Music, sound, lights, action - PALME Expo 2005 all set to take centre stage

Internationally acknowledged as the key forum for the industry in the Middle East, the event is supported by PLASA UK, the professional lighting and sound association (one of the few shows in the world to receive their official endorsement). Other major industry associations such as APIAS (Italy), Secarty's (Spain) and ILDA (U.S.) are also enthusiastic supporters.

PALME has rapidly grown into a unique, comprehensive showcase, featuring major international manufacturers, key regional suppliers, installers and integrators from the professional entertainment and project installation industries.

This year's event, already a sell-out, is set to build on the outstanding success of PALME 2004, which attracted 30% more exhibitors than the 2003 event, 134 companies from 25 countries, from as far away as the US, Australia, Korea and Belgium, participating - this exceptional growth is the result of the high quality of the event, which has proved a great success for exhibitors.

A highly focused B2B event, PALME is dedicated to putting key regional decision makers in contact with the world's leading manufactures and suppliers. Clear evidence of this continuing commitment is the launch of three brand new vertical arenas at PALME 2005.

"Install, Event 360 & MUSAC - the three new sectors of PALME are the result of extensive industry research" said Darren Brechin, Project Director, PALME. "It soon became apparent from our in-depth discussions with exhibitors, visitors and industry associations that, given the highly buoyant nature of the regional market, there was a real requirement for additional dedicated events that would complement the concept of PALME."

The three new sectors will further enhance the focus of the event, providing an unrivalled platform for companies looking to maximise their share of the business opportunities throughout the MENA region. The highly lucrative Middle East sound and lighting sector alone is estimated to be worth $2 billion a year within five years, and major industry players are, therefore choosing PALME as the launch platform for new products and innovations - over 100 regional launches are expected to take place at PALME 2005.

INSTALL, a dedicated business arena for the AV installation sector will highlight the latest technological trends and developments for residential and commercial property. Cutting edge home automation systems, including web-enabled, touchpanel, lighting, HVAC and blind and curtain controls, security, remote monitoring, integrated AV distribution and control, structured wiring and cabling, multi-room audio and home theatre will all be on display. A full programme of industry seminars and product training sessions, designed to help regional industry players keep abreast of the latest installation and integration technologies, will also be a main feature.

Event 360 is another newcomer to PALME that reflects the buoyancy of the entertainment and event sectors. A solution provider for the events and event management industries, it will showcase the latest product and service solutions available in the staging of live events from a small corporate function to a huge sporting occasion.

"Event 360 is for production companies, rather than being purely about products" said Brechin. "It is essential for anyone who is involved in the staging of events - concerts, festivals, conferences, weddings, sporting events, etc."

MUSAC will be dedicated to musical instruments and accessories, ranging from the latest in electric guitars and keyboards to the most colourful straps and bags.

Following on the success of the inaugural show in 2003, PALME 2004 was an outstanding success, attracting 3,275 trade professionals from across the region, an increase of over 45% on 2003 figures. "One of the main reasons for PALME's huge success is that we always listen to our exhibitors and visitors and develop the event in line with international trends, the requirements of the region and the objectives and requirements of the industry in general" added Brechin.

Visiting buyers, specifiers and decision makers involved in the purchase, specification or rental of professional sound, lighting, music and audio visual technologies for the entertainment and installation sectors will be able to see the latest the industry has to offer - all on their very own doorstep.

"The boom in construction throughout the region continues apace, particularly in terms of hotel development. Billion dollar projects are being announced virtually on a daily basis, so it's a tremendous period for the industry, and there is massive demand for the products and services displayed at PALME" concluded Brechin.

A further boost for the industry is that the Gulf is also firmly on the map for large scale, high profile concerts. Roger Waters, Elton John, Maria Carey, Alicia Keys and Bryan Ferry are just some of the stars to have performed in the Gulf recently. High profile international artists such as these clearly have demanding professional sound and light requirements.

Visitor statistics from the first two shows clearly showed that decision makers, specifiers and purchasers of professional audio, lighting, audio visual and systems integration solutions, equipment and design applications for all industry sectors (from hotels to places of worship), found that visiting PALME was very beneficial, as it allows them to see the latest technological advancements in professional entertainment and design disciplines and learn how they can positively affect their businesses.

Special attractions at PALME 2005 will include the highly popular DJ of the Year Competition (supported by major industry names including Sennheiser, Stanton, and Martin Audio). This is now an annual institution in the Middle East DJ and Club scene - come along to see some of the region's hottest DJ's battle it out on the industry's hottest equipment! There are also fantastic daily laser shows that feature state-of-the-art laser animation technology by Lobo Electronics, the world's leading laser specialists.

Organised by IIR Middle East, PALME 2005 takes place between April 24 and 26 at Dubai's state-of-the-art International Exhibition Centre.