Exhibitions vital to business success

IEC, which boasts a calendar of exhibitions spanning a diverse range of industries, from franchising to entertainment, sign and graphics to sports, has recorded increased exhibitor and visitor attendance for its shows held during the first half of the year.

"Business leaders realize that now, more than ever, they need to be in front of their customers and constantly communicating their marketing message. Trade shows provide the perfect platform for this, enabling industries to come together to network, engage in educational forums and exchange best practice ideas,"

said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President of International Expo Consults.

IEC's most recently concluded exhibition, the fifteenth edition of the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) show, welcomed 5,328 visitors and showcased 161 exhibitors who flocked to Dubai from 28 countries at the end of April.

In March, the Franchising Middle East (FME 2009) exhibition saw 72 brands from 22 countries around the world promoted to the Middle East market and welcomed over 3,000 visitors.

This year's Sign and Graphic Imaging show attracted over 250 exhibitors from 29 countries in February. Industry giants such as Gandi Innovations, HP, Fujifilm Sericol and 3M descended on Dubai Airport Expo. Over 9,500 visitors attended. Deals worth million of dollars were finalized during the three-day event.

"One change that we have seen in our exhibitions is that business is actually being concluded on the show floor. Companies are keen to secure new business and visitors want to see the best return on investment for their time away from the office and this is translating into hard business being done at the shows,"

commented Abdul Rehman Falaknaz.

The exhibitions calendar takes a break for the summer, but is expected to return stronger than ever after Ramadan. For IEC, countdown is already underway for Sportex Middle East.

Endorsed by Dubai Sports Council and presented by Dubai Sports City, the exhibition showcases the very latest in sports, fitness, health, outdoor and stadium equipment.

More than 3,250 trade visitors attended the 2008 event, at which 79 companies exhibited. As developments such as Dubai Sports City take shape, IEC is confident of continued success with the show.

"Sportex will undoubtedly field its strongest event yet when it takes place at the end of October and we are confident of success for both our exhibitors and visitors," said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz.