Key industry figures form alliance to raise standards in lighting design

Series of activities planned for the 2008 event, including a new exhibitor and visitor advisory panel and a conference programme to ensure the show retains its support amongst the global industry.

Light Middle East, the annual exhibition and conference scheduled for 25th - 27th May 2008, has announced an update to its 2008 exhibitor and advisory panel to keep pace with the changes in the industry, to bring new perspectives and ensure the event remains guided by the industry, shaping a pivotal experience for the region.

Silke Zachrau, the senior show manager for Light Middle East, adds that: "The reformed panel, which includes - Osram, Philips, FibrePros, WILA, Martin Architectural; and the emerging expertise of Cinmar Lightings, ensures that Light Middle East continues to address the needs of clients and specifiers through the choice and solutions provided by exhibiting companies".

Philips once again will be a key member of the advisory panel, having committed fully to Light Middle East's aim of being the only annual meeting point for the regional industry. DP Smedema, The General Manager for Philips, was delighted with the outcome of Light Middle East in 2007, and said that: "We are pleased to have seen Light Middle East grow into the leading lighting exhibition of the Middle East. The interest in our lighting solutions surpassed our expectations and we are delighted with the results and the potential business opportunities that the exhibition has generated. The ELDA+ conference was a truly exceptional opportunity to bring together knowledge and talent from the world's leading lighting designers".

Lighting design in the architecture of Middle East is on an upsurge - but nowhere more so than in Dubai. Dubai's direct trade in lighting equipment witnessed a robust growth last year, rising by 16.3 per cent compared to 2005, reflecting an expanding market for urban, architectural and retail lighting solutions across the region. According to data compiled by the Statistics Department of Dubai World, the trade in lighting equipment was worth $345.8 million in 2006 - an increase of $49 million over the previous year.

Light Middle East is an international networking event in Middle East, for people involved in light and lighting, focusing on the aspects of light design and the latest technologies within the industry. It is the region's only dedicated exhibition and conference for architectural lighting; corporate lighting; retail lighting; theatrical lighting; interior and exterior lighting for urban spaces.

The success of 2007 event proves that Light Middle East provides an unrivalled opportunity for exhibitors to network with industry peers and meet major clients, experts, leading lighting designers and eminent architects involved in the delivery of major public and private development projects.

Building on success

The new advisory board comes together at a very positive stage for Light Middle East, having just experienced a phenomenally successful show in May 2007. With more than 8,500 visitors, an amazing 97% of the 212 exhibitors confirmed that their overall objectives in terms of establishing contacts for future sales had been met or surpassed.

The European Lighting Designers Association (ELDA+), now renamed as, the Professional Lighting Designers Association (PLDA), has once again partnered with Light Middle East, to produce a distinguished conference program, which will act as a creative platform to build a unique learning environment, to connect a diverse set of lighting designers and architects, and see pioneering trends in lighting design. Continuing on the success of the 2007 ELDA+ Light Focus Middle East Conference, PLDA Light Focus Middle East Conference in 2008 will feature a full programme of globally renowned speakers. They will explore all areas of light and its application, including discussions around architectural lighting solutions, LEDs, and theatrical lighting.