Knowledge is power

Following the success of the first 'Networkers Bahrain in the Middle East' which attracted more than 4,000 attendees, Cisco will bring an even bigger networking forum to Bahrain next year.

It will be the technology company's flagship event designed to help organisations recognise synergies between business strategy and technology under the theme that 'Knowledge Is Power'.

Developed in collaboration with the government of Bahrain, Cisco Live! 2011 will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir from April 10 to 13, 2011.

Reinforcing its ongoing commitment to the Middle East and Bahrain, in terms of supporting an accelerated and sustained growth in information and communications technology, Cisco returns to Bahrain in 2011 with an even bigger event, offering richer content. Cisco Live! will provide a platform for Cisco to engage with key players throughout the Middle East, Africa Levant and beyond.

Duncan Mitchell, senior vice president, Cisco Emerging Markets, and executive sponsor, Cisco Live 2011, Bahrain, said: "Networkers Bahrain 2010 exceeded everyone's expectations at just about every level. In recognition of this tremendous success, as well as reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the Middle East and Bahrain, we will put even greater focus on this event and create an even bigger impact this year.

"Our aspiration is that we collectively will be inspired, educated and motivated to build a collaborative and sustainable community which continues to harness the power of ICT to accelerate change across the region."

The Cisco Live! Middle East forum in Bahrain will offer four distinct programmes, aiming to create a mix of high-level visionary insights and deep-dive technical education.

It will be a three-day conference with the option to purchase an additional one-day Technical Seminar Pass for April 10.

More than 40,000 customer and partners attend Cisco Live! events each year (in person and virtually), and the company expects more than 4,000 attendees will participate in the Bahrain gathering.

More than 20 countries will be represented at Cisco Live! 2011, including the UAE, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Africa Levant.

Keynote speeches will be delivered in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and chairman of the Economic Development Board and Deputy Supreme Commander, alongside Cisco chief executive, John Chambers.

Additionally, sessions such as Meet the Executive, Meet the Engineer and Design Clinics, plus the World of Solutions, Innovation Awards and VIP Partner Breakfast, as well as more than 200 other sessions, will be designed following collaboration with Networkers 2010 attendee feedback and counsel.

Bahrain has created an environment in which technology can thrive via progressive regulation policies, say organisers. As a result, Cisco's own regional ICT hub is located in Bahrain, in addition to its office in Bahrain Financial Harbour.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Minister Responsible for Telecommunications Sector, said: "The success of Cisco Networkers 2010 was testament to how the government and Cisco collaborated to create an environment where technology can thrive via the progressive regulation policies.

"The event plays an important role in strengthening morale amongst employee populations in this region and provides us all with an opportunity to further Bahrain's vision for 2030, which is to make the kingdom a major investment and economic hub."

Cisco believes events like Cisco Live! demonstrate the company's continued commitment to Middle East, its governments and key business leaders.