The 2014 Global Financial Markets Forum (GFMF), the annual conference organised by the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), will be available virtually via AvayaLive Engage, an interactive virtual conferencing solution.

This will allow delegates who are unable to attend the forum in person to join the conference through a virtual conferencing programme.

The conference, which is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees, will be held on March 4 and 5, at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

The virtual conference was offered for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) during GFMF 2013. Providing the virtual conferencing meets the increasing demand of investors and professionals who want to benefit from the great analysis and information that will be shared at the annual GFMF which attracted over 1,300 delegates last year.

The 2014 GFMF will analyse the economic recovery in the West, prospects in the Emerging Markets, and the UAE’s rising influence in the growing trade and investment flows across the West-East Corridor.

Nasser Ahmed Alsowaidi, the chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and chairman of NBAD, will inaugurate the forum.

The forum’s keynote speakers include James Baker, former US Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, and Chief of Staff at the White House; Lawrence Summers, who served as US Secretary of Treasury, president of Harvard University and chief economist of the World Bank; Jean-Claude Trichet, the former president of European Central Bank; Sultan Bin Nasser Al Suwaidi, the Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE; executives of key GCC companies and several notable investors and thought leaders.

Alex Thursby, NBAD’s Group CEO, will deliver opening address on the second day of the conference on March 5.

“Global Financial Markets Forum is recognised as the region’s premier financial markets forum where world renowned experts share their thoughts and insights about the most critical matters impacting global markets,” said Anton Martin, managing director and head of sales at NBAD’s Global Markets.   “Demand for access to the forum continues to increase and furthermore we are eager to expand its geographic reach, hence we are very pleased indeed to offer real-time virtual conferencing for the second year.”

GFMF Virtual World allows NBAD to replicate the GFMF venue over virtual 3D environment. Delegates from around the globe who are unable to attend the forum in Abu Dhabi would be able to benefit from ‘virtual’ conference where they can interact and collaborate with other peers in their industry from the location of their choice in an environment that is closely similar to the real life event as possible.

GFMF Virtual World, powered by AvayaLiveTM Engage, is offered by GFMF’s partner Avaya. The application offers three-dimensional live conferencing that is accessible from any internet connection to support one-on-one conversations and group sessions.

GFMF includes Investor Presentation sessions that would be offered on February 25 and 26, prior to the commencement of the conference. – TradeArabia News Service