10 – 12 November 2026
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Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3
Cliff Poulton
Co-Founder - Poulton Consultancy
With over 20 years of leadership experience in education, attractions, and business development across the UAE and international markets, I bring a unique blend of operational expertise, program innovation, and stakeholder engagement to the Activity Manager role. My career has been defined by successfully designing and delivering impactful experiences—whether managing large-scale operations at Aventura Parks, where I led a team of 57 and increased educational bookings by 35% YoY, or developing career pathway programs through Poulton Consultancy that connected schools with industry partners.
I thrive in environments that demand creativity, organisation, and a passion for engaging diverse audiences. Throughout my roles at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Atlantis The Palm, and IMG Worlds of Adventure, I launched and scaled educational and activity-based programs, integrating fun with learning and ensuring memorable experiences for participants. My teaching background as a Director of Assessments at GEMS Education further strengthened my ability to align activities with educational objectives and foster inclusive participation.
I am highly motivated to bring my expertise in program development, team leadership, and customer-focused delivery to create enriching activity experiences that exceed expectations. My proven record of driving engagement, building partnerships, and delivering operational excellence makes me confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your team.
Speaker Sessions
Workshop Space
1627
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Bridging Education and Industry: Career Pathways that Empower Students
Session Summary:
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, students need more than academic knowledge—they need real-world experiences that prepare them for future careers. This session explores how career pathway programs can transform student learning by linking schools with industry partners, creating opportunities that foster skills, confidence, and employability.
Drawing from over 20 years of leadership experience in the UAE and GCC, Cliff Poulton, Founder of Poulton Consultancy, shares practical insights on building sustainable partnerships between educational institutions and businesses. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to design impactful programs such as Week Without Walls (WWW) and Beyond Boundaries & Borders (BBB) and learn strategies to engage stakeholders effectively while promoting inclusivity and student career readiness.
Whether you are a school leader, teacher, or corporate partner, this talk will provide actionable approaches to align academic objectives with industry needs, ensuring students are better equipped to thrive in the world beyond the classroom.
