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Networking and interacting with others is often perceived as one of the top reasons for attending conferences and scientific events. This is why, the Technical Program Committee of the 2012 HBMeU Annual Congress has crafted a program that offers many formal and informal platforms and venues to encourage networking opportunities and interaction among participants to present and debate new ideas, discuss challenges and share best practices and case studies. Throughout the four days of the congress participants will have many occasions to be engaged and take an active role through participating in:

• Congress Lunches and Coffee Breaks: throughout the congress there will be several coffee breaks taking place during the morning and afternoon sessions (an average of four per day) where participants will be able to mingle with each other as well as with keynote speakers and other presenters. Lunches will also be served in locations dedicated only to congress participants, which will surely further smoothen interaction among all attendees.
• The Congress Gala Dinner: Hosted by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University, the congress gala dinner will take place on the 1st of February, 2012 at the congress venue. The dinner will offer an informal opportunity for delegates and participants to network and get to know each other. During the Gala Dinner a number of activities including the acknowledgment of the congress partners and sponsors and the announcement of the winners of the best paper and presentation awards take place.
• The Annual VEC Event: As in precedent years, the HBMeU Virtual Executive Club (VEC) will address the needs of executives by organizing its annual event. The event will involve exclusive addresses and interactive panels by eminent speakers on topic of concerns to the 21st century executives. This will be followed by the announcement of the winners of the Feigenbaum Leadership Excellence Award (FLEA). The event is restricted to invited participants only and members from the Virtual Executive Club.
• The Congress Exhibition: The exhibition taking place throughout the congress will allow participants to explore new technological advancement in the field of education, training, health and other areas. The exhibition will also be open during special timings to the general public, therefore exhibitors may invite potential customers to come and visit their stands during these special timings.
• Focus Groups, Special Interest Groups and Debates: Each of the three conferences offers within its program several interactive sessions in the format of interactive panels and debates as well as focused and/or special interest groups addressing key questions and challenges pertinent to this year’s conferences theme, where delegates have the opportunity to interact and engage by participating in Q&A sessions, and voting on certain concepts and ideas presented.
• Policy and Strategy Round Tables: Building on last congress success, the Program Technical Committee has incorporated within its program a new series of Policies and Strategies Roundtables. These roundtables have been created for experts and policy makers to discuss some of the most pressing issues segmented in light of the conferences themes and make recommendations to influence policies and strategies in the Arab world. Participations in these sessions are by invitation only, however those interested in participating my still contact the registration of the congress,
• Parallel Streams: More than 40 parallel streams presenting experiences from different parts of the world will take place during the three days of the congress. Delegates will have the opportunity to attend these sessions and ask questions at the end of each presentation.
• Post Congress Workshops: The congress will be concluded by several ‘hands-on‘ post congress workshops offering participants an opportunity to learn new skills, enhance their knowledge, or grasp a better understanding on certain concepts relevant to the conferences themes. These workshops which are offered in both English and Arabic Language are an effective and excellent opportunity for formal networking. The congress fee does not usually include registration into these workshops and delegates will need to be pre-registered in the in order to attend as the number of seats available is limited