Training and regulation of Mid East signage industry in Dubai conference spotlight

Industry experts from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the USA and Japan are to address the conference - 'Global Trends In Signage and Graphic Imaging' - which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from January 23-24.

The conference is being organised by the Advertising Section of Dubai Municipality in conjunction with exhibition organisers International Expo-Consults (IEC). It is part of the annual Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East exhibition, which this year has doubled in size with over 75 companies from 25 countries occupying 3,200 square metres of space.

"Like the show the conference will become an annual event," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman, IEC. "As the only business forum of its kind in the Middle East, it is important that visitor and exhibitors can maximise their attendance by networking with experts and regional decision-makers.

"High on the agenda are calls for training within the regional industry to upgrade professionalism, and whether a local association is needed to monitor and regulate the industry," added Falaknaz. "Delegates will also hear predictions on outdoor advertising budgets for both the UAE and Kuwait."

Speakers include: Abdul-Ghani Jundi, General Manager of Tihama Outdoor Advertising of Saudi Arabia; Mounir Al Zaatari, General Manager of Beirut's Printech Company; Wade Swormstedt, Publisher of the US edition of the leading industry trade journal 'Signs Of The Times'; Kheireddine Afyouni, Editor of the Arabic edition of 'Signs Of The Times;' Abdallah Ghalayini, General Manager of Unitrade Company of the USA and Junzaburo Itano, Vice Chairman of the All Japan Neon-Sign Association (AJNA) and Mohammed Al Noori, Head of the Advertising Section, Dubai Municipality.

ANJA, one of the world's leading signage research bodies, is to address ways of providing technical guidance, training and support to improve signage safety and functioning.

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