PALME Middle East 2007 opens with 272 exhibitors

In excess of 7,000 visitors are expected during the three-day event, contributing towards the largest gathering of industry professionals anywhere in the Middle East. In total, 272 exhibitors representing 800 companies will feature across three dedicated vertical shows, each catering to separate but complementary sectors.

Commenting on PALME M.E 2007, Darren Brechin, Group Exhibitions Director, Entertainment & Installation Technology Group, IIR Worldwide said, "Now in its fifth year, PALME has grown from strength to strength. This year's event is the biggest ever and promises to provide the inspiration for innovation and creation."

Install, Event 360 and MUSAC, will cover the entire spectrum of the professional entertainment and event management profession. Install is the Middle East's unique showcase of audio visual installation and integration technologies and applications for residential and commercial projects. Install will feature an area exclusive to smart residential technology.

New this year, Install will showcase 'Made Of Light' an education project conceived and designed by Speirs and Major Associates. It provides a thought provoking presentation about the 'The Art of Light and Architecture'. The project aims to inspire, excite and educate, architects, interior designers, landscape designers and the wider public.

Event 360 will be the destination of choice for the region's event professionals as well as leading suppliers of innovative products, services and state-of-the-art technology. The industry sector is growing exponentially, driven by the increasing numbers of major venues springing up throughout the region, especially in Dubai, that are attracting international headline acts such as Robbie Williams and Shakira.

Event 360 will also be recreating some magic with live productions of Amaceon, LOBO Laser and Multimedia Systems' spectacular laser water show. LOBO will also display many new products, such as a yellow high-power laser or new ZAPHIR laser moving heads with deep blue lasers as well as an innovative and safe solution to create real fire effects. The whole show is controlled by a LACON-5 multimedia workstation, which premieres with its cluster concept, allowing to control up to 64 laser projectors independently.

MELDA (Middle East Lighting Design Awards) is yet another feature of PALME 2007. Run in association with the international architectural lighting journal mondo*arc, over 80 entries were submitted for the inaugural awards, which take place at Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, Dubai tomorrow night (21 May). The awards are seen as significant for the development of the lighting industry, fusing both architectural and entertainment lighting into a creative hybrid that will set new and exciting industry standards.

Over at MUSAC, the Middle East's unique showcase of musical instruments and accessories, one eagerly anticipated highlight is the finals of the 'PALME DJ of the Year 2007' competition. The most creative DJs in the Middle East will battle it out live at the show, for the prestigious title. The reward for the undisputed number one Middle East DJ is a personal invitation from Virgin to 'Global Gathering' in the UK, where the finest international DJs, perform to thousands of fans.