DMG World Media has announced it has taken over full management for the region's largest exhibition dedicated to Facilities Management, the FM Expo which is held 18-20 May. Taking over from Streamline Marketing Group, DMG has subsequently placed an increased focus on the conference programme and therefore provided MEFMA (Middle East Facilities Management Association) the opportunity to announce plans that will regulate the facilities management industry.

As a result the MEFMA board will use the FM Expo to announce a new agreement between MEFMA and RERA which will officially ratify the industry body as an association recognised by the government. In short MEFMA will be provided with the authority to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the industry and it's practioners, outline best practice guidelines and promote the industry as a whole across both the UAE and Middle East region.

Also speaking at the conference are other industry heavyweights from the world over. Ali Al Suwaidi, Senior Director of Operations at the Burj Khalifa will be speaking about the five year challenge in facilities management. Meanwhile the environment continues to be an important theme and Honeywell's Scott Peterson will be talking about remote building technologies whilst EcoVentures' Armen Vartanian will be talking about carbon emissions in building. Other companies on stage during the conference include Shell, Nakheel, Schneider Electric, Cityspace, Modus, Techem, MAF, Farnek Averial and Frost and Sullivan - who will be revealing new research into the size of the industry.

Speaking about the FM Expo, David Wilson Product Development Director at DMG said: "The facilities management sector in the Middle East is set to grow at an exponential rate, fuelled by the increasing life cycle cost of ageing buildings and the construction sector's growth. Therefore we have to position the FM Expo as an event that best supports the industry's development and provide a platform for opinion and thought-leadership. I also feel this is a tremendous opportunity for MEFMA to make its inaugural presence to the industry. Their forthcoming affiliation with RERA is an important step to support the industry and the FM Expo is the perfect platform for MEFMA to outline its plans for the future."

The FM Expo will take place from 18th - 20th May 2009 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Expo's exhibitors include companies from property management, energy management, environment, maintenance, IT, health and safety, and security in the Middle East, Europe and worldwide.