Major new initiatives at signage trade show

The three-day exhibition, which opens at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) tomorrow, has doubled in size for the 2002 showing with exhibitors from more than 25 countries, from the USA, Europe, the Middle and Far East, Africa and the Sub continent.

As well as a rebranding of the show, previously known as Sign and Banner, hands-on sign making, laser technology, adhesives and graphics application demonstrations have been introduced, along with a new look to the show including unipoles, giant trivision screens and outdoor signage covering 30 metres of the main exhibition hall

In addition the organisers, International Expo-Consults (IEC) have announced that next year's event will feature a dedicated arena for the quickly growing screen printing, digital imaging and colour separation sectors.

"The region's signage industry is constantly evolving and we want the show to reflect the rapid pace of change taking place as companies buy into the latest technological advances to meet increasing demand," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice-Chairman of IEC.

"The Middle East market is expected to grow by 20 per cent in each of the next five years with region wide non-petroleum infrastructure development driving demand for outdoor advertising solutions."

Another innovation this year is the introduction of a ground-breaking on-line catalogue service for the show. IEC have joined forces with Independent WebLink Software FZE to produce a CD-Rom catalogue specific to exhibitors and visitors that can be regularly and automatically updated via the Internet.

"The CD catalogues will be distributed on CD-Rom to both exhibitors and visitors at the show and apart from all stand information usually found in catalogues, will feature many extra innovative and useful data and tool sets," said Falaknaz.

"We are constantly seeking new and innovative ways of serving our exhibiting and visiting clients and of expanding the reach of our shows and this product meets these requirements."

Over 75 companies, of which nearly two-thirds are first time participants, will be at the show that will occupy 3,200 square metres of space in two DWTC halls. A total of 22 exhibitors are from the United Arab Emirates.

"The demand for exhibitor space from international companies emphasises the importance of the expanding Middle East market, not just for sign makers but also for component manufacturers, at a time when the downturn in the world economy is impacting on trade elsewhere," said Falaknaz.

"Meanwhile, the visitor response from Africa, particularly Nigeria and Tanzania, has been very encouraging and points towards an emerging market where the opportunities are very good."

Among new show entrants will be one of Japan's most powerful trade bodies - the All Japan Neon-Sign Association (AJNA), that is seeking to export hi-tech signage technology to the Gulf. A top-level delegation, led by association Vice Chairman Junzaburo Itano, will speak at the show's Global Trends in Signage and Graphic Imaging seminar programme, on the future of the neon sign industry.

The industry summit, co-organised by the Advertising Section of Dubai Municipality, that officially supports Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East and will be presenting an award for the best show stand, is to be an annual event at the show.

The programme will also examine how recent events have impacted the opening of new markets, the need for a regional association to regulate the industry; training, the introduction of new technologies and whether international markets have been overwhelmed by outdoor media groups and printing companies.

Scores of new products will make their regional debut at Sign & Graphic Imaging including a revolutionary, environmentally friendly, PVC-free sign making film from Belgium, an all-weather vinyl film from the UK, Frontlit and Backlit materials from Austria, cost-saving inks from the US and wide format digital printers from Korea.

In addition a number of companies plan to use Sign & Graphic Imaging to spearhead major regional expansion. Announcements expected include details of the location of US digital printing systems giant VUTEK's regional office.