We live in a world obsessed with data and digital speed. But if you’ve been in business long enough, you realise that the foundation of any lasting success is actually quite simple: trusted, meaningful, long-term relationships are one of the most valuable assets we can hope to cultivate. They are often the true source of strength and strategic advantage.
This belief shapes our actions at ECAL. It is why we chose to launch our recent international mission by hosting our inaugural ‘Leaders Lunch’ in Dubai.
In partnership with Jay Greene and The Sports Playmaker, I hosted the lunch at the spectacular Nuska Beach restaurant at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. I felt truly humbled to welcome 20 VIP guests to what was an incredible lunch – great people, good times, and positive discussion.
The goal was straightforward: get great, like-minded people together for some quality time. This was conceived as a much-needed opportunity to connect with individuals who all work in the same sector of sports, entertainment, and technology, sharing ideas. This was about building relationships, networking with good people in the ecosystem, and socialising (especially with clients and people that we have somewhat worked with but never had time to spend time together or spoken to each other face-to-face). A Leaders Lunch for people to come to know or want to know. We helped people get together. It was about allowing everyone to step out of the daily grind, exchange candid insights, and deepen professional trust.
Our commitment to this region is significant. We have launched successfully into the region and are actively looking to build a comprehensive presence here. The Leaders Lunch Dubai was our way of demonstrating that we value partnership over pure transaction and showcasing the long-term beneficial relationship we have with our clients and partners. We are committed to the region and excited by the impact we can make.
[Read: ECAL Expands into Saudi Arabia, Partnering with The Saudi Pro League to Transform Fan Engagement]
The setting itself provided the perfect, relaxed atmosphere for high-level conversation, with that incredible view of the Burj Al Arab. We welcomed a truly outstanding group of 20 VIP guests from the sports, technology, and entertainment sectors.
I had the pleasure of meeting these great people in the sector doing great things. It confirmed the quality and collaborative spirit of the community we are helping to convene. I was genuinely appreciative of the attendance of clients like Barry McAdams from ICC and Eleanor Fleming from Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, along with trusted partners Rebecca Maskrey from Wasserman and Edward Wiese from Google.
The greatest takeaway from the lunch is the enduring strengthening of strategic alliances. By facilitating this gathering, we hope to create a powerful network effect, a platform for mutual understanding that is the crucial first step toward successful collaboration and long-standing partnership.
This Leaders Lunch in Dubai was the ideal kick-off point to our trade mission across the Gulf region with Global Victoria. The intelligence shared and the bonds reinforced will directly influence our strategy and enhance our capacity to deliver lasting presence and value in the market.
Thank you once more to everyone who contributed their time and energy. Given the successful turnout and the quality of the connections made, we look forward to making this a more frequent event, here and in other parts of the world in which ECAL operates. Stay tuned!
