A series of lectures were delivered by internationally acclaimed figures in the woman business world at a conference in Oman.

The Women in Business Conference 2008, held on March 15 and 16 experienced an unprecedented success and record attendance, the organisers said in a statement.

Under the auspices of Sayyida Alia bint Thuwaini Al Said, women from all walks of life converged on the conference held at the InterContinental Muscat, an event that organisers Eventscom said, would 'inspire a new calibre of women in business' within Oman.

The conference was graced by the presence of Tourism Minister Dr Rajiha Bint Abd Al Amir Bin Ali, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chairman Khalil Abdullah Mohammed Al Khonji and Woman’s Committee in the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union President Mrs Bahia Hariri taking part in both the conference proceedings and the prestigious awards ceremony.

The award ceremony highlighted the top finalists, all vying for the title of 'Businesswomen of the Year', and was a highly scrutinised competition taking into account all aspects of the business, such as profit, loss, operational procedures and marketing.

This year's event featured guest speakers such as the first women to climb both faces of Mt. Everest – Cathy O'Dowd, President of Synergies LMVH - Concetta Lanciaux, Founder of FLowcrete - Dawn Gibbins, Bouthayna Houssaini, Elizabeth Jackson, and Omantel's Huda Al Habsi, to name a few.

'We are ecstatic with the outcome of the conference this year. Our speakers were enigmatic and captured the attention of their audience, and the feedback we have received from attendees is very positive. Attendance was very high and the interaction between the delegates and the sponsors was very strong as well,' said Eventscom Managing Director Salma Al Hashmi.

Eventscom is now working on next year's conference, only with a renewed challenge this time; to eclipse the success of the Women in Business Conference 2008, the organisers said. – TradeArabia News Service