GEC Hosts Groundbreaking Vertical Day Event, Showcasing Innovation and Sustainability in BFSI, Education, and Hospitality

GEC Media Group concluded its highly successful Vertical Day Event, a comprehensive gathering designed to showcase the role of technological advancements and sustainability across three key sectors: Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), Education, and Hospitality. The event provided a dynamic platform for industry leaders, technology innovators, and sustainability advocates to discuss critical trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the future of these industries.

The event opened with an engaging registration and networking coffee session, setting the tone for a day of learning, collaboration, and celebration. Each vertical hosted specialized sessions tailored to address the unique demands and innovations of its respective industry.

The Education Day began with opening remarks delivered by Anushree Dixit, Global Head – Strategy and Alliances at GEC Media Group, emphasizing the importance of technology innovation in reshaping education. The first panel discussion, moderated by May El Barachi, Director of Computer Science and IT at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, explored how EdTech is redefining education. The panel featured distinguished voices such as Dr. Munir Majdalawieh, Head of the Information Systems and Technology Management Department at Zayed University, and Ahmed Mansour, IT Infrastructure Team Leader at Emirates College for Advanced Education. Together, they discussed the transformative role of digital tools and platforms in enhancing accessibility and engagement in education.

The day’s second panel discussion focused on sustainable education practices and technological innovations in green education, moderated by Abdulrahman Khaiwi, Head of IT Department at Emirates National Schools. Experts, including Sutharsan CP, Head of AI and Product Architecture at GEMS Education, and George Akhras, Chief Information Officer at AMSI, shared insights on achieving sustainability goals within academic institutions. The event culminated in the Top 20 Champions Awards for Education, recognizing groundbreaking contributions to innovation and sustainability in the education sector, followed by an evening of networking and dinner.

The Hospitality Day was inaugurated by Richa Samantaray, COO of GEC Media Group, who delivered the opening remarks and underlined the pivotal role of technology in driving advancements in hospitality. The first panel discussion, moderated by Ahmed Hafez, Corporate Director IT at Jannah Hotels & Resorts, addressed the future of artificial intelligence in hospitality. Panelists, including Muhamed Noufel, IT Manager at Royal Continental Hotel Dubai, and Amila Karunaratne, Director of IT Operations at The First Group, discussed how AI is revolutionizing guest experiences and operational efficiency.

The second panel explored the theme of sustainability and net-zero initiatives in hospitality, moderated by Shanaka Perera, Head of IT at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Panelists such as Mohamed Slama, Project Director for Global Guest Technology & Innovation at Accor, and Lijesh Rajan, Corporate Director of IT Strategy & Services at Rotana, shared strategies for reducing carbon emissions and integrating sustainable technologies within the hospitality sector. The day concluded with the Top 20 Champions Awards for Hospitality, honoring exceptional achievements in leveraging technology for sustainability, followed by an evening of networking and a formal dinner.

The BFSI Innovation Day featured a series of impactful discussions on the role of technology in banking and financial services. The opening remarks, delivered by Sehrish Tariq, highlighted the importance of technological advancements in driving innovation and efficiency within the BFSI sector. The first panel, moderated by Uneiza Alvi, Infosec and Threat Assessment Manager at Emirates NBD, focused on cybersecurity and risk management. Panelists such as Sunil Nair, CISO at McCoin Virtual Assets, Ahmed Nabil Mahmoud, Head of Information Security Engineering, Leading Bank in UAE and Shoeb Adhoni, Information Security Manager, Commercial Bank Internationalexplored strategies for safeguarding financial transactions and ensuring compliance with global data protection regulations.

The second panel discussion delved into sustainable finance and ESG initiatives, moderated by Jayakumar Mohanachandran, Group CIO at Buzeki Group. Key speakers, including Anand Krishnan, Head of Technology at Emirates Investment Bank, and Syed Mohammed Naqvi, Chief Technology Officer at Raqami Islamic Digital Bank, discussed innovative approaches to achieving ESG goals and fostering sustainable financial ecosystems. The BFSI segment concluded with the Top 20 Champions Awards, celebrating organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to innovation and sustainability in the financial sector, followed by dinner and networking opportunities.

The Vertical Day Event underscored GEC Media Group’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability across industries. By bringing together experts and leaders, the event provided a unique opportunity for collaboration and exchange of ideas, setting a strong foundation for continued growth and transformation in BFSI, education, and hospitality.