Bahrain International Motor Show raises the bar

Bahrain International Motor Show (BIMS) 2008 will raise the bar in engaging the interest of industry insiders, enthusiasts, the media and consumers when it opens in world-class surroundings and showcases the best of production, classic, concept and performance cars across different brands during its four-day run at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIEC) commencing 24th April 2008.

With more than 16,000 square metres of pillar-free, flexible internal and external exhibit space, car agents and other exhibitors will be able to stretch their budgets and creativity at the BIEC.

This was underscored at the BIMS Steering Committee Meeting held at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and attended by officials from Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA), German exhibition organiser Messe Essen GmbH and representatives of car agents in the Gulf region. It was also announced at the meeting that national pavilions from Germany, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates have already reserved a presence at this landmark event which marks the maiden launch of Bahrain's premier and largest business-to-business auto show. Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) and BIC organised the meeting to ensure the effective participation of the car agents in Bahrain at BIMS.

Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) functions under the stewardship of its Board of Directors, chaired by H.E. Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, the Minister of Industry & Commerce. Aimed at promoting inbound business tourism to Bahrain, its activities are instrumental in demonstrating the value of Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIEC) to the overall economy of Bahrain, to the community and in generating income and new jobs for Bahrainis in the hospitality, retail and service sectors. It also operates BIEC, the largest and most flexible trade show and meeting venue in Bahrain.

Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, Director - MICE, Destination Marketing & P.R. and Ali Shehabi, Senior Sales Officer, represented Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) at the Steering Committee meeting. Dr Joachim Henneke; Chairman of Messe Essen, Lars Crone; Team Manager - Fairs & Exhibition, represented Messe Essen GmbH, whilst Steven Umfreville, Commercial Director, attended the meeting on behalf of BIC.

BIMS is a joint venture event between Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) and Messe Essen GmbH, organiser of the Essen Motor Show, regarded as the flagship event for the German motor industry which celebrates its 40th year in December 2007. It is supported by the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Bahrain Economic Development Board and BIC. Its official airline is Gulf Air, whilst DHL is the official freight carrier.

Powered by Essen Motor Show will be the subtitle of BIMS which will follow the concept of Essen's global fair for automobiles, tuning, motor sport and classic cars, regarded as the most multi-faceted automobile fair anywhere in the world.

Magnificent experience
Packed with introductions of production and concept cars as well as thrilling, parallel events at the BIC such as 4 X 4 rides, drag races, night receptions and concerts, Bahrain International Motor Show 2008 promises to be a spectacular experience for trade show visitors as well as the entire family. Low rider shows will also take place at the BIEC.

Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) is working closely with the automotive media for additional visitor marketing promotions and has launched an extensive promotional campaign in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Bahrain to increase visitor attendance to BIMS 2008. This includes promotional media campaigns in magazines, newspaper, radio, TV and billboards.

In addition to the promotional activities being undertaken by Messe Essen, Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) will be raising the profile of BIMS at overseas events where the Authority has been or will be represented in events such as those in China (Shanghai), Japan (Tokyo) and Germany (Essen).

To supplement the efforts of its overseas sales agents in China and Japan and maximise the level of exhibitor participation at BIMS 2008, Messe Essen has opened an office in Abu Dhabi to cover marketing the event in the UAE.