IEC appoints North American sales agent

IEC has struck the deal with Hilton P. Settle & Associates of Virginia.

"This company has over 25 years experience in the marketing of international trade events, some of which are exclusively Middle East-focused," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman, IEC, a division of Dubai's giant Falaknaz Group.

"Though the North American market is huge, it has proved difficult to penetrate and companies from that region remain under represented in Dubai. This agreement is aimed at redressing this imbalance," added Falaknaz.

IEC believes the North American market holds out huge potential, particularly for its Sign & Graphic Imaging, Autoparts and SportEx Middle East annual shows.

"Over the years that we have been promoting trade exhibitions in Dubai, we have contacted probably 6,000 U.S. and Canadian companies," said Hilton P. Settle. "The lack of knowledge these companies have about Dubai trade events, and even about Dubai itself, has been very surprising to us. Only a very small percentage of these companies were aware of a particular trade exhibition, even though it may have been taking place for many years, or had ever been to Dubai. The vast majority of these North American companies and organisations have no idea about Dubai and even less of its trade shows or its economic importance and advantages.

"Nevertheless we see this as an opportunity to begin to build awareness and increased participation on the part of North American companies in IEC exhibitions."