World renowned experts join forces with Hometech Middle East 2007 for the exhibition's international conference in May

Hometech Middle East has already gained region wide recognition, as the platform for showcasing state-of- the- art consumer electonics, latest innovations in intelligent home systems and domestic technology.

And now, the trade show looks set to further boost its industry reputation with the conference that includes world renowned experts and participation from the Consumer Electronics Show, who will have a dedicated exhibition area at this year's Hometech.

The two-day conference, which will run on May 14th and 15th at the Dubai International Exhibition and Conference Centre, will also include support from Noel Lee, the innovative CEO of Monster Cables, John Dahl, the world renowned expert in consumer electronics, Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager, Microsoft Gulf Middle East, Nisreen Shocair, General Manager, Virgin Megastore Middle East and North Africa, Michael Wombwelll, Managing Director of Red Entertainment, Mike Whittaker, Technology Director, Showtime Arabia, among other reputed consumer technology speakers.

John Dahl, Senior Fellow and Director of Education for THX, and a Top Ten CEDIA Instructor, has over 20 years experience in consumer electronics trends, and particularly, audio systems and specialises in home theatre projects. He is widely known in the industry for his expertise in presenting difficult technical subjects to audiences.

Gary Shapiro, who has thrown his weight behind the event by offering Hometech Middle East 2007 his full support, stressed on the importance of consumer electronics in today's economy.

"Technology and the products our industry creates lead to new business opportunities and are driving the greatest economic expansion in our history," and events like CES and Hometech represent "a celebration of the triumph of technology",

said Shapiro.

Involvement from the CES and CEA, say Hometech's organisers, Messe Frankfurt, will provide the exhibition with an "even more valuable role in the region's consumer electronics industry," as the exhibition has become a forum for discussing consumer electronics trends, new technologies and new markets.

"All major economies are booming in the UAE, and that is having a wider impact on the region as a whole," commented Chris Hudson, COO of Messe Frankfurt." There is huge consumer demand for new convergence products and networked household appliances, as well as double digit annual growth. Dubai is quickly shaping up as the consumer electronics industry's Middle Eastern hub", added Hudson.

This year's Conference programme panel is dedicated to consumer trends and retail trends in the consumer electronics category. The panel is being represented by regional leading retailers such as the Sharaf DG and Red Entertainment, the leading distributor in the Middle East for entertainment software, next to international power retailers such as Virgin Megastore.