Ian Mann to address Human Resources International 2003 conference in Dubai

One of South Africa's leading human resources consultants is to address a groundbreaking HR conference to be held in Dubai next year.

Ian Mann, Managing Director of South Africa's Gateway Business Consultants and a best-selling author, is to speak at the Human Resources International 2003 conference, which will be held at the Grand Hyatt Conference and Resort Complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from March 1-3.

"Ian has consulted with numerous bodies in South Africa on leadership, strategy and strategic alignment," explained Clive Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Fairs and Exhibitions (F&E), which is organising Human Resources International 2003. "In Dubai he will outline the importance of aligning HR strategy to an organisation's overall business goals.

"The South African experience is highly relevant to the Middle East having largely successfully risen to similar challenges to those now impacting the Middle East. It also meets the Human Resources International rationale of showcasing global best practices and aligning them to the Middle East scenario."

Using regional and international case studies, Human Resources International 2003 will outline how to plan, execute and maintain comprehensive HR strategies and tactics specifically designed to address issues in a multi-cultural society, highlighting the traps and pitfalls that have befallen others as well as the successes.

As founder of the Gateway Group of Companies, Ian Mann has tackled the strategic implications of mergers, acquisitions and project initiation and management from an HR perspective. His consultancy has helped organisations such as KPMG, Wesbank, Telkom, Estee Lauder and the South African Broadcasting Corporation to maximise their human assets.

"Ian is no stranger to the spotlight," said Richardson. "Within South Africa he has presented a national TV series dedicated to management issues, and has also been a regular guest on national radio. An avid student of the corporate world, Ian also selects and reviews the latest business titles for discussion in monthly public forums."

Human Resources International 2003 will also feature an exhibition devoted to best global HR practices.

"The show will be a hitherto unparalleled regional showcase of the technology and skill sets now being utilised to address the strategic implications of meeting new era management challenges," said Richardson. "Keen interest in the event has emerged from throughout the USA, Europe, the Middle East and Australia."