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 Featuring more than 200 leading names from 35 countries, INSTALL-PALME Middle East 2010 runs April 18 – 20 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Now in its 8th year (and with more than 6000 visitors last year), PALME Middle East consists of three key show segments: PALME, for professional audio and lighting; INSTALL, for AV systems integration; and MUSAC, for professional DJ and musical instruments and accessories.
The Middle East AV market in the UAE and GCC is still very optimistic, reports the show organizer. This optimism is driven by the many announced or on-going public infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, India and others (including road & transport).
The education and healthcare projects in Dubai are also looking positive with many of them requiring new AV systems and solutions. AV sector in the GCC is valued at $6 billion.
Dubai remains a very strong destination for the business world in general, and retains strong fundamentals (high oil reserves and prices), fairly low debt and one of the highest GDP per capita anywhere in the world. Over the last 12 years, Dubai has been at the epicentre of an exponential growth and though the investment landscape has changed, many think today's market has now become more mature and sustainable.
True, some sectors were affected by the global downturn, mainly in real estate, yet Dubai has an established economy which is diversified (ports, tourism, trade, aviation, finance and banking) and still growing.
Moreover, its strategic location on the world map means that Dubai offers a unique gateway to the fastest growing markets in the world.
According to Exhibition Director Alexander Heuff , "A recent industry survey shows buying trends have changed tremendously after the global economic meltdown. Buyers are now sourcing products from trade events held within their region more than ever, due to factors such as reduced spend on international travel to more favourable local prices making it inevitable that manufacturers and suppliers must expand their reach in regional markets."
In a survey by the show organizer, more than 62% buyers confirmed they would like to source AV, lighting, systems integration or entertainment products from events held within their region of operation. In addition, a whopping 87% of previous show visitors surveyed confirmed that they will be attending INSTALL-PALME Middle East this year.
"The education aspect of the show will be one of our key highlights for this year," notes Heuff. "The support from CEDIA and InfoComm Academy as our Official Education Providers adds tremendous value to the participants' experience at the show, drawing not only the tradesmen to the exhibitors, but also technicians and consultants that play a vital role in reaching buying decisions at any trade event. We are also proud of the support from our sponsors to this year's edition, our Platinum Sponsors are Ateis Middle East and AVI Electronics, Gold Sponsors are Circuit Gulf & Christie Digital and Silver Sponsor is Production Technology."
The focus of the event goes beyond the regional reach: the diversity of participants combined with the international outlook of the conferences provide trade professionals a unique chance to tap into an array of business opportunities. "Here European manufacturers and visitors, will be able to source technologies, engage in new partnerships, meet with leading consultants and specifiers involved in major ongoing regional projects, " says Heuff.
Bringing together Systems Integration and Installation Technology together with Entertainment and Music, some of the major features at PALME this year will be a fully automated working home on the show floor by Circuit and the region's first ever display of the latest state-of-the-art AV Golf Simulator by Full Swing, in addition to the popular laser show by LOBO.
Revealing details of exhibitors already signed up, Heuff says the 2010 event is 95% sold out, with names like Extron, AMX, Galtech, Da-Lite, Mitsubishi, BARCO on the INSTALL side. Samsung and Sharp, first time exhibitors, will be present with significant stands on the show floor. Christie will be launching their latest MicroTiles technology in the region.
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