Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary inaugurated the first Impact Makers Forum (ImpaQ), organized by the Ministry of Media, in Riyadh on Thursday.

In his speech, Al-Dossary announced the signing of over 50 agreements and initiatives worth more than SR1 billion.

He stressed that the forum will be a major platform for concluding the largest deals for digital influencers in the region.

The forum offers innovative and diverse events for 12 hours a day, distributed over 7 interactive areas, making it a unique event that enhances the Kingdom's position as a global platform for the influence industry.

The minister said that the forum is witnessing strategic partnerships with major international companies, in addition to leading media groups.

He also revealed the signing of acquisitions and mergers between local and international companies to enhance the digital influence industry.

Al-Dossary revealed the launch of the new version of the "Global Harmony" Initiative, which aims to enhance cultural communication between the peoples of the world, in partnership with the Quality of Life Program and the General Entertainment Authority.

He also announced the launch of an international award for impact makers, which will be awarded in the next edition of the forum, with the aim of honoring the most prominent influencers, who have made a positive change worldwide.

The minister emphasized the launch of the largest media data platform in the Middle East, which relies on artificial intelligence technologies to analyze media data and enhance its ability to influence, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to developing the future of digital media.

Al-Dossary announced that 2024 will be termed as the "Year of Media Transformation", while 2025 will witness the culmination of the Kingdom's efforts as the "Year of Influence." While praising Saudi Vision 2030 led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he emphasized that Riyadh has become a capital of inspiration and influence, and a global center for hosting the most prominent international events such as Expo 2030 and the World Cup 2034.

He stressed that the forum’s slogan “Inspiration beyond numbers” redefines the concept of influence to include depth and value, noting that small details can have a big impact on the lives of others: “Real influence is not only related to numbers or the number of followers, but also includes the depth of impact and inspiration as not every celebrity is influential, and not every influencer is famous. Influence is not limited to screens or digital platforms, but extends to simple details that may change the lives of others without us realizing it,” he said while stressing that with these steps, the Kingdom continues to strengthen its position as a global platform for creativity and innovation in the world of digital influence.

The venue of the forum that spans over an area of ​​23,000 square meters, represents the largest gathering of influencers and digital content makers, with the participation of more than 300 influencers and experts from all over the world. The event brought together a diverse community of global influencers, industry experts, and digital content creators, making it the Kingdom’s largest gathering of its kind.

With over 40 sessions and activities, the forum aims to redefine influence, enrich social values, and foster a platform for knowledge exchange, and it is designed to empower influencers, expand their perspectives, and encourage collaboration across various fields.

The forum included various programs and events, highlighting the issues of purposeful influence and the future of social platforms, while presenting interactive workshops that include leading companies in artificial intelligence and digital marketing.

Key sessions include “Who is an influencer?” which explores the evolving role of influencers, and “Purposeful influence,” focusing on influencers addressing social issues. The forum will also offer interactive workshops on impactful content creation and showcase inspiring stories of transformative influence.

The two-day event offers seven experiential zones, fostering partnerships with government entities and private organizations. Open to local and international visitors, ImpaQ promises to be a dynamic platform for influential voices worldwide.