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My Flight from Newark to Dubai for Gulfood 2024- A Personal Chronicle
First Hour: As I settle into my seat, the plane begins its journey from Newark Liberty International Airport. The anticipation for Gulfood, one of the grandest food and beverage tradeshows, starts to bubble up. Flight attendants are bustling about, ensuring everyone is buckled up and ready for takeoff.
Second Hour: We’re cruising now. I find myself scrolling through the in-flight entertainment, landing on a selection of movies and documentaries. A friendly flight attendant offers me my choice of drink and a light snack. United only has Coca Cola products and in general the beverage selection lacks innovation.
Third Hour: I’ve decided to dive into a documentary about the food and beverage industry, hoping to glean some insights before the big show. Around me, passengers seem to have settled in, each lost in their own world.
Fourth Hour: The aroma of dinner wafts through the cabin. I’m presented with a choice of meals, and I choose one that seems to echo the diversity I’m expecting at Gulfood. Not really. The choices are pasta or chicken. I select the chicken. The meal is surprisingly good, paired perfectly with my choice of drink. The mashed potatoes are lacking in flavor and texture.
Fifth Hour: Post-meal, I pull out my laptop to go over my tradeshow schedule. I mark key seminars and booths I can’t miss and draft emails to potential contacts I hope to meet there. I am there to spend time with 3 clients, Middle East distributor, and see an old friend who either lives or used to live in Dubai. His family founded Rubicon Juices. I am also looking to see if there are any trends we can apply to the US and potential clients.
Sixth Hour: A little stretch is in order. I take a walk down the aisle, striking up conversations with others headed to the tradeshow. It’s never too early to start networking, I guess. The flight is mostly civilians, non Gulfood attendees, traveling to Dubai to see family or friends. It’s a quiet flight. Then again it is a Saturday night in the US, it will be Sunday night in Dubai when we land.
Seventh Hour: Back in my seat, I decide a quick nap might do me good, especially to beat the jet lag and be fresh for the tradeshow. But I can’t sleep. As usual. New plan..try to stay awake as long as I can. I land around 7:40 PM Dubai time. I will sleep when I get to the hotel. Wake up early Monday and go to the show.
Eighth Hour: The cabin is quiet, a gentle hum of the plane the only sound. I put my headphones on and watch a few episodes of Tokyo Vice. I watched a documentary about Albert Brooks earlier and it was amazing. He is one of a kind and very funny.
Ninth Hour: A light snack is served. I use this time to pore over the exhibitor list for Gulfood, strategizing my plan of attack.
Tenth Hour: With the end of the flight in sight, I choose a light comedy to keep things breezy and fun. A few episodes of Spain’s Alpha Males.
Eleventh Hour: The captain’s voice announces our descent into Dubai. The city lights welcome us from below, a prelude to the adventures that await.
Twelfth Hour: We touch down smoothly at Dubai International Airport. The feeling of anticipation returns as I collect my belongings, ready to dive into the heart of the city and the upcoming tradeshow.
Thirteenth Hour: Customs and immigration are a breeze, and before I know it, I’m officially in Dubai, ready to take on Gulfood. I arrive at the hotel looking forward to sleep.
Gulfood Tradeshow – What’s in Store
Imagine this: A tradeshow so vast it draws over 100,000 visitors from across the globe. We’re talking about the latest in food and beverage, from fresh produce to the newest food tech innovations. Gulfood is where the world’s foodies, innovators, and industry leaders converge.
What to Expect: It’s not just a show; it’s an experience. You’ll find everything from culinary demos to expert talks, and of course, endless opportunities to network. Whether it’s the latest health food trend or the next big thing in sustainable packaging, Gulfood has it all.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, my journey from Newark to Dubai, hour by hour, leading up to the incredible experience that is Gulfood. It’s more than just a tradeshow; it’s a glimpse into the future of the food and beverage industry, and I can’t wait to dive in.
