and as a hotelier, I would chose Michael Duffell, who was the managing director of The Ritz while I was there.
What was your first job?
My first job was working in a local hotel in Sussex – in the kitchen – I hated it!
During your career, what has been the strangest demand from a guest?
The strangest was when an American guest at The Selfridge Hotel asked for toupee tape to keep his wig on! I’m not sure who was the most embarrassed, him or me.
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