News

23 July 2010

Aid and International Development Forum goes from strength to strength

by Adam Nethersole

Participants at the 2010 Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF) hailed it as a great success. The event, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on July 22-23, featured over 120 exhibitors showcasing products and services for the aid and development sectors, as well as a diverse range of workshops with speakers from organizations such as the United Nations, USAID, The American Red Cross and International Medical Corps.

Florita Kentish, Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean and Representative to Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), said at the event: "This was immensely rewarding. It was really wonderful that development partners were involved. This event has opened my eyes to greater partnering for all sectors and it is particularly good for my organization (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) ... I am glad that we are involved this year and we look forward to being a part of it in the future".

New for 2010, AIDF also included an Experiential Zone where exhibitors demonstrated their goods and services in a series of "real-life" scenarios, based on past crises. Kevin Adams of WaterBrick International exhibited within the hall and the Experiential Zone. He said that the Zone "was really good and is in part what set this conference apart from others we've attended. It gave all the exhibitors a chance to collaborate around a bigger issue while demonstrating their product."

The team is currently working on AIDF 2011 which will once again be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre on June 8-9. To get involved, see www.aidforumonline.org or contact Sula Bruce +44 20 7871 0188, event@aidforumonline.org.

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