Our Vision is to Establish the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards as the Premier Event for Recognizing and Celebrating Excellence in the Region, Inspiring Continued Growth and Innovation: Jennifer McShane Bary of JMB Project Management

Jennifer McShane Bary is a seasoned event organizer and project manager with over two decades of experience in orchestrating high-profile events and managing complex projects. She is the driving force behind the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards, dedicated to celebrating and recognizing outstanding achievements across various sectors in the Middle East. Jennifer’s career spans significant roles, including a successful tenure as CIO at The O2 in London, where she managed large-scale events featuring globally renowned artists.

In addition to her work with the awards, Jennifer is the founder and CEO of JMB Project Management, a leading consultancy specializing in delivering innovative project management solutions. Her company is known for its trademarked product, 'PMO-in-a-Box,' which provides comprehensive project management office services to organizations across various industries. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and strategic vision, Jennifer combines her passion for excellence with a commitment to fostering innovation and leadership in the region. Her expertise and dedication have made her a respected figure in the industry, continually inspiring others to strive for greatness.

SME Business Review contacted Jennifer McShane Bary for an interview regarding the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards event to explore its significance and impact. Here’s what she had to say.

Interview Excerpts

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards?

The inspiration behind the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards came from a desire to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in the Middle East. Our region is home to incredible talent, innovation, and leadership, yet there are few platforms that truly honor these accomplishments. We wanted to create an event that not only acknowledges excellence but also inspires others to strive for greatness in their respective fields. By highlighting these achievements, we hope to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement across the Middle East.

What are the main goals and objectives of the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards?

The main goals and objectives of the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards are to: 1) recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations across various sectors in the Middle East, 2) provide a platform for networking and collaboration among industry leaders, innovators, and influencers, 3) inspire others to strive for excellence by showcasing the success stories and contributions of our nominees and winners, 4) promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the region, and 5) enhance the visibility and reputation of the Middle East as a hub of excellence and innovation on a global stage.

How do you select the nominees and winners for the awards?

The selection process for the nominees and winners is rigorous and thorough. Nominations are open to the public, and individuals or organizations can nominate themselves or others. Once nominations are received, they are reviewed by our esteemed panel of judges, comprising industry experts and leaders from various sectors. The judges evaluate each nomination based on specific criteria, including innovation, impact, leadership, and overall contribution to their field. The evaluation process ensures that the most deserving candidates are recognized for their achievements. Finalists are then selected, and the winners are announced at the awards ceremony.

What makes the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards unique compared to other award ceremonies in the region?

The Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards stands out for several reasons. Firstly, our comprehensive range of award categories ensures that we recognize excellence across a broad spectrum of industries and sectors. Secondly, the event is not just an award ceremony but a comprehensive event that includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing attendees with valuable insights and connections. Additionally, our focus on promoting the winners through social media, press releases, and other channels amplifies their achievements and enhances their visibility. Finally, the luxurious setting of the Al Habtoor Palace Ballroom adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to the event, making it a truly memorable experience.

Can you provide an overview of the different award categories and what they represent?

The Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards encompasses a wide range of categories, each representing a different area of achievement:

Innovation and Technology: Recognizes groundbreaking innovations and technological advancements.

Business Excellence: Celebrates outstanding leadership, entrepreneurship, and corporate success.

Cultural and Social Impact: Honors initiatives that have enriched the cultural landscape and improved social welfare.

Leadership and Influence: Acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and inspired others.

Entertainment and Media: Celebrates excellence in media, journalism, and the arts.

Luxury and Lifestyle: Recognizes achievements in the luxury and lifestyle sectors, including fashion, hospitality, and design.

Education and Research: Honors contributions to education, research, and academic excellence.

Health and Wellness: Recognizes outstanding achievements in healthcare and wellness.

Women in Excellence Awards: Celebrates exceptional women who have made significant contributions across various fields.

Each category is designed to highlight and honor the unique contributions and achievements within these areas.

How do the awards benefit the winners and the broader community?

Winning a Middle East Summit of Excellence Award offers numerous benefits to the recipients. It enhances their reputation and visibility, providing them with greater opportunities for growth and collaboration. The recognition also serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and impact, boosting their credibility and influence within their industry. For the broader community, the awards highlight the achievements and contributions of local talent, inspiring others to strive for excellence. By showcasing success stories, the awards promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, driving progress and development within the region.

What challenges have you faced in organizing the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards, and how have you overcome them?

Organizing an event of this scale comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the main challenges has been ensuring that the nomination and judging process is fair, transparent, and unbiased. We have addressed this by assembling a diverse panel of judges with expertise in various fields and implementing a rigorous evaluation process. Another challenge has been managing logistics, especially coordinating with the venue, sponsors, and participants. Effective communication and detailed planning have been crucial in overcoming these logistical hurdles. Lastly, promoting the event and securing participation from top industry leaders requires persistent effort and strategic marketing, which we have tackled by leveraging social media, press releases, and our network of contacts.

What can attendees expect from the 2024 awards ceremony at the Al Habtoor Palace Ballroom?

Attendees of the 2024 Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards can expect a grand and memorable event. The ceremony will begin with a red carpet welcome, providing opportunities for photographs and media interviews. Guests will then be seated in the elegant Al Habtoor Palace Ballroom, where they will enjoy a captivating entertainment segment followed by keynote speeches from distinguished speakers. A lavish dinner will be served, offering a chance for attendees to network and connect. The awards ceremony will follow, featuring inspiring speeches, video presentations, and the announcement of winners across various categories. The evening will conclude with a panel discussion and closing remarks, celebrating the achievements of all nominees and winners.

What are your future plans for the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards?

Our goal is to continue growing and enhancing the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards. We plan to introduce new categories to reflect emerging trends and sectors, ensuring that we recognize excellence in all areas of achievement. We also aim to expand our reach by partnering with more organizations and industry leaders, increasing the visibility and impact of the awards. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to incorporate more interactive and engaging elements into the event, such as workshops, masterclasses, and networking sessions. Ultimately, our vision is to establish the Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards as the premier event for recognizing and celebrating excellence in the region, inspiring continued growth and innovation.

Jennifer McShane Bary, Founder & CEO, JMB Project Management

“Organizing an event of this scale comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the main challenges has been ensuring that the nomination and judging process is fair, transparent, and unbiased. We have addressed this by assembling a diverse panel of judges with expertise in various fields and implementing a rigorous evaluation process.”

“Attendees of the 2024 Middle East Summit of Excellence Awards can expect a grand and memorable event. The ceremony will begin with a red carpet welcome, providing opportunities for photographs and media interviews. Guests will then be seated in the elegant Al Habtoor Palace Ballroom, where they will enjoy a captivating entertainment segment followed by keynote speeches from distinguished speakers.”

“For the broader community, the awards highlight the achievements and contributions of local talent, inspiring others to strive for excellence. By showcasing success stories, the awards promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, driving progress and development within the region.”