Digital Consumer Channel returns to Middle East for fifth year in a row

The region's premier event for the consumer electronics (CE) and ICT retail channel continues to go from strength to strength, offering a compelling mix of one-on-one meetings, conference sessions, awards and networking opportunities for retailers, distributors and vendors.

"DCC MEA delivers tremendous value to delegates year after year," explained Farouk Hemraj, CEO at DISTREE Events, the company behind DCC MEA.

"The event's success is built upon our ability to attract the real retail decision makers from across the region - an achievement that other events cannot match. We deliver a community platform for vendors, retailers and distributors that allows them to maximise their opportunity to build and develop business relationships. Despite the current economic conditions, the Middle East and Africa retail segment still represents a growth opportunity for vendors. There is a significant and growing population base in the region and a growing demand for CE and ICT products."

DCC MEA 2009 takes place at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah, UAE. Months of preparation behind the scenes have ensured that the DCC MEA retailer database is up to date. This extensive research has recognised the emergence of new retail players across the region, and identified the senior executives responsible for buying decisions - the delegates invited to attend DCC MEA.

Building on the success of last year's sold out event, DCC MEA 2009 will feature keynote speeches from global industry experts, identifying the latest trends, statistics and product developments shaping the future of the CE and ICT retail market. This year's speaker line-up includes Steve Koenig, Director of Industry Analysis at the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

Retailers will have the opportunity to review the latest products from the 50-plus vendors set to attend this year's event. With retailers attending from 15-plus countries, attending DCC MEA offers vendors insight into markets across the region and the opportunity to accelerate or improve their go-to-market retail strategy.

"It is important to understand the regional focus at DCC MEA," added Hemraj. "Vendors looking to create a successful retail channel need to understand the market landscape in each country - be it Saudi Arabia, Egypt or the UAE or any other country that they wish to sell into. Whether a vendor is looking to launch, build or review their retail channel set-up, DCC MEA offers a cost-effective and incredibly efficient opportunity to get valuable 'face time' with the retail executives that can make or break a brand's success."

The 'Middle East Retail Academy: 2009 Awards' Gala Dinner and live voting session will also take place at DCC MEA on 20th May 2009. The awards, which are held in conjunction with DCC MEA, recognise excellence in the region's consumer electronics and IT retail channel. A total of 22 awards are up for grabs in 2009 with categories for vendors, retailers and distributors.