Getex Dubai 2009, the Middle East's leading education fair, will feature international human resources development (HRD) professionals in a forum targeting effective HR strategies to cope with the economic downturn.

The 21st edition of Getex Dubai will run from April 15 to 18 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The discussions and presentations during the HRD and training forum 2009 will be divided into three distinct sections: regional focus, economic spotlight and innovative training practices.

The regional focus will tackle recruitment and HR strategies in the region, while the economic spotlight will focus on topics which include HRD strategies in light of the economic downturn as well as the effect of the credit crunch and Web 2.0 on recruitment.

The innovative training practices section will include a panel discussion on emerging strategies, tools and resources for effective HRD in the 21st century.

The forum will conclude with two special workshops on the topics 'Performance psychology – the leaders’ role' and 'CIPD certificate in training practice.'

'In times of downturn, it is very important that firms prevent erosion of crucial assets such as their knowledge workers,” said Anselm Godinho, managing director, International Conferences & Exhibitions (IC&E), organisers of the event.

“At the same time, service providers and HR managers alike are under pressure to demonstrate discernable Return on Investment on human resources development strategies,” he added.

“The Getex HRD and training Forum 2009 will serve as a platform for companies to access essential resources, knowledge and expertise that will enable them to optimise the benefits and ROI of their recruitment and training initiatives.

“We have prepared topicsal discussion points and an impressive line-up of international speakers to create an information-intensive event.'

Getex Dubai will also feature the 2009 Global forum on innovation and technology in teaching and leading, which will focus on the impact of information and communications technology on the region's education sector. – TradeArabia News Service