The Kingdom of Bahrain has been unanimously selected to host the 43rd International Advertising Association's (IAA) World Congress, scheduled for Spring 2012, by the IAA's Executive Committee during their recent meeting in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The IAA World Congress is a bi-annual event that brings together key advertising and communications industry executives and delegates from across the globe in one of the largest gatherings of its kind for the industry. Recent previous editions were held in Dubai (2006), Washington DC (2008) and Moscow (2010).

In making the announcement, Alan Rutherford, IAA Chairman and World President stated: "Having reviewed a number of excellent venues, Bahrain was the unanimous choice of the IAA's Executive Committee. Over the past decade, the Gulf has become increasingly more significant to local and global brands. Over the next decade, its continued growth and stability will create further important expansion opportunities for international companies."

Their Excellencies Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board and Shaikh Fawaz Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Information Affairs Authority have been strong supporters of Bahrain's hosting of the event, and pledged to make the 43rd IAA World Congress of the highest standards yet.

Khamis Al-Muqla, Worldwide Board Member of the IAA and Head of the Bahrain Chapter said, "I am extremely proud that the Kingdom of Bahrain was selected unanimously by the IAA committee to host this prestigious event. Bahrain is at the heart of this region and boasts a very rich history in media and advertising."

"The Gulf and the Middle East region has performed exceedingly well in terms of advertising expenditure despite the financial crisis. Advertising is an important element in today's society and plays a constructive role in the economic growth of the region. It contributes to the betterment of society by creating awareness of social issues. As a region, we place a huge emphasis on advertising, communications and their role in a company's success, and as the industry is still growing and developing from the emergence of areas such as digital media, there is huge further potential that lies within this region."

The event is an outstanding platform to listen to leading industry figures, network, and generate new business opportunities with industry executives from across the globe. Recent keynote speakers have included Chief Marketing Officers from Proctor & Gamble, Hewlett-Packard, and Unilever and agency chiefs such as Sir Martin Sorrell and Maurice Levy.