Introducing the Belgian Pavilion's team in Dubai

This is the last round of us introducing you to our incredible team on site. In less than one month we will all be working alongside each other in Dubai during the six months of Expo 2020. We look forward to welcoming you all, and we will keep working just as hard to make this Expo an unforgettable experience for everyone involved or visiting. 

What is your name and what do you do at the Belgian Pavilion? 

I am Jeoffrey Migeot. I am Marketing & Communication Manager also in charge of events and protocol.

What is your favourite aspect of working for the Belgian Pavilion and for Expo 2020 Dubai? 

It’s my fourth Expo and I know the stress, the team spirit, the challenge to be expected in such a project… My favourite aspect is building bridges between us and other Pavilions in adequation with the main theme of the Expo that I adapt: connecting our minds, creating our future.

What are you looking forward to seeing the most in the Belgian Pavilion? 

Despite the scenography which is amazing, the tools we have developed and the multimodal offer we propose for B2B opportunities, team-building events, or special celebrations at the Green Arch. Thanks to BeBizz, our business centre and above all BeLounge, our “cherry on the cake” rooftop to meet and greet, always in our typical Belgian style.

What is your favourite pavilion at this current Expo or in the history of all preceding Expos? 

As I already said it’s my fourth one so I will try and pick some beside the Belgian Pavilion of course: 
Romania in 2000 for the music inspired by Emir Kusturica.
Saudi Arabia, Italy and United Kingdom in Shanghai for daring to take on such amazing projects. Maybe Denmark as well.

What is the most important lesson you have learned during your time working for the Belgian Pavilion so far? 

It’s a little bit early to anticipate the opening… but just one motto: we have to stay together with empathy, solidarity and “L’union fait la force” style.

What are your hopes for Expo 2020 Dubai, and what it can do for our future?

Quite simple: to meet people, to create networks, to emphasize solidarity, to generate long-term relationships and to convince people of my personality, my expertise and my capacity to handle large-scale projects and to have a future in large-scale challenges.

What is your name and what do you do at the Belgian Pavilion? 

My name is Patrick Morel. I am the financial and commercial manager of the Belgian Pavilion. I am also a deputy director.
 
What is your favourite aspect of working for the Belgian Pavilion and for Expo 2020 Dubai? 

The aspect of working in a team which is composed of different personalities and different nationalities. I have mainly worked on a freelance basis, until now.

What are you looking forward to seeing the most in the Belgian Pavilion? 

The main show and the rooftop.

What is your favourite pavilion at this current Expo or in the history of all preceding Expos? 

The Eiffel Tower from Expo Paris 1889. It was actually not a Pavilion but the entrance of the Expo. It has become a global icon of France. As is the Atomium for Belgium.

What is the most important lesson you have learned during your time working for the Belgian Pavilion so far? 

I have only been working for the pavilion for a short time, but being able to exchange ideas and projects with other people is very rewarding.

What are your hopes for Expo 2020 Dubai, and what it can do for our future?

That it will be a success and not be disturbed by this nasty virus. That people will gather again physically to discuss what kind of world we will leave to the next generations. Expo 2020 will give people the opportunity to share their ideas in terms of future mobility and sustainability and other topics that will make the world a better place.

What is your name and what do you do at the Belgian Pavilion? 

My name is Cheryl Flores Bayog, I’m working as an Information and Communications Tech Cum Operations Officer. My main duty is to maintain the internet connectivity, secure and back up information, troubleshoot glitches and other issues arising. I also provide the most efficient and comprehensive support at the Belgian Expo and Dubai Expo 2020. 

What is your favourite aspect of working for the Belgian Pavilion and for Expo 2020 Dubai? 

I can say it's CAMARADERIE, the first thing which comes into my mind. Working here is quite challenging because of different languages and cultures, but no work is difficult as you think it is, because working with the team, you will gain trust and respect as brothers and sisters regardless of what your position is or who you are. Dealing with different people, different situations make me feel nervous and excited at the same time the feeling of fulfilment as part of Belgian Pavilion and Expo 2020.

What are you looking forward to seeing the most in the Belgian Pavilion? 

Inspiration and exchanging ideas that full of challenging rules through internet information, gain knowledge and self-motivation in Interacting with different people from different corners of the world, dealing with different situations, different functions considering that this pandemic affects many businesses but I’m looking forward that this event will mark its success to everyone, with more surprises and excitement.

What is your favourite pavilion at this current Expo or in the history of all preceding Expos? 

Everything is beautiful and wonderfully amazing.  Each has its own unique masterpieces with different stories to tell. Singapore Pavilion caught my attention because of its rainforest inspired architecture.  Hope for the best that anyone who comes and visits Expo 2020 Dubai will go back to their respective countries with amazing experiences during their stay here.

What is the most important lesson you have learned during your time working for the Belgian Pavilion so far? 

The lessons I’ve learned is you have to be compassionate, patience and understanding in dealing with people especially everybody are busy and be flexible at all times.

What are your hopes for Expo 2020 Dubai, and what it can do for our future?

Connecting Minds, Creating the Future as the main theme, hoping for great opportunity to build every nation to be more optimistic, be real, and support each other for the better as one people one nation. Believing that through Expo 2020, Dubai is the beginning or the starting point for a better future as one.

What is your name and what do you do at the Belgian Pavilion? 

I'm Shameega Adams - I'm the Assistant Administration & Operations Manager, so under the awesome (Rachid Kerkab-Admin/HR & Operations Manager/Deputy Director) I see to all the Admin & HR matters + the operational logistics of the Belgium pavilion. 

What is your favourite aspect of working for the Belgian Pavilion and for Expo 2020 Dubai? 

The fact that I get to represent Belgium is so amazing, I feel extremely honoured (thank you). Making this my favourite aspect and most of all I get to make new connections with different kinds of people from all over the world in this multicultural hub.

What are you looking forward to seeing the most in the Belgian Pavilion? 

The scenography, BeHappy? BeLounge? BeBizz, everything!!! The BelExpo atmosphere and the influx of all different kinds of people from all over the world coming to see what the Belgium pavilion is all about and just the whole experience.

What is your favourite pavilion at this current Expo or in the history of all preceding Expos? 

I don’t really have a favourite as all of them were beautiful but Belgium and KSA were amazing at the Shanghai Expo.

What is the most important lesson you have learned during your time working for the Belgian Pavilion so far? 

Try to never drop the ball, always strive to put your best foot forward, be flexible and learn to adapt to change quickly.

What are your hopes for Expo 2020 Dubai, and what it can do for our future?

Since the Expo has been postponed from 2020 to 2021 due to the pandemic, I hope that Expo 2020 can be a boost for economies all over the world. If so then it will be the most iconic Expo ever, and I feel this can be the breakthrough for the future where countries can thrive to get bigger, better and stronger.