Dubai, June 26: The annual exclusive members networking event was successfully carried out by KEL Dubai on 25th June, 2011 at Excelsior Creek Hotel, Bur Dubai.

The event attracted an overwhelming response from more than 70 members. The program began with a few ice breaking exercises conducted by Charles D’Souza. All participants from various walks of life, businessmen and professionals alike, from banking, shipping construction, media, information technology etc. introduced themselves to one another.

In her inaugural address, the President of KEL Dubai, Shobha Mendonca, welcomed the members and encouraged each of them to make the best of the evening. In her opening address, Shobha said, “This networking event is an opportunity to acquaint ourselves with one another, foster new friendships, recognize each other’s potential, share our talents and perhaps forge new business partnerships.”

The theme of the event was centred on a ‘business planning workshop’ that provided the members an opportunity and experience in setting up a simulated business plan within the restricted time. The exercise allowed the participants to think systematically and encouraged their creativity to develop in a fun environment. The exercise also stretched people’s imagination, gave them hands-on experience to work in teams, allowed them to set aside their egos and bring out the best them.

Anchoring the event was none other than a talented HR professional Dr. Nelson D’Souza, who currently works as Head of Talent & Leadership Development Emirates NBD, Dubai. Dr. Nelson, who has a post graduate degree in Human Resources and a doctorate in Social Sciences, with over 20 years of international experience in industry and academia, provided the audience some real life experiences.

The participants were divided into 6 groups of 10 members each. Most members of a group did not know each other initially and yet all participated wholeheartedly, as if they had known each other for years. The groups came up with some interesting ideas that were presented to the rest of the audience. At the end of the presentation each of the team was given a pool of money to invest in what they thought was the best idea of the evening. They could invest in any of the 5 participating groups, except themselves. The ‘Dark Green’ team led by Kevin Mendonca and Deepak Machado were declared winners as they collected the maximum amount of invested money.

At the end of the program Dr. Nelson debriefed the participants and pointed out the importance of good team work and how ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’.

Several new members were formally inducted into KEL with the President inserting the lapel on their shirts. The vote of thanks was given by Albert Vaz, Director Events. The members were treated to a sumptuous dinner and a round of ghazal singing at the end of the evening. The members enjoyed themselves thoroughly and the event met the objective that it had set out in the first place – to exploit the talents of each individual and bring out the best as a team.

The event was sponsored by two of our Lead Members – Mr. Frank Fernandes, Managing Director of Mosaco Shipping LLC and Mr. Michael Dsouza, Managing Director of Humaid Al Suwaidi Real Estate.