Reed introduces online system for business meetings at BUILDING FUTURES GULF by BATIMAT

The programme enables visitors to the show to log on to the event website and set up meetings with exhibitors.

BUILDING FUTURES GULF by BATIMAT, the first regional edition of the BATIMAT international exhibition, is being held in Abu Dhabi during April 20-23, 2008 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Prospective visitors who are decision-makers on construction projects and interested in a specific product or service can log onto www.buildingfuturesgulf.com, browse through the exhibitor list and review solutions on offer and propose a time for a meeting with a specific exhibitor at the show. The online date and time management system will process the request and generate a mutually convenient meeting schedule for the exhibitor and visitor.

'We are pleased to introduce in the region the Business Meeting Programme - an innovation that has met with impressive success at our shows globally. The BMP was first introduced in Europe a few years ago and has proven to be a very useful tool. Visitors can optimise their time at the show while exhibitors are able to maximise their return on investment from at our events. The BMP ensures that Reed Exhibitions as the organiser of the show is able to play a role in matching offer and demand prior to commencement of our events', said Frederic Theux, President of Reed Exhibitions Middle East. Reed Exhibitions Middle East is the organizer of BUILDING FUTURES GULF by BATIMAT.

'For prospective customers or business partners of exhibiting companies at a trade show, the paucity of time for meetings is a critical issue. At most other trade shows time is wasted in locating relevant exhibitors and solutions. Even if this happens, often the appropriate person is not on the stand. The BMP helps both the customer and the exhibitor to be prepared to interact and close on the business', he added.
The four shows under the BUILDING FUTURES GULF by BATIMAT umbrella target architects & designers, consultants, engineers, property developers, material distributors, contractors and manufacturers plus contract owners.

The umbrella event aimed at the Middle East's booming building construction market will consist of four shows devoted to high performance buildings; STRUCTURE GULF (structural products and components), ENVELOPE GULF (Façade systems and joinery), INTELLIGENT BUILDING GULF (Intelligent Building solutions and Energy performance) and HVAC GULF (Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning). The services area at the show will include a dedicated area for architects. Reed Exhibitions is partnering with the International Union of Architects (UIA) to host the show.

Besides the Business Meeting Programme, presentations and seminars focussing on each of the four themes of the exhibition will be organised with the participation of experts.

The International Union of Architects (UIA) will organise 'The International Architects Conference', in association with Reed Exhibitions. The Conference will focus on fair practices in the building sector and serve as a discussion platform for architects, contractors, owners and manufacturers.

During the Structure Gulf Exhibition, an Ecosmart Seminar featuring local and international speakers will focus on the use of high-quality concrete called Ecosmart Concrete to improve concrete durability, especially under extreme conditions typical in the region and how it can contribute to constructing a 'greener building. Ecosmart Foundation, the co-organiser of this seminar, is a Canadian non-profit organisation that develops and manages activities and projects promoting technical solutions and innovations for a sustainable economy.

The Envelope Gulf Exhibition will host a TBC Seminar featuring presentations focusing on the building envelope and joinery. TBC is a French consultant with expertise in technology and management of the building sector.

During the Intelligent Building Gulf and HVAC Gulf exhibitions, the Intelligent Building Group (IBG) will organise presentations about intelligent building solutions and energy performance as part of the Intelligent Living Forum. The IBG is a non-profit organisation formed 25 years ago, which promotes the concepts and benefits of Intelligent Buildings mainly in the Commercial, Educational and Healthcare sectors.