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I’m a marketing strategist with 7+ years of experience shaping global-scale exhibitions…
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Megha Lakhiani reposted thisMegha Lakhiani reposted thisTonight, we launched #LIONSRiyadh With H.E. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary the Minister of Media, his team, and the Co-Chairman of Tahaluf Faisal Al-khamissi 🇸🇦 Follow this account for more info: Lions Riyadh A new regional Festival within LIONS, built for the people shaping the future of creativity, marketing and business across the Middle East. From 6–8 December 2027, KAFD in Riyadh will bring together global and regional CMOs, #creative leaders, agencies, brands and emerging talent around one simple idea: great creativity should deliver real impact. This is about more than bringing a global platform to Saudi Arabia. It is about giving Middle Eastern creativity, talent and ideas a bigger global stage, while connecting our region directly into the world’s leading creative networks. Proud that #Tahaluf will deliver LIONS Riyadh in partnership with LIONS and the Ministry of Media. Riyadh has now firmly become a home for the world’s great platforms. Now creativity has one too. #LIONSRiyadh
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Megha Lakhiani reposted thisMegha Lakhiani reposted this🤝 Major Announcement Tonight, at 8pm, #Tahaluf will announce another global icon for Saudi Arabia. And this event brand is HUGE. Back in 2022, Faisal Al-khamissi, Muteb Alqani, Annabelle Mander and I helped bring #BlackHat to the Kingdom. At the time, one of our ambitions was simple: bring the world’s greatest event brands to Saudi Arabia and then prove that the Kingdom could make epic editions of those brands. Around 5 years later, Tahaluf has attracted 8 of the world's most important event brands to the Kingdom. Black Hat MEA has grown into one of the largest cybersecurity gatherings on earth. Money20/20 Middle East launched here and became one of the largest fintech gatherings in the world. (Led by Steve Durning and Kinga Swiderska ) SuperReturn: the global meeting place for private capital chose Saudi Arabia. BIO Middle East - part of the world’s largest and most comprehensive biotechnology gathering, is coming to the Kingdom. CPHI Middle East launched in Riyadh as the largest debut pharmaceutical event in history. (Led by Mohaned Abdullah ElMahgoub and Mundhir Al-Hakim (منذر الحكيم) ) GDC Festival of Gaming has partnered with us to create Kingdom of Gaming. Monaco Yacht Show S.A.M., perhaps the most iconic name in global superyachting, has chosen Saudi Arabia for its first international expansion through the Red Sea Yacht Show (led by Mohaned Abdullah ElMahgoub) And Cityscape Global moved its international home to Riyadh, and became the world’s largest real estate event. (Rachel Sturgess and Annie Jeffcoat) There is a pattern here. These brands could go almost anywhere in the world. But they chose Saudi Arabia. And they choose #Tahaluf because we have demonstrated that we can be trusted with extraordinary global brands, respect what made them famous, and then build something record-breaking around them in a completely new market. Tonight, alongside His Excellency the Minister of Media and Faisal Al Khamisi, Co-Chairman of Tahaluf, Rachel Sturgess and Sunita Khatri of Tahaluf, I’ll announce perhaps our most iconic global brand launches yet. Another giant of the international events industry. Our 9th. Another completely new mega-event for the Kingdom. 8pm tonight. Stay tuned 🇸🇦❤️ #SaudiArabia #Tahaluf #Events #Vision2030 Photos: Alan Schaller LEAP 2022 Faisal Al Khamisi, Muteb Al Qani, Mike Champion
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Megha Lakhiani reposted thisMegha Lakhiani reposted thisAs Riyadh prepares to welcome the global technology ecosystem for the fifth edition of LEAP, Entrepreneur Middle East marks the occasion with a special issue dedicated to the people, ideas and ambitions behind one of the world’s largest technology events. Headlining our cover are LEAP co-founders Mike Champion and Annabelle Mander, the duo who, alongside their partners at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), helped turn an ambitious idea into the world’s most attended technology event. Their story is one of extraordinary scale. What began as a five-person startup in 2022 has evolved into Tahaluf, a 300-strong global operation generating more than US$250 million in revenue, with its events delivering an estimated US$17.6 billion in economic impact between 2023 and 2025. But behind those numbers is a story of partnership, trust, empowered teams and a shared refusal to “ship something ordinary.” For our cover story, Champion and Mander take us behind the scenes of that five-year journey—from building LEAP from the ground up to creating a wider portfolio of category-defining events, and now taking a Saudi-created model to the global stage. “What we are building stays, and it recurs. That is the real measure,” Champion says. The special issue also spotlights 20 entrepreneurs and speakers taking the stage at LEAP 2026, offering perspectives across AI, fintech, cybersecurity and the technologies shaping what comes next. With LEAP returning to RECC Malham in Riyadh from August 31 to September 3, 2026, this edition looks beyond the scale of the event to the people and partnerships that made it possible—and what their story reveals about Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving technology ecosystem. Read the Entrepreneur Middle East LEAP 2026 Special Issue now on Issuu: https://lnkd.in/dS8JQTbG #EntrepreneurMiddleEast #LEAP2026 #LEAP #SaudiArabia #Riyadh
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Megha Lakhiani reposted thisMegha Lakhiani reposted thisLEAP East is officially underway in Hong Kong 🇭🇰🇨🇳 Today marked a milestone not just for Tahaluf, but for Saudi Arabia's global events industry. For the first time, a Saudi-born #exhibition brand has been successfully exported onto the international stage. The opening ceremony brought together an exceptional lineup of leaders shaping the future of #technology and #innovation: 🇸🇦H.E. Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in LEAP's remarkable journey from its inception. 🇭🇰The Hon. Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, who shared a compelling vision for the #GreaterBayArea as one of the world's most complete innovation ecosystems. One insight particularly stood out. Within around 30 minutes, businesses can move seamlessly from world-class research and development, to advanced component manufacturing, to product assembly in Shenzhen, while accessing international capital markets through #HongKong. An innovation ecosystem of 88 million people, serving a market of more than 2 billion across Asia. 🇭🇰Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong SAR Government, who highlighted Hong Kong's extraordinary momentum as a global innovation hub, now home to more than 5,000 startups and one of the world's leading IPO markets. and 🇸🇦Faisal Al-khamissi, Co-Chairman of Tahaluf and one of the Kingdom's leading technology entrepreneurs, whose ambition has helped build one of the world's fastest-growing event companies. None of this would have been possible without an extraordinary team. My sincere congratulations and thanks to every member of the #Tahaluf team, our government partners in both Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, our exhibitors, speakers and sponsors. Months of hard work have culminated in an outstanding opening day. I would like to give my special thanks also to Hong Kong SAR Government Chief Executive John Lee, who visited #LEAP in 2023 as a keynote speaker. From that meeting a seed grew, and LEAP East was born 🤝 I'm also delighted to announce that Hong Kong will remain the home of LEAP East for at least the next three years 🤝 If you're in Asia this week, there's still time to join us. 8–10 July | Hong Kong Register at www.leapeast.com See you at LEAP East!
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Megha Lakhiani shared thisRecently had a chat with Izzy Arcoleo and Natasha Arcoleo from Told by Them, a wonderful duo creating a one-stop place for marketers to discover insights and conversations around what others in the industry are doing. I’ve worked with them across a few shows and have always loved their energy, thoughtfulness, and the unique perspective they bring to content creation. Happy to be contributing to their newsletter series and sharing my two cents. Grab a coffee, have a read, and let me know your thoughts!Megha Lakhiani shared thisWe decided what we really needed was a space for YOU, event marketers. So we’ve turned our monthly Substack into the conversation you wish you had time to have. We’ll be sharing Q&As with brilliant marketers, full of their real experience (the good and the bad). We hope it’ll help make your own journey through the world of event marketing a little smoother. To kick us off, we’ve been chatting to the wonderful Megha Lakhiani (Brand Content Manager at Tahaluf) about how she’s helped create brands people stay connected to year round. Want to see these newsletters before anyone else and receive extra notes and tips from us? Subscribe for free on Substack (click the three dots under our business name).One-off event or a movement that lasts – which would you choose?One-off event or a movement that lasts – which would you choose?
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Megha Lakhiani reposted thisMegha Lakhiani reposted thisExpansion of our very first home grown IP, LEAP to LEAP East marks an important milestone in our journey, it reflects what strong platforms can achieve when backed by the right partners, clear ambition, and long-term vision. #HongKong is a natural convergence point for the Asia-Pacific region, it’s where capital, #technology, talent, and #innovation come together. It provides the right foundation for #LEAPEast to become a platform of real regional influence and global relevance. That scale is only possible with the support of strong government partners and institutions who share that vision. Proud to be working alongside: 🧧Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) – Hong Kong Government Partner - Driving innovation, technology policy, and strategic support for LEAP East. 🧧OASIS - Supporting Partner – Helping bring strategic enterprises, investors, speakers, exhibitors, and global business partnerships to the platform. 🧧Belt and Road Office - Supporting Partner - Expanding awareness across Belt & Road markets, connecting governments, companies, and business associations. 🧧Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office - Supporting Partner - Providing strategic and tactical support across the Middle East to bring LEAP East to market. 🧧Invest Hong Kong - Investor Supporting Partner- Strengthening investor engagement by connecting family offices, entrepreneurs, and overseas businesses expanding into Hong Kong. 🧧Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation - Tech Ecosystem Partner - Giving LEAP East access to Hong Kong’s leading innovation and technology ecosystem and global infrastructure network. 💡 Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund - Supporting Partner - Bringing more than 100 startups from Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and Mainland China to the show for global visibility and expansion. Excited for what we are building together. If you wish to join us, you can do so by registering here: https://lnkd.in/ddXpXQ5W
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Megha Lakhiani reposted thisMegha Lakhiani reposted this"When we talk about impact, it's quantifiable impact that we recognise and see." During an interview with us at Money 20/20 Middle East, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), reflects on the impact Tahaluf and its platforms are creating for Saudi Arabia. Between 2023 and 2025 alone, Tahaluf has generated over $17.6 billion in economic impact and announced deals worth more than $252.9 billion. We’re proud to contribute to the economy and attract investments that are helping reshape industries. At Tahaluf, we believe in creating impact that extends far beyond our events, supporting future generations and contributing to the long-term growth of the nation. Watch the complete video here: https://lnkd.in/dXu-pKBH
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Megha Lakhiani reposted thisMegha Lakhiani reposted thisI built my agency Eleven777 Design & Advertising here in the UAE. Raised my son here. Found my stride, my voice, and my purpose here. This nation did not ask me where I came from, but rather how it could help me get to where I wanted to go. To the leadership, the armed forces, and every unsung hero who kept this country safe and steady when the world around it shook: Thank you. The flags flying above our homes are the least we can do. 🇦🇪 #uae #dubai #mydubai #united #gratitude
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Megha Lakhiani liked thisMegha Lakhiani liked this𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗽𝗽 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂. Connor Leahy raises an uncomfortable question about the technology now mediating many of our relationships. You open a dating app hoping eventually to delete it. The company, however, builds a business around keeping you engaged. That does not mean dating apps deliberately prevent people from finding lasting relationships. But it does reveal a fundamental tension: the user succeeds by leaving, while the platform often succeeds when the user keeps returning. More swipes. More subscriptions. More time spent searching. We have seen this pattern before. Social platforms say they connect us, news platforms say they inform us, and dating platforms say they help us find someone. Yet their systems are often optimized around what can be measured most easily: attention, activity, and retention. Love is much harder to measure. I do not believe dating apps alone explain why fewer people are having children. Economics, housing, changing expectations, and many other factors matter. But when the infrastructure of human connection rewards prolonged engagement, we should at least question whose desired outcome the algorithm is optimizing. Technology should help people achieve their goals, not quietly turn the pursuit of those goals into the product. If you succeed by leaving a platform, can that platform ever be fully aligned with your success? #PlatformDesign #DigitalWellbeing #SocialConnection #TechnologyEthics
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Megha Lakhiani liked thisMegha Lakhiani liked thisFrom Riyadh to Hong Kong, and back to Riyadh again. From LEAP to LEAP East to Money20/20 Middle East mode. Straight after delivering what was our best LEAP yet, I flew to Hong Kong to attend the Belt and Road Office, HKSAR Government annual summit and to meet with our great partners in HK including the Belt and Road office, ITC, InvestHK, ASTRI, HKSTP, Cyberport and HSITP. Every meeting reinforced our shared momentum as we started putting the key pieces in place for a successful 2027 return. From there, it was straight back to Riyadh to help deliver an unbelievable edition of Money20/20 Middle East put together brilliantly by Steve Durning Kinga Swiderska and the whole team! Now for a little break, and then straight into planning and putting together our 2027 editions!
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Megha Lakhiani liked thisMegha Lakhiani liked this🌟 The Quiet Strength Behind a Remarkable Legacy Behind every great leader, there are often people whose influence remains unseen yet deeply powerful. In the life of Ratan Tata, that quiet strength came from his family, particularly the women who shaped his early years with values, dignity, and emotional support. His mother, Sooni Tata, and grandmother, Navajbai Tata, played important roles in shaping the character of one of India’s most respected business leaders. Sooni Tata was known for her grace, resilience, and composed nature. Born into the Commissariat family, she married Naval Tata and faced major changes in her personal life with dignity. Even after her marriage ended in separation, her influence remained an important part of her children’s lives. The qualities Ratan Tata later became known for—humility, discipline, compassion, integrity, and social responsibility—were shaped by many influences throughout his upbringing. The guidance of his mother and grandmother helped provide a foundation where character, responsibility, and respect for others held great importance. Sooni Tata largely remained away from public attention, but a quiet life does not mean a small influence. The values and emotional foundation created within a family can shape a person far more deeply than public recognition ever could. These principles were also reflected in Ratan Tata’s approach to leadership. During his years leading the Tata Group, he became widely known not only for business achievements but also for emphasizing ethics, people, philanthropy, and a broader sense of purpose. Sooni Tata passed away in 1992, but the values associated with the family continued through the generations that followed. Her story reminds us that behind many remarkable achievements are people whose sacrifices, guidance, and support may never receive the same spotlight. Sometimes, the strongest influence is not the loudest one. It comes quietly—through care, values, resilience, and a life lived with dignity. ❤️ #RatanTata #SooniTata #TataLegacy #Inspiration #Leadership #FamilyValues #Legacy #India
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Megha Lakhiani liked thisMegha Lakhiani liked thisProud of the nation we call home, and proud to play a part in its journey. ❤️ Happy 96th Saudi National Day!
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Megha Lakhiani reacted on thisMegha Lakhiani reacted on thisThis is your first look inside the Kingdom. A world built for studios, startups, publishers, investors, creators, players and the communities moving gaming forward from Riyadh. Kingdom of Gaming opens 1 to 3 December 2026. Step in: https://bit.ly/4cHwla7 #KingdomOfGaming #WeBuildWorlds
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Megha Lakhiani reacted on thisMegha Lakhiani reacted on thisThe LIONS ecosystem is expanding, with Riyadh becoming its next regional meeting point for the creative and marketing industry. Announced by Tahaluf in partnership with LIONS and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media, Lions Riyadh will debut December 6–8, 2027, bringing together regional and global CMOs, brands, agencies, and creative talent. Rather than replacing Cannes Lions or Dubai Lynx, the new festival adds another platform to the ecosystem, connecting Middle Eastern talent with global expertise, industry leaders, and new opportunities. The significance goes beyond bringing a global name to Saudi Arabia. It creates another space for regional ideas and creativity to become part of the wider industry conversation. #ThinkMarketing
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Megha Lakhiani reacted on thisMegha Lakhiani reacted on thisWriting this Money 20/20 wrap-up has been hard this year. Not because there's nothing to say, because I'm not sure I can do justice to what this team has pulled off. Unless you work in events, it's genuinely difficult to understand what the last two months have demanded. We launched LEAP East in Hong Kong in July. Then at the end of August, the fifth edition of LEAP alongside DeepFest. And last week, we closed out Money 20/20 Middle East another outstanding success. Massive well done to Steve and Kinga, the leadership behind Money 20/20 Middle East and the entire team. Like every wrap up we've ever had, this one ended in an abundance of happiness and laughter. And as always for Money 20/20 Middle East, a massive thank you to our partners at SAMA, FSDP, IA and CMA. It would not be possible without them. For my team, we're now at the 50% event mark for the year. Four events still to go, three of them brand new launches. I have never seen a team work this hard, stay this committed, and still be this happy even through uncertain times. Momentum ✨ let's keep it going. Couldn't be prouder of you all. A few of my favourite snaps from Money 20/20 below ❤️🥰 #TeamMoney 💸 Tahaluf
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Megha Lakhiani reacted on thisMegha Lakhiani reacted on thisThis picture makes me think #Tahaluf has reached a major milestone 🌟 We began with a handful of people working from the reception of the Radisson Blu Hotel in #Riyadh. As the company grew, we moved into temporary offices at The Garage | الكــراج, Diplomatic Quarter and then ROSHN Front. They served us well enough but we rapidly outgrew each of them. Now, we are preparing to move into our new home at stc square. Almost 5,000 square metres, our new headquarters will provide over 330 permanent workstations, with the capacity to accommodate more than 400 people as Tahaluf continues to grow. It includes: • 12 flexible offices • Five meeting rooms • A dedicated boardroom and executive pre function space • A 70 seat auditorium for learning, training and morning yoga • A dedicated tech bar • Collaboration rooms, lounges and hot desking areas • Private focus booths • A large dining space and social hub • Multiple coffee bars • Wellness, first aid and mothers’ rooms • Prayer and ablution facilities • Premium washrooms, showers and changing rooms • Cutting edge stackable parking • A recording studio • And an exceptional workplace layout designed around how our teams actually work The design is unmistakably contemporary and Saudi: It brings together natural light, biophilic design, local artistic influences and the highest standards of modern workplace design. It is a major milestone in the Tahaluf story. From a handful of people to more than 350. From a hotel reception to a headquarters in the heart of #Riyadh. Perhaps for the first time, it really feels as though we have arrived! A huge thank you to everyone who has helped bring this exceptional project to life. #events #exhibitions #leap
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Megha Lakhiani liked thisMegha Lakhiani liked thisOfficially unveiled. The moment it all started to unfold. Ministry of Media, Informa, LIONS, Tahaluf, and members of the press came together to mark the beginning of Lions Riyadh, a new global stage for creativity, rooted in the region and built for the world. LIONS Riyadh has arrived. #LIONSRiyadh
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