The figurative ebb and flow of the party circuit in the country may have dampened the spirits of many a new entrant in the market, but for those who have been there and done that, the events market has the potential to turn into a winner – provided one has the pulse on the finger of the demands of the highly unpredictable audience. Despite the apparent economic slowdown, the market is open for newer ideas and projects that can inject fresh flavours into the entertainment landscape of the country this season. One such popular platform is Oman Events by Mohammed Nasser Ali Al Farai, aka Moodi.
Mohammed Nasser Ali Al Farai aka Moodi
Oman Events has found ways to leverage newer concepts onto the entertainment horizon. Over the past 9 years, it has found its grove in the events industry, not just as a planner and manager, but also as a promoter of events and activities organised by others in the tribe. Mohammed Nasser Ali Al Farai, aka Moodi, the man behind Oman Events, has seen the literal turn of events from the early blackberry days when the task was often restricted to broadcast messaging of events, to the current social media platform which has boosted its profile as a reliable event management and planning outfit. What began as an information platform to connect with friends about the events happening in the city has a thriving portfolio today.
Events and Social Media
According to Moodi, their strongest point is social media marketing, with hotel and restaurant tie-ups gearing them up for an improved status. In the course of time, they have also expanded to corporate events and have marketed and promoted around 25 companies. With a core team of our members, the company has found a foothold in the slowly but steadily growing market. An ad-hoc team is mobilised and hired to suit the requirements of every event, as the idea is to open avenues of opportunity for the youth to find relevant exposure and also find alternate sources of revenue.
Interestingly, Oman Events, despite its credentials as an event management company, has incorporated a wider portfolio of operations, including promotion of events organised by others in the market. “This is our USP. As long as it is the business of events, we take up any related task to keep our events pennants flying high,” states Moodi, who like his other teammates has a regular day job.
Market Scenario
Talking about the current market situation, he affirms that the scenario is getting better in terms of events presented, but laments that the market revenue is yet to pick up. He attributes it to the culture of saving among people that have created a mindset against spending for entertainment. But he hastens to admit that things were different about four years ago when the events business was booming and people were open to the idea of paying for a show.
Audience Response
Things will take a turn for the better if people open up to the very concept of paying for entertainment. People are, generally, wary of events that are priced more than 5 Rials, as the families are bigger and the price of an evening out tends to become expensive with any higher priced event. The dilemma of organising an event in an F & B outlet also poses the problem of attracting families who might want a more moderate ambience. “Compared to other countries, we are still in a growing stage and it will take us at least four years to reach there,” he states.
Oman Events’ USP
Oman Events’ USP is their marketing strategy. “Our social media forum, our presence in the market…these have been our plus points.Our team members are always active on social media. We also believe in taking up only those projects that we can handle; we do not want to pile our plates with orders that we cannot meet,” he maintains.
For party planners this festive season, Moodi suggests the following:
- Go with a theme
- Choose the date wisely
- Have a knowledge of the crowd/guests
- Ensure that the venue is suitable