MEFTEC 2008 nears sell-out

Over 95 per cent of the premium space at the show, which runs at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre from 11-12 February 2008, is now sold and Media Generation Exhibitions Ltd, the organisers, are reporting that inquiries for smaller stands are outstripping available supply.

"Demand for this year's show has exceeded all our estimates. Not only are past clients returning with bigger stands, there is also a big influx of new-to-market exhibitors, signaling continued growth of the show both in terms of size and stature," said Paul Stott, Managing Director, Media Generation Exhibitions Ltd. "We are glad that our decision to move the event to a larger hall has paid off."

Positioned as a tightly focused, pure play financial technology event, MEFTEC attracts top-notch IT vendors looking to do business with banks and financial institutions from across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The current size of the financial technology market in the MEASA region is estimated to be US$ 6 billion, with annual growth rate of 15%.

Since its inception in 2004, the exhibition has recorded robust year-on-year growth and continues to attract established market players as well as new technology vendors planning to break into a market which is the fastest growing in the world. MEFTEC is also firmly established as the largest annual gathering of financial services CIOs from across the MEASA region.

The show's impressive growth this year comes on the back of major investments undertaken by the organisers in a raft of new initiatives designed to augment the participants' experience. These initiatives include:

- Expansion of the Hosted Delegate Programme®: The 2008 Hosted Delegate Programme is being expanded to bring together more than 800 pre-vetted industry buyers from over 30 countries. As part of this highly exclusive programme, VIP Buyers or Hosted Delegates will enjoy an unrivalled level of hospitality, including but not limited to, complimentary flights, accommodation and transfers.

- Launch of MEFTEC Connect®: Marking another industry first, MEFTEC Connect® is a unique appointments scheduling programme, designed to enable exhibitors and delegates to book appointments before and during the event using sophisticated, cutting-edge technology.

In addition, a world-class, prestigious conference programme - developed in partnership with TowerGroup, the industry's foremost research and advisory firm - dedicated meeting hours and a glamorous social programme are among the many key attractions of this year's show.
"MEFTEC continues to lead the industry in innovation; not only in terms of the products displayed on the exhibition floor, but also in terms of the way it brings buyers and sellers together to do business."

"With its exciting new features, MEFTEC has raised the bar on innovation yet again. We are delighted that our initiatives have won a clear vote of confidence from the industry and feel confident that these will further reinforce MEFTEC's standing as the region's leading banking and financial services event."

MEFTEC 2008 is held under the auspices of the Central Bank of Bahrain and supported by the Bahrain Economic Development Board.