Palme-ME sets out changes for 2009

Now in its seventh year, the 2009 edition, which will take place April 26-28 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, has already built up a huge momentum and promises to have more exhibitors and visitors than ever.

Over 8,000 key buyers and decision-makers are expected to attend the 2009 show, which will consist of four key show segments:

(a) Palme: Professional Audio & Lighting

(b) Install - Systems Integration: The AV installation and Systems Integration exhibition

(c) Event 360: Offering inspirational ideas for event organisers and suppliers for the Middle East's event industry

(d) MUSAC: Professional DJ and musical instruments exhibition

There will also be a comprehensive conference element to Palme this year under the aegis of Event 360, as well as the Middle East Event Industry Awards (MEEIA) and Middle East Lighting Design Awards (MELDA) — two consolidated galas which recognise outstanding achievement and provide huge incentives for the respective event and lighting communities in the GCC.

To accommodate these changes, Palme Middle East will be expanding its marketing reach throughout the GCC, to encompass territories such as Saudi Arabia, Jordon, Qatar, Oman, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon.

Said show director, Alex Heuff:

"The success of last year's show was accompanied by a number of constructive comments as to how the show could be even further improved. These included streamlining the layout and rebranding of certain sectors — and I am pleased to report that we have been able to respond to these suggestions."

Heuff added, "For example, we have re-branded MUSAC Middle East for the professional MI market and DJ equipment manufacturers, as the sector starts to show real signs of growth in 2008."

"We will also be staging a set of unique seminars aimed at all our core sectors, with the aim of providing useful insights," added Heuff.

To date, these will cover System Integration Solutions; Acoustic Engineering; Sound Reinforcement; Live Events; Green LED Technologies and Smart Home Applications.

A number of keynote speakers have been lined up including industry heavyweights such as Bed Rock Learning, Pat Brown (Synergetic Audio Concepts), and Wolfgang Ahnert (Audio Specialist) offering the benefit of their considerable experience and expertise.

Last year's Palme Middle East 2008 was proud to have played host to eight major product launches and for 2009 the show will once again aim to deliver the latest cutting edge technologies.

"With seven months to go Palme Middle East 2009 is already 50% sold out," confirms a delighted Alex Heuff. Exhibitors include major manufacturers and solution providers such as Philips, Sanyo, Pioneer, Prolyte/Doughty, Lifter Systems, Columbus McKinnon, Clock Audio, LOBO, ProelGroup, EVI Audio, Dynacord, Robe, Clay Paky, MA Lighting, Taiden, Lighthouse, BARCO, Meyer Sound, AMX, Extron, Indu Electric, SES Entertainment, DIS Danish, LED Factory, Laseronics, Projection Designs, Lagotek and Module Decor to name but a few.

Summing up, the exhibition director says, "Palme Middle East presents the ideal opportunity to network with industry colleagues, meet direct buyers, monitor market trends and study competitor activity at the Middle East's leading international trade for professional lighting, sound, A-V integration and music entertainment."