Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen

General Manager

Biography:: Dr Debbie Kristiansen has over 30 years’ experience in Venue Management, Entertainment, Events and MICE Tourism. She has an extensive understanding of public and private sector organisations with a track record of driving growth and business development. Dr. Debbie was Vice President for Global Sales at Regent Exhibitions – IMEX Frankfurt from 2001. In 2005 she moved to the Middle East and helped establish the Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority, later assuming the role of CEO. She became the first female CEO of NOVO Cinemas in Dubai, until she joined Exhibition World Bahrain as General Manager in 2021. Dr. Debbie is currently serving on the Board of Directors at UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry for the next 3 years.

It is this level of leadership that landed her many recognitions and awards, most recently: Top 150 Global Women in Leadership Award Winners 2022, UN Women USA Rise & Raise Others Award 2022, Top 50 Global Inspirational Women to look out for in 2022, Top 50 Women in Global Cinema & Entertainment 2020.