Expanded seminar on global trends in POP, signage and digital imaging

Show organiser International Expo-Consults (IEC) says the success of the 2002 seminar led to the decision to expand the forum, a platform for building relationships and industry partners.

Demand for POP and signage is being driven by rapid expansion of the Middle East's retail and construction sectors, particularly in the GCC. In Dubai, alone, commercial space is predicted to increase by one-third, to four million square feet, by the end of 2003. Meanwhile, in the first half of 2002 1,142 buildings were constructed, in the Emirate, at a cost of Dh 3 billion, including a 17% increase in recreational, industrial and services buildings in the second quarter of the year.

"The POP and signage industry is rapidly gaining acceptance as an essential communication tool for marketers," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, IEC.

"This medium has, hitherto, not received the attention that it warrants. But with more and more attention being focused on the signage and graphic imaging industry, to produce clutter breaking brand communications, the sector is witnessing a revolution in terms of new technology, materials and applications."

The seminar will focus on the latest technologies, state-of-the-art materials and innovations in point of purchase signage implementation and digital imaging.

"The speakers, a cross section of the best from around the world, will help add more value to the end user and the signage industry," said Vasant Jante, Publisher and Editor, POP Today, which is supporting the seminar.

After a post September 11 dip, the Middle East's signage and advertising market has bounced back and industry analysts are bullish about the industry's prospects for the next five-years.

"The signage and advertising sector is now posting very good growth rates, in excess of 20% annually. The strength of this market, coupled with a downturn in the major industrialised countries, makes it appealing to international suppliers," said Falaknaz.