For last few years the prominent event in So~Safe
has turned out to be its International Convention,which
is regularly being convened for providing every
opportunity to all So~Safe partners, located
worldwide for a great reunion and to take account
of the organization. As always the third International
Convention was flawlessly organized, this time
in the heart of Emirates, Dubai between February
19 - 21, 2004 at Renaissance Dubai Hotel. In
all 40 delegates from 25 countries were in attendance
of this mega event.
Opening
Ceremony
The
grand Al-Thuraya ballroom of Renaissance Dubai
Hotel, was the venue for the splendid opening
ceremony of the 3RD International convention
of So~Safe water Technologies. The vivid backdrop
designed for this convention depicted the very
true colors of a company involved in business
of water purification as it offered a very fascinating
view to the eyes, in search of excellence. Before
the start of opening ceremony various groups
were seen engrossed in socializing, some making
new friends, while some searching the old pals
as the occasion provided every opportunity to
the regular visitors for a much appreciated
get-together. Some SAFIANS who are the regular
delegates at So~Safe conventions were cheered
with a loud roar, when they made their first
appearance in the hall. Those delegates, who
were attending a So~Safe Convention for the
first time took a keen interest in the long
range of goods displayed within the main auditorium,
which included products ranging from regular
cartridges to the huge Reverse Osmosis Plants.
The
atmosphere turned electrifying when two stunning
ladies from So~Safe Katherine and Helena appeared
in the hall in a most unique and terrific attire,
equally matching the contestants of a Miss World
Competition. They went to greet each group of
delegates and soon there were long queues, requesting
for a photograph to be snapped with them. The
stimulating tunes being aired on the audio systems
just provided the perfect icing on the cake.
As
soon as madam of ceremony Ms. Saima the very
talented daughter of Mr. Sultan Mahmood took
the floor, the noisy hall went to a sudden silence
as she took off very confidently. Managing Director
Mr. Sultan escorted the Chief Guest of the evening
Mr. Nasim Ghuman, CEO of So~Safe Pakistan to
the stage, while the General Manager Mr. Zill-e-Saeed
escorted the Convention Director Mr. Salman
Siddiqui. Mr. Noman Mahmood, son of Mr. Sultan
recited few verses of Holy Quran in a most absorbing
manner to officially start the proceedings.
Then followed the stream of international delegates,
most of them attired in their beautiful and
colorful national dresses, who made their way
to stage through a 60 feet catwalk. They were
greeted on the stage by the aforesaid four gentlemen
after being escorted by those two gorgeous ladies.
The very last person to make a cat walk was
the faculty for the Seminar on Top Performance,
Mr. Sunil Kumar, who specially flew in from
India to conduct a day long session and was
requested to join the head table at the stage.
Prior to speeches, the ribbon cutting ceremony
was witnessed with Chief Guest Mr. Nasim Ghuman
doing the honors. Mr. Sultan then officially
declared the convention as open.
Organizing
a gigantic event like an international convention
has never been a cake walk. It takes to have
a man of strong nerves and great talent to spearhead
the organizing committee. So~Safe could not
find any better a person than Mr. Salman Siddiqui
to take the reins, who was bestowed this honor
for third consecutive time. He was called upon
for his welcome address during which he greeted
the international delegates who traveled from
different corners of the world to attend this
convention. He also apologized for postponing
the Warm-up session, which had to be called
off due to the insufficient number of delegates
as most of them could not made it to the occasion
on account of delayed flights and traffic jams.
He appraised the house that for the first time
a special website has been raised for this convention,
where delegates could find a lot of items of
their interest.
The
dashing and ever smiling Sunil Kumar who surprised
the audience with his natural eloquent and flowing
style of speaking, congratulated Mr. Sultan
for achieving great success in a shorter period
of time. He said that when he was invited for
this convention as a faculty speaker he had
no knowledge about So~Safe but when he visited
the website of company he was taken by surprise
that as to why a company of such high quality
products was not seen in India.
There
are many people in the world, who are known
to be intellectuals, and similarly there are
many people who are known to have a great vision,
but one hardly finds a combination of both these
two categories. So~Safe is fortunate to have
a Managing Director who is just the ideal combination
and leads the organization From So~Safe front.
In his speech Mr. Sultan was very clear in his
message, which revolved around the word QUALITY.
He said that his company never compromises on
quality as water filters are a sensitive product,
one buys for his family's protection. Mr. Sultan
briefed about the new factory being raised at
Jebel Ali Free Zone and promised that his company
would introduce at least one new product every
month.
The
chief guest of the ceremony was a person of
great caliber who is known for his immense contribution
in raising the corporate image of So~Safe Pakistan
to a great extent and whose leadership qualities
has been acknowledged at international level.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nasim Ghuman paid
rich tributes to Mr. Sultan for playing the
role of a model leader, who sets up examples
for his followers by doing exemplary things.
He referred to some big brand names and anticipated
that with the current pace on which company's
growth is being monitored he would not be surprised
to see So~Safe appearing as a giant of water
industry in the coming years.
Ceremony
was concluded by the dynamic General Manager
and also the Co-Director of Convention Mr. Zill-e-Saeed,
who while moving his vote of thanks, thanked
everyone present in the hall. He also thanked
the hotel management for their great support
in making the event successful. High-tea marked
the conclusion of the ceremony.
Recreation
at Dhow Cruise
Delegates
were escorted to the bay area straight from
the opening ceremony, from where they embarked
on a Dhow Cruise reserved exclusively for their
leisure and relaxation. This cruise sailed for
about two hours, exhibiting the mesmerizing
and highly impressive sky scrappers at Dubai's
coastline. After the welcome speech from Marketing
Manager Dr. Naveed Piracha, which boasted the
spirit of delegates, Mr. Sultan announced the
best cultural presentation award which went
to the Maltese delegates, Mr. Alfred Bugeja
and Mrs. Lina Bugeja for their most charming
appearance during the opening ceremony in their
beautiful national dresses. The delegates took
no time to mix up and an environment of fellowship
was witnessed. People across the continents
seem to become good friends as if they knew
each other for decades. A very sumptuous dinner
was served on board during the sailing, which
mainly comprised of hot Arabian cuisine and
sea-food dishes.
A
live wire was then introduced, who instantly
became the centre of attraction and enthralled
everyone watching her as she really did justice
with her articulate belly dancing performance.
No one seemed to wink the eyes even for once
as she created a magical milieu in no time and
also pulled certain delegates to accompany her
in expressing their dancing talent. To begin
with, she first chose Convention Director Salman
Siddiqui, followed by some international delegates
who to surprises of many of delegates proved
to be quite astounding in their ballet movements.
However the best dancer of the evening proved
to be the handsome Marketing Executive Mr. Kamal
Khan, who equally proved paranormal in his dancing
abilities. This entertaining activity brought
the day to its conclusion and the delegates
retired to their hotel rooms around mid night.
Seminar
on Top Performance
The
second day commenced with a very high profile
training seminar tagged as "TOP PERFORMANCE".
This seminar which proved to be highly informative
one was conducted by a person of great skill
and talent, who flew in especially from India
to conduct the same. Mr. Sunil Kumar, JCI Senator,
is very highly respected for his inborn coaching
skills, was the only faculty for the six hours
long seminar, who for not a single moment left
the delegates felt anything short of rich substance,
his presentations had to offer. In his exclusive
style of training Mr. Kumar gave a wonderful
presentation on the subject and punctuated his
session with team work concept games and workouts.
He displayed the factual qualities of a trainer
and not a single participant felt short of interest
at any point of time during his presentation.
Before the conclusion MD Mr. Sultan presented
a token of appreciation to Mr. Sunil. The delegates
in between his presentation broke for Friday
prayers and a fast food lunch at the food court
of City Centre.
Excursion
at Sand Dunes
After
the day long training seminar, delegates were
escorted to the deserts of Sand Dunes almost
80 miles from Dubai. It proved to be a new kind
of escapade for most of the delegates, where
they experienced an altogether different kind
of driving on the rutted and uneven surfaces
of the desert. They reached their final destination
in two phases, initially in coasters to the
suburbs of the site and then from there in heavy
jeeps in a group of seven. The skilled drivers
enjoyed the astonished expressions emerging
on the faces of delegates who seemed to be enjoying
their great driving skills.
After
sometime they arrived at a spot which hoisted
a historic back drop of Arabian culture and
where a model Arabian village was set up depicting
the rich traditions of the locals. In a gloomy,
open to sky atmosphere, where huge carpets served
as the seating furniture, the delegates formed
a big circle to take their seats. Delegates
found their attractions in different stalls
set up for their entertainment, which included
sheesha smoking, posing in Arabic costumes,
soft drinks and tea, campfire, camel rides,
etc. After the typical Arabic cuisine dinner
was served the delegates danced on the local
tunes for sometime and a dancing competition
took place amongst them. The sensation ended
up late in the night and delegates came back
around eleven in the night.
Seminar
on Water Filtration
Third
and final day took off with a most informative
training seminar on the water filtration products
of So~Safe. The seminar was conducted by Managing
Director Sultan Mahmood, who apprised the house
about different techniques and procedures, exercised
in the world to fight the threat of water contamination,
especially in the underdeveloped countries.
He pointed out that water contamination is the
main cause of high mortality rate in children
of these countries and that almost 60% diseases
found in adults are also instigated due to drinking
of polluted water.
Mr.
Sultan mentioned that resources of drinkable
water are quickly retreating due to the momentous
growth in populace and scarcity of rainfall.
He then described the function of So~Safe in
fighting this great risk exposed to mankind.
Mr. Sultan gave a methodical revelation of a
number of So~Safe products, brought up by a
colossal manufacturing set up in Sharjah. The
delegates took a keen interest in these products
and put up lots of questions, especially about
the Reverse Osmosis units, which were very skillfully
replied by Mr. Sultan.
General
Assembly
In
adherence to complete parliamentary procedures
the supreme General Assembly was called to order
by the chairman Mr. Sultan Mahmood, who after
taking the roll call announced the establishment
of quorum which is mandatory for declaring any
gathering as official. The business of organization
was debated and discussed at length with an
open forum for voicing any business related
to the organization. Few interesting policies
were discussed and approved by the general assembly
for the growth of organization. "Improve
quality of life with So~Safe" was adopted
as official slogan of the organization. A target
of 80% increase in previous year's sales was
given to the delegates, which was approved by
the assembly. Condolence was offered for two
deceased SAFIANS who lost their lives in a road
accident in Karachi, Pakistan in last December.
Some realistic targets were also set up for
the ensuing term and once again a decision was
taken to host next convention in Dubai. Two
presentations were also made each one by Mr.
Zafar Kazmi and Mr. Kiyani on Watergenius and
Direct Marketing, respectively.
The
session concluded on a gift exchange ceremony,
whereby delegates exchanged gifts amongst themselves
and a scene of great association and mingling
was witnessed. The delegates who were requested
to bring gifts for fellow delegates even brought
some for their hosts and both MD and convention
director benefited from their generosity along
with some members of organizing committee. Soon
after the assembly session delegates were escorted
to KFC and Pizza Hut for lunch.
Seminar
on Relationship Marketing
The
post lunch session unfolded the classical presentation
skills of a gentleman who was not new to most
of the delegates as Mr. Mahmood Nanji did conduct
a training seminar on Effective Marketing in
the last convention. Mr. Nanji is serving the
coveted office of Director Sales and Marketing
of Tapal Tea (Pakistan's largest tea manufactures
group) and is considered as an authority on
the subject of brand management. He is known
to communicate big philosophies in a softer
manner to the participants. During his presentation
he displayed his panache for conducting training
session in a befitting manner and educated the
delegates, the crux of relationship marketing
by telling to focus on hi-margin customers and
increasing profits. Lots of gimmicks were shared
and the session proved to be a great source
of information for the delegates as they acquired
some new stuff on the subject, which is rarely
presented in such conventions. In the end Mr.
Sultan presented a token of remembrance to Mr.
Nanji.
Closing
Ceremony and Awards Banquet
Once
again a fabulous closing ceremony of So~Safe's
International Convention was witnessed in the
majestic Al-Thuraya ballroom of Renaissance
Dubai Hotel. This time compeering was handled
by two individuals who happened to be the offspring
of Mr. Sultan Mahmood. Both Mr. Usman Mahmood
and Miss Saima Sultan proved magnificent in
delivering the goods. First person to be escorted
to the stage on a catwalk was the chief guest,
Mr. Najeeb Abbasi, the Commercial Counselor
of Pakistan Consulate Dubai, followed by Managing
Director Sultan Mahmood and finally Convention
Director Salman Siddiqui joined the two on stage.
The three dignitaries then welcomed the international
delegates who were escorted on the catwalk,
one after another. They were warmly received
and were presented mementoes and certificates.
A
team of committed individuals worked day and
night to ensure three full days of color, training
and personal achievement for most of delegates
and a smooth sailing but if one is asked to
give the honors to a single individual then
it cannot be any other person than the convention
director Salman Siddiqui. He stood out in terms
of quality presentation and a flawless event
management of great magnitude that this convention
demanded. A gold medalist from United Nations,
Mr. Siddiqui in his speech summarized three
day activities along with the feedback of delegates
which was very heartening for him as an event
director. He also highlighted some unique achievements
which included a daily chronicle, covering the
entire day's happenings, launch of an exclusive
convention website, full day training seminar
and an impressive convention manual. Mr. Siddiqui
went on to thank each and every member of organizing
committee for playing their role much above
the expectations and very specially thanked
the hotel management for their professionalism
and support.
If
Mr. Salman has to be credited with the success
of this convention then he must have his inspirations
from someone to do this job. That person is
none other but the one who is at the helm of
affairs in So~Safe and is known for his leadership
qualities, always found stressing for the highest
standards of quality. Mr. Sultan Mahmood in
his speech thanked the international delegates
for their vigorous participation throughout
the convention. He went on to elaborate the
remarkable growth of organization during last
two years and complimented his team for adapting
to the latest trends in quick time. He also
pointed out the importance of So~Safe vis-à-vis
the geographical locations as it stands to be
the only manufacturing unit in a huge region
and also emphasized for maintaining excellence
in accordance to standards of working environment
in UAE. For the enormous success of convention,
Mr. Sultan paid rich tributes to Mr. Salman
and Dr. Naveed besides the entire team, who
made the event a big success.
Chief
guest Mr. Najeeb Abbasi, the Commercial Counselor
of Pakistan Consulate Dubai, commands respect
of highest order from all quarters and is known
for his revolutionary changes on the commercial
arena. During his keynote address he showed
delight on the performance of So~Safe as an
environmental friendly organization and said
that he was glad to see the manner in which
the whole convention was conducted. Mr. Abbasi
also lauded the international delegates for
undertaking travels of thousands of miles for
a great cause.
Soon
after the speeches Mr. Siddiqui compeered the
award program and some awards were dished out
in various categories, which comprised of Partners
in Progress, Prominent Purchasers, three Star
awards one from each training seminar, best
cultural dress award and finally most outstanding
nine SAFIANS awards. Those who bagged the star
awards were Mr. Mathew Inyama (Nigeria) from
Top Performance by Mr. Sunil Kumar, Mr. Badar
Al-Saeed (Qatar) from Product Orientation by
Mr. Sultan Mahmood and Mrs. Raja Khrishi (Jordan)
from Relationship Marketing by Mr. Mahmood Nanji.
The best cultural dress award was given to Mr.
and Mrs. Alfred Bugeja from So~Safe Malta. The
nine outstanding SAFIANS were adjudged as Dr.
Naveed Piracha, Mr. Anwar-ul-Haq, Mr. Zafar
Kazmi, Mr. Zulfiqar Ahmed, Mr. Faiz Fareed,
Mr. Nadeem Khan, Mr. Shahzad Bhatti, Mr. Baber
Jameel and Mr. Taj M. Shah. A presentation was
also made to the chief guest Mr. Najeeb Abbasi
from the Managing Director Sultan Mahmood, who
later announced the closure of this convention
till February'2005.
It
need tough pillars to lay a strong roof and
if the convention Director needed to bank on
any one individual to get his work load shared,
it was none other but the ever smiling and dashing
marketing manger, who was also the Co-Director
of this convention. While concluding the ceremony,
Dr. Naveed Piracha thanked all the participants,
international delegates, hotel management and
all others who supported the cause. He specifically
thanked the convention organizing committee
members who proved to be the real heroes at
the end of the day. A sumptuous dinner was served
at the conclusion of his vote of thanks.
