The International Association of Operative Millers’ (IAOM) 30th annual Mideast and Africa (MEA) Conference and Expo was a chance to celebrate an industry grouping that has grown from small beginnings to become a major voice for milling in the region.

Conference Chairman Essa Al-Ghurair, chairman of United Arab Emirates-based Essa Al-Ghurair Investment, opened the meeting, held Nov. 3-6 at the Dubai World Trade Center, with a reminder that the MEA district has come a long way since its first meeting 30 years ago. To see images of the conference, click here.