Light show gains blue chip support

Aimed at all those involved in architectural, retail, theatrical, internal and exterior lighting for urban spaces, the show guarantees to present a glittering array of the good and the great.

Set for 13 - 15 May, Light Middle East has grown twofold since its last showing and comes with the endorsement of leading international lighting companies and professional groups. The ongoing support of famous name brands like GE, Kreon, Martin Architectural, Osram and Philips has provided the credentials necessary to gain the recognition of blue chip trade and lighting associations such as the European Lighting Designers Association (ELDA), Lighting Cities Community, LUCI, and the International Association of Lighting Designers, IALD.

So far more than 150 exhibiting companies have chosen to take part from 30 countries, many on an exclusive basis recognising the fact that Light Middle East, in just two years, has become established as the most focused event for the lighting industry. According to Tom Vanden Bussche of GE, the Gulf area is increasingly important for their consumer and industrial business. He said, 'We strongly believe in a local approach to our markets. Participating in Light Middle East enables our local teams to reach out to our customers.'

Another compelling endorsement of Light Middle East is the large number of Gulf companies taking part. These include Al Aqili, FibrePros, Oasis Enterprises and Tectronics. Commenting on behalf of FibrePros, Garry James said, 'We shall be showing some of the latest advancements in LED lighting technology catered for the Middle East environment…we'll use the stand as a teaching platform towards LED technology.'

In addition to the exhibition Light ME presents a comprehensive conference programme. Organised in partnership with the European Lighting Designers Association, the ELDA+ Light Focus Middle East Conference features 18 of the world's leading lighting specialists over an intensive three day programme. Chaired by ELDA's director, Alison Ritter, the conference is anticipated to be a sell out offering inspiration and case studies covering every aspect of the industry. From presentations on theatrical and event lighting by Akari-Lisa Ishii and Ted Ferreira, to a comprehensive review of lighting for retail and hotel spaces by Rogier van der Heide and Kai Piippo, the conference programme represents the most significant gathering of lighting experts ever staged in the region.

According to Silke Zachrau, Group Exhibition Manager of Light Middle East, the news is that registrations are flooding in, 'The exhibition offers something special for everyone involved in the industry, from architects and landscape designers to retailers, and the ELDA+ Light Focus Conference is truly extraordinary. The inspiration and information provided by all 18 speakers represents the ultimate master class in lighting design.'

One of the main reasons that Light Middle East has met with such rapid success lies in the depth of experience of its organisers, Messe Frankfurt. They have global reach with more than 110 trade fairs worldwide of which shows like Light + Build in Frankfurt and ProLight + Sound Shanghai are widely regarded as industry benchmarks.

Messe Frankfurt's connections with the lighting industry are as strong as the national power grid and extend over decades. No wonder therefore that Light Middle East is set to be the shining light of professional lighting events in the Middle East this May.