Robert Tripoli on QNCC’s Growth & the British Council’s 90-Year Legacy

In this recent edition of the I Wanna Grow Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with the inspiring Robert Tripoli, who made a remarkable transition from a 25-year career in the automotive sector to leading one of Qatar’s premier event and exhibition venues—the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). His journey is one of transformation, adaptability, and vision, shedding light on the surprising ways in which industries intersect. As we celebrate the British Council's 90 years of fostering global connections and creativity, Robert's story highlights the power of reinvention and the endless possibilities that arise when embracing change.

A Shift from Automobiles to Events

Our guest, an Italian national and a seasoned electronic engineer, spent decades in the automotive industry, working with global brands like Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Piaggio Group. He lived and breathed two- and four-wheel vehicles until an unexpected opportunity changed his trajectory. The former CEO of Alfa Romeo, a renowned sports car brand, transitioned into the exhibition industry and invited our guest to join him at Fiera Milano, one of Italy’s largest exhibition companies. What followed was a dramatic shift from the world of automobiles to the world of global exhibitions. Moving from Turin to Milan, he found himself immersed in an industry that touches multiple sectors—from packaging to modern art, from music to hospitality. The dynamism and diversity of the exhibition space captivated him, leading him to eventually expand Fiera Milano’s international footprint and forge connections with key players in Qatar.

A New Chapter in Qatar

Those connections led to a pivotal career move—relocating to Doha in January 2023 to take on the role of General Manager at QNCC. One of the most advanced convention centers in the region, QNCC stands apart from Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), both in scale and structure. Located within Education City, QNCC operates as part of Qatar Foundation, making it a hub of intellectual and cultural activity. “Education City is like a city within a city, a state within a state,” he remarked, highlighting the unique autonomy and innovative mindset that defines the area.

The Scale of QNCC’s Operations

QNCC is not just a venue—it is a self-sustained ecosystem. With ten professional-grade kitchens spanning over 4,000 square meters, the facility is capable of catering to major international events. In fact, the center is re-entering the hospitality sector, revamping its kitchen operations, and even providing food services to well-known delivery platforms like Talabat and Noon. With such an extensive operation, I had to ask: Why take on the added responsibility of hospitality on top of running a convention center? His answer was clear—strategic expansion. “We used to be in hospitality, then for a period, operations were shut down. Now, we are coming back, ensuring that we can provide top-tier catering services while also leasing out kitchen spaces to renowned food brands.”

A Lean Yet Agile Workforce

Managing an operation of this scale requires flexibility. QNCC operates under Amlak Holding, the commercial arm of Qatar Foundation, which oversees various assets, including Education City Golf Club and Tower 44 in West Bay. Despite the enormity of its operations, QNCC maintains a lean permanent staff of around 60 people, scaling up with temporary workers based on event demands. “We don’t organize our own events; we host them. That means our portfolio is reliant on third-party organizers, making it essential to have a dynamic and adaptable workforce.”

The Future of QNCC: Hosting & Organizing Events

Looking ahead, he shared a key strategic shift—moving beyond hosting and into organizing events. This will allow QNCC to stabilize its portfolio and fill gaps in its calendar, ensuring sustained growth throughout the year. “I was lucky enough to transition across industries and bring new perspectives to event management. Now, our goal is to ensure QNCC remains a world-class venue, not just for hosting but for creating landmark events in Qatar.”

This conversation was a masterclass in reinvention. His journey demonstrates that skills are transferable across industries, and with the right mindset, leaders can adapt and thrive in entirely new sectors. QNCC is more than a venue—it’s a symbol of Qatar’s ambition to lead in global exhibitions and conventions.

Watch. Listen. Download

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4i8RJG0

🎧 Listen on Anchor: https://bit.ly/3FuV0B5

⬇️ Download the Audio: https://bit.ly/41WpeUO

Learn More About:

• British Council Qatar: Visit here

• British Embassy, Qatar: Visit here

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